Upcoming Event: Cross Country versus Cyclone Preview on September 4, 2026 at 8:30 AM (W); 9:00 AM (M)
8:30 AM (W); 9:00 AM (M)
Cross Country
Cyclone Preview
Iowa State University Athletics
Iowa State Cross Country Picked Top Five in Preseason Polls
09.01.2026 | Cross Country
AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State men's and women's cross country programs appear in the USTFCCCA national poll entering the 2026 season. Both the Cyclone men's and women's squads were picked third in the national polls.
The Cyclone men appear in the preseason coaches top five for the third-straight season following their fourth top three finish at the NCAA Championships in the last five years in 2025. Director of track & field/cross country Jeremy Sudbury brings back four All-Americans (Robin Kwemoi Bera, Rodgers Kiplimo, Meshack Kimutai, Joash Ruto) to the squad this season. Iowa State was also picked second in the Midwest regional coaches poll behind defending NCAA Champion Oklahoma State.
The ISU women are also hoping to carry momentum into the new season following at top 20 finish at the 2025 NCAA Championships. Betty Kipkore and Mercy Kibet both earned All-America honors at the national meet. Mercyline Kirwa was Iowa State's top finisher at the Gans Creek Classic, Nuttycombe Invitational and Big 12 Championships a year ago but was unable to finish the 2025 season. New women's cross country head coach Laura Harmon joins the Cyclones following an impressive stint at Washington State, where she led the Cougars to their first West Coast Conference Championship in 2025. Harmon also brought Rosemary Longisa, the 2025 NCAA Outdoor 1500 meter champion, WCC cross country champion and All-American, from WSU to Ames. The women were picked first in the preseason Midwest regional poll as well.
Iowa State returns to its home course this Friday, September 4 for the fourth annual Cyclone Preview. The women's 5k is scheduled to begin at 8:30 am with the men's 6k to follow at 9 am.
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