NCAA Track: No Time for Talk

AMES, Iowa - Iowa State head track and field coach Corey Ihmels says when it comes down to this week's NCAA Championships Wednesday through Saturday at Drake Stadium in Des Moines, it is quite simple.

"Every person we have competing can score," Ihmels said. "It really is doing what they did to get here. At this stage the work has been finished. This is what we have practiced for all season long."

For Iowa State, the meet begins with Edward Kemboi in the men's 800-meters semifinals at 6:15 p.m. Ian Warner will compete in the 100-meter semifinals at 7:15 p.m., followed by Ese Okoro and Kianna Elahi in the 400-meter hurdle semifinals at 8:30 p.m.

Kemboi won the Big 12 Championship in the 800 meters last month in Manhattan, Kan. with a time of 1:46.65 He finished fifth last season in the NCAA 800 final, and posted a personal best 1:46.06 last season.

"Edward has already been an All-American and is capable of anything," Ihmels said. "He is looking forward to this week and for his sake so am I."

Warner clocked a personal best 10.25 seconds and has looked good all season.

"Ian has worked hard to get where he is," Ihmels said. "This week will hinge for him on getting out and staying consistent, which he has done all through the spring."

Elahi, the 2010 Big 12 champion, faces the challenge of getting through the 400-meter hurdle semifinals to make her first NCAA final. Okoro gets the experience of her first national collegiate meet. The pair finished first and second, respectively in the 400-meter hurdles at the Drake Relays.

"Kianna knows what it will take," Ihmels said. "She has had a great career at Iowa State we want to see her come though in a big way. Ese's experience at Drake should bode her well."

On Thursday, high jumper Cameron Ostrowski and 10,000-meter contestant Meaghan Nelson will get their chance.

"Cameron knows that if he gets to his PR, 7-2 ½, he will be in the mix," Ihmels said. "Meaghan has done what she needs to in the 10,000. Her finish indoors did not come easy.  She is an All-American and has come a long way. We both know there is more coming in the future."

Shot putters Danielle Frere and Hayli Bozarth will get their chance on Friday.

"Danielle has come through in big meets before, it brings out the best in her," Ihmels said. "Hayli has accomplished one goal getting here.  It is a great opportunity for her.

Ihmels looks at this championship as the end of a long journey that began in January.

"At this point, action is the word," Ihmels said.