IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The University of Iowa cross country team kicked of its season Friday afternoon at the Hawkeye Invitational. Junior Ian Eklin set a new school record for the 6,000 meters with a time of 18:10.7, placing 10th in the race. Eklin surpasses current Hawkeye, Michael Melchert who set the previous record (18:12) at last year’s Hawkeye Invitational.
“I’m proud of getting the school record,” said Eklin. “I know that I could’ve ran faster, so it’s bitter sweet.”
The 2017 Hawkeye Invitational was scored as individual dual meets. The University of Iowa women’s cross country team won four out five duals. They had wins over Drake, Northern Iowa, Illinois State, and Iowa Central. The men’s team won four out six duals. They had wins over Drake, Northern Iowa, Creighton, and Illinois State.
Hawkeyes Enter Top 10
- Junior Andrea Shine moved into 7th all-time in 4,000 meters with a time of 13:58.7. Junior Madison Waymire also cracked Iowa’s top 10 for the 4,000 meters with a time of 14:03.3 and is now ninth all-time. Shine and Waymire finished sixth and eighth respectively.
- Nathan Mylenek also made it into the record book in 6,000 meters with a time of 18:26.4. Mylenek finished 15th and is now fifth all-time for the Hawkeyes.
Quoting The Hawkeyes“I’m super excited to get the season going. I’ve been putting in more miles than I ever have. I’ve been training really hard and doing all the workouts without missing a day. I’m just really excited to get back to racing and get rolling.” - Ian Eklin “I felt pretty good. It was a day to get out there and put in some good work and start the season off right. I’d like to keep improving every race and every meet from where I finished last season. If I could stay in the front packs like I did today that would be a great way to run this season.” - Andrea Shine“I’m happy with how both the men and women competed today and of course, happy that we ended the meet healthy.” UI head coach Randy Hasenbank Notables
- Sophomore Maren Jeppson was Iowa’s top newcomer finisher placing 31st with a time of 15:18.5 in her Hawkeye debut.
- Freshman Noah Healy was the top freshmen finisher for the boys. In his Hawkeye debut, Healy finished 54th with a time of 19:27.4
Next For The HawkeyesThe Hawkeyes head to Lincoln, Nebraska, for their next race at the Woody Greeno Invite on Saturday, Sept. 16. Link Up With The HawkeyesFor an inside look at the Iowa cross country program and to access exclusive coverage, "like" The University of Iowa Cross Country and Track & Field Facebook page and follow @Iowa XC T&F on Twitter.