Interesting on the depth in the women's program a few years ago. Following Lisa's graduation, a ton of young Cyclone runners had a strong team at NCAA's. Included were Betsy and Meaghan Neslon as well as Dani Stack (no XC eligibility left but senior in indoor and outdoor track this year) and Alphine Tuilamuk.
Alphine transferred to Wichita State two years ago for to pursue a health-related major (I think nursing) and has been a multi-time All American in XC and track. Had Alphine stayed at ISU last year (and we counted her Wichita State finish) we would have won last year's NCAA title instead of finishing 8th which is still awesome! Her staying would have also allowed Dani to take a RS year in XC and she would be running this season as well.
Had Dani, Alphine been combined with this team, the second 7 on this roster could have likely qualified for the NCAA Championships. Just context for how Cory is doing w/ the women's program.
The men are very competitive but not nationally significant at this time. Cory somewhat re-set the program from recruiting unreliable foreign runners to developing local and regional kids and that will take another year or two to show any fruit. Still, he has shown the ability to develop kids.
Combine the distance group of both programs with what could possibly be recruited here with a new track and the programs both appear in good shape.
