The Cyclone men’s cross country team breaks into its second season of Big 12 competition and Coach Kevin Bourke said he believes the team’s experience is going to be the key to its success.

“Well, I think that we’ve got a fairly experienced team with two All-Americans and two NCAA qualifiers,” Bourke said. “I think experience is our strength. “

Bourke said the team has five solid runners as well as others who can step up to be the sixth runners. He also said the team has a few promising newcomers who may challenge for a position in the top six.

Simeon Wright, an All-American in 1996, said the Cyclone team will miss the experience, help and talent of runner Corey Ihmels who was a six-time All-American at ISU.

Bourke also said that Ihmels is a tough competitor whose shoes are tough to fill, but he hopes the loss will not have too much of an impact of the team.

Despite the loss, Wright said the team has the potential to do “extremely well.”

Wright, Saul Lempirikany and Kevin Farrow are expected to be the top runners for the Cyclones.

Wright said that it will be a little bit different for him, Farrow and Lempirikany to be in leadership roles.

“None of us are used to being in this position, but it will be fun and will take some getting used to,” Wright said. “I think we will lead by example as much as anything else.”

Bourke also has high hopes for the upcoming season.

He said he thinks the team is capable of competing at the NCAA meet and believes the team will “definitely contend for the Big 12 title.”

The men start their season at home on Sept. 12.

Bourke said this meet is an addition to last year’s schedule, but one that was needed.

“I think it will give us an idea of what is to come and what type of work we need to do to get ready for the Big 12 and NCAA meet,” he said.

Wright said he believes the meet is advantageous because it will give the runners a chance to get used to racing again and to gain experience.

“I like to run at home on our course,” he said. “It is an extremely challenging course, but extremely fair to run because of the wide paths.”