With blue skies, sunshine and a supportive crowd, the Cyclone men’s and women’s cross country teams kicked off their seasons at home last Friday as hosts of the Iowa State Open.

Even though the meet was unscored, both Cyclone teams had strong showings.

ISU’s David Lichoro glanced over his shoulder in the last 100 meters, saw no one and made the race his own.

Crossing the 5-mile finish line in 25:24.9, the race winner gave a high five to a nearby official. Saul Lempirikany of ISU finished 33 seconds later to capture second place, with other runners chasing behind.

Lichoro, a junior who received All-American honors for his performance in the 3,000 meter steeplechase at the 1997 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, captured his first win in his first-ever cross country meet as a Cyclone athlete.

The race was led by the Lichoro and Lempirikany throughout, but Lichoro pulled away in the last mile to place first.

ISU’s Samuel Magu, a junior newcomer from Kenya, placed ninth with a time of 27:03.8.

Coach Kevin Bourke said he was pleased with Lichoro and Lempirikany’s performances, as well as with the rest of the team.

Lichoro said that his coach put him in a position to win by helping him get into proper shape.

“It was quite okay,” he said of his performance. “I’m feeling in shape. It’s a good way to start the season.”

He said that the team “hopes to do well in the days to come.”

Magu, who said going into the meet he was still adjusting to his new environment, said he is used to running longer races and will change his style so he can run the shorter race more quickly. However, he said the altitude here enables him to breathe easier.

Senior All-American Simeon Wright finished 13th, clocking in at 27:36.5.

The University of Wisconsin dominated the women’s meet by claiming the first 6 spots in the 5,000 meter run.

Cyclone junior Emily Martini chased the Wisconsin runners in and finished seventh with a time of 18:47.8. ISU’s Amber Garrett registered a time of 18:59.4 to steal eighth place. Sophomores Laurie Meythaler and Jen Caprisi came in 15th and 16th respectively.

“I ran my race,” Martini said. “I’ve been waiting a long time to run this well.”

Martini said that starting the season at home is somewhat nerve-wracking and she was “relieved” to finish the run, but she added that fan support was an advantage for the runners.

Coach Dick Lee said that he was pleased with the team’s performance, especially with Martini and Garrett.

Lee said that Meythaler is still getting into shape and he anticipates she will be running with Martini and Garrett as the season progresses.

Both Meythaler and Caprisi have suffered injuries in the last year, which has put a damper on some of their past meets.

The Cyclone women will race next Friday at the UNI Open in Cedar Falls.

On Sept. 27, the ISU men will compete at the Minnesota Invite in Minneapolis, Minn.