The bigger the stage, the better the performances for the ISU men’s track and field team. 

Iowa State hosted teams from across the country this past weekend for the Iowa State Classic, broke numerous records and set multiple national times.

The music was blaring, the bleachers were full and the atmosphere was unlike any other. But that just made the Cyclones turn up their performance level by a few notches.

Senior Edward Kemboi stood out for the Cyclones during the weekend in the 800-meter run. He recorded a time of 1:46.09, which ranks him No. 1 in the nation for the event.

Kemboi was running against a deep and fast field that included six runners with times under the 1:48-barrier.

“We’re pleased with where [Kemboi’s] at and his progress thus far this season,” said ISU assistant coach Jeremy Sudbury.

Other standouts include redshirt senior Patrick Peterson and senior Brian Biekert. They finished with the ninth and 10th fastest times in the mile run in ISU indoor track and field history, respectively.

“Ryan Biekert and Patrick Peterson both ran 4:02, both getting personal bests and putting themselves high on the list for the Big 12 meet,” Sudbury said. “Both guys are on their A-game at this point in the season, so we’re excited about where they’re at and their progress.”

On the field side of things, redshirt senior Cam Ostrowski finished second in the high jump. His 2.21-meter jump ranked him seventh in the country.

Sudbury also said he and the rest of the ISU track and field staff are excited about Ostrowski qualifying for NCAA Nationals. They look forward to seeing more progression out of Ostrowski.

Iowa State set numerous personal records, including freshman Elijah Young in the 400-meter with a time of 49.98, Peterson in the mile with a time of 4:02.17, Biekert also in the mile with a time of 4:02.39, sophomore Brandon Barnes in the 800-meter with a time of 1:51.73, junior Brandon Wheat also in the 800-meter with a time of 1:52.12 and junior Jan Jeuschede in the shot put with a distance of 62’ 5.75”.

It’s safe to say that the Cyclones held their own against some big teams from across the nation. They did not let hosting the Iowa State Classic get to their heads.

“The hard part sometimes when you’re hosting a meet is being able to juggle multiple things — coaching the athletes [and] making sure the fields are set correctly,” Sudbury said. “But the biggest thing I like with the guys and how they handled it was this was a big-time competition. There’s a lot of NCAA No. 1s this meet from all kinds of different schools.”

Overall, the Iowa State Classic was a good meet for the men’s side of the track and field team.

“I think [Iowa State] put on a great meet, it always was a fun venue. I love running on our 300-meter track,” said sophomore Derek Jones.

The Cyclones will be back in action when they head to Cedar Falls, Iowa for the UNI-Dome Open on Feb. 20.