Iowa State track and field will take two groups to two competitions this weekend. Texas Relays will host the relay and teams and throwers while the middle to long-distance athletes will compete at the Stanford Invitational.

The director of track and field/cross country Jeremy Sudbury had highlights to share about the Cyclone runners.

“Jason Gómez opening back up in the 800 after NCAA Indoor Nationals–got an absolutely loaded field from professional athletes to the runners from the indoor nationals as well,” Sudbury said.

At 2:30 p.m. Thursday Zach Podraza will start competing for the Cyclones at the Texas Relays in the javelin event. Iowa State is registered for the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase as well as the men’s and women’s 1,500- and 5,000-meter runs Friday at the Stanford Invitational.

Last week, Iowa State swept the Big 12 athlete of the week honors for the first time in school history. Thai Thompson won the decathlon, and Sydney Willits won the heptathlon in San Diego last weekend.

“For us, just getting the opportunity to train outside this early in the year is very helpful. I think for us, we’re very fortunate to have the opportunity to go to warmer spots to run early in the outdoor season,” Sudbury said when asked about the quick turnaround in training conditions from indoor to outdoor.

Furthermore, Sudbury brought attention to the differences in weather conditions when going from indoor to outdoor.

“I think the biggest thing for us is wind,” Sudbury said. “Everyone underestimates the wind because inside are perfect conditions, so we will train as much as possible outside to get more acclimated with the outdoor factors.”

Texas Relays will start Thursday and end Saturday. The Stanford Invitational will start Friday and end Saturday.

After this competition will be the Dutch Invitational on April 7th in Pella, Iowa.