5 Shocking Records And Top Athletes That Defined Iowa State Track And Field's Explosive 2025 Season
The Iowa State University Track and Field program capped off an absolutely explosive 2025 season, establishing itself as a powerhouse in the Big 12 Conference and on the national stage. The Cyclones concluded the indoor and outdoor campaigns with a staggering 21 All-America honors, a testament to the program’s depth and elite talent across multiple disciplines.
As of December 19, 2025, the team’s performance has set a new standard, highlighted by a remarkable 13 new school records and four Big 12 titles. This level of achievement underscores the strategic direction of the coaching staff and the exceptional dedication of the student-athletes, positioning Iowa State as a perennial contender in NCAA Division I track and field.
The Architects of Success: Coaching Staff and Star Athlete Profiles
The recent success of the Iowa State Track and Field program is directly linked to the stability and expertise of its leadership. The team operates under the guidance of a highly experienced staff focused on developing both distance running excellence and field event dominance.
Key Personnel and Leadership
- Jeremy Sudbury: Serves as the Director of Track & Field/Cross Country, overseeing the entire program. His leadership has fostered a culture of record-breaking performances and national recognition.
- Kurtis Brondyke: The Associate Head Coach, who was promoted to the role in December 2024, completed his fourth season with the Cyclones in 2025, focusing on key event areas.
The 2024-2025 Cyclone Standouts
The Cyclones saw a host of athletes achieve elite status, securing All-America honors and setting new program benchmarks. The depth of talent was evident with 11 entries alone at the NCAA Outdoor Championship in Eugene, Oregon.
- Sydney Willits (Long Jump): The undisputed star of the 2024 season, Willits became the program’s first-ever Long Jump National Champion and the first national champion since 2021. Her historic achievement earned her the 2024 Celia Barquin Arozamena Iowa State Female Athlete of the Year award.
- Gable Sieperda (Distance): A leader both on and off the track, Sieperda was recognized as an Academic All-America® athlete in 2025, embodying the program's commitment to excellence in competition and in the classroom.
- Said Mechaal (Distance): Broke the school record in the Mile event in 2024 with a time of 3:57.29, later earning Second Team All-America honors in the 5,000-meter (5K) event at the NCAA Championships during the 2024-25 season.
- Emanuel Galdino & Devan Kipyego (Distance): These two continued the tradition of elite distance running, with Galdino and Kipyego posting the top two all-time men’s Mile performances for the program in 2025.
- Emma Havighurst (60m Hurdles): As a freshman, Havighurst immediately made her mark, tying the 10th-fastest 60m hurdles performance in program history at the ISU Holiday Invite.
- Amari Laing (Sprints/Hurdles): A key contributor in sprint events, Laing was listed among the top entries for the 60m dash at the ISU Holiday Invite, showcasing the team's strength in short-distance speed.
The 2025 Season: A New Era of Program Records and Big 12 Dominance
The 2025 campaign was defined by an unprecedented assault on the Iowa State record books. The 13 new school records set across various indoor and outdoor events demonstrate the team’s comprehensive strength, moving beyond its traditional dominance in distance running.
The four Big 12 titles secured during the season highlight the Cyclones' ability to compete at the highest level within one of the toughest conferences in the nation. While the specific events for the titles are diverse, the consistent presence of Iowa State athletes at the Big 12 Indoor Track & Field Championships and the Big 12 Conference Cross Country Championship shows a program built for major competition.
The distance program, a perennial source of strength for the Cyclones, continued to shine. Said Mechaal’s Second Team All-America finish in the 5K and the record-setting Mile times by Emanuel Galdino and Devan Kipyego cemented Iowa State’s reputation as a top-tier destination for distance runners.
Facility Upgrades and Future Outlook for Cyclone Track
Beyond the track, Iowa State University is investing in the infrastructure to support its elite athletic programs, ensuring the Cyclones remain competitive for years to come. These facility enhancements provide a significant boost to the training and competitive environment for the track and field athletes.
Modernizing the Training Environment
The Lied Recreation Athletic Center, the primary indoor track and field facility, received a major technology upgrade. New LED displays from Daktronics were installed, enhancing the fan experience and providing athletes with modern, high-definition display capabilities during training and competition.
Additionally, the ongoing development of the Olsen Olympic Sports Center aims to centralize athlete training and amenities. This project is designed to enhance functionality and accessibility, streamlining the preparation process for all Iowa State Olympic sports, including track and field.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Season and Beyond
With a program-record 25 All-America honors in 2024 and 21 more in the 2025 season, the trajectory for Iowa State Track and Field is sharply upward. The team’s strong performance at the NCAA Outdoor Championship, sending 11 athletes to compete in Eugene, Oregon, confirms their status among the nation’s elite.
The next season is set to kick off with events like the Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener and the ISU Holiday Invite, where emerging talents like Emma Havighurst and Amari Laing will look to build on their freshman success. The combination of veteran leadership, record-breaking distance runners, and institutional investment ensures the Cyclones will continue to make headlines in the Big 12 and at the national level. The program is not just competing; it is actively rewriting its own history.
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