Iowa State cross country had a big day to begin the season, winning the men’s and women’s races as a team at the Mizzou XC Opener in Columbia, Missouri.

The Cyclones also had individuals claim the top spot in both the men’s and women’s races.

Rop takes first

The men’s team started off the day as junior Ezekiel Rop finished first for the Cyclones in the 6000-meter race with a final time of 17:54.9. Sophomore Gable Sieperda and senior Chad Johnson were close behind Rop, finishing third and fourth.

The Cyclones finished the men’s race with just 19 team points, beating out the next best in the field of five (Oklahoma) by 37 points for a dominant team victory.

Cyclone women sweep top 3

The women’s team followed after the men’s team, and three Iowa State women finished in the top three. Senior Dana Feyen finished first as she ran the 5000 meters in 17:24.2. Senior Madelynn Hill and senior Janette Schraft finished second and third.

Iowa State also had the No. 5, 6 and 7 runners in the women’s field.

The women’s squad dominated the rest of the field, scoring 17 points as a team, which was far ahead of second place Oklahoma at 49 points.

On to the next one

The Cyclones had the opportunity to give the new runners a chance to go at it, and the team took full advantage. The men’s team looked good as most of the team finished within the top 15. The women’s team was strong at the top, finishing with six of the top seven runners. The Cyclones’ next outing will be in Minneapolis at the Roy Griak Invitational Sept. 23.