Freshman Exceeding Expectations

AMES, Iowa ? Before Kianna Elahi ever set foot on the campus of Iowa State University, she already had Cyclone ties. Her parents had met at ISU, where both earned bachelor's degrees. A 2007 Nebraska prep 400-meter hurdle champion, Elahi bought into the Iowa State program completely on her recruiting visit.

“I just fell in love with the track team,” Elahi said.

Elahi was second in the 400-meters in her senior season at Omaha's Millard North High School after winning the 300-meter hurdles as a junior. Her hurdling and one-lap credentials were good, but the same can be said for nearly every Big 12 Conference recruit.

Elahi's first collegiate indoor season silenced any doubts. Specializing in the 600-yard run, the freshman placed second in the event at the ISU Classic. She went on to set a personal best to place fourth in a tough Big 12 600-yard run field at the conference indoor meet in February.

The dawn of the outdoor season meant the challenge of running a new event, the 400-meter hurdles. Elahi has met that challenge head on with impressive results. The Cyclone won the Kansas Relays title in 59.70 in April and set a personal best of 59.59 to place third a week later at the Drake Relays. ISU sprints and hurdles coach Nate Wiens has affirmed his young pupil's adjustment to the 400-meter hurdles, considered perhaps the toughest race in track and field.

“She has made a great transition,” Wiens said. “At first we were just running the event while learning stride progression. It is a process that includes staying relaxed later in the race. Kianna is a smart runner. As she gains experience, we will be racing, not learning. That is why her potential is so great.”

Elahi's Drake time ranks her second in the Big 12. Only Texas Tech's Sandra Iwunze has run faster (59.42). The Big 12 meet is this weekend in Lubbock, Texas.

Elahi is balancing studies in chemical engineering with her training.

“There were some new things (to get used to) for outdoors, including travel,” Elahi said. “We weren't gone as much indoors. But I really like the traveling.”

Wiens has high hopes for his freshman, who has already qualified for NCAA regional competition at the end of the month.

“She has a chance to go to the NCAA meet and lower her time considerably in the future,” Wiens said. “There is so much she can accomplish.”