Preseason practice is underway for the 2009-2010 Iowa State track and field season. Corey Ihmels has brought in one of the largest recruiting classes in his tenure as head coach, and is getting those athletes out on the track immediately.

While the team is only practicing eight hours a week, the intensity is the high. Sprints and hurdles coach Nate Wiens is preaching perfection in these early practices.

“We're pretty much leaving no room for any kind of technical errors this season,” Wiens said. “We have some habits that need correcting and we want to be sure we ingrain a proper movement pattern from the first day of practice.”

While the practices may be of technical nature, there is a macro-view to the practices; bringing the team together.

“We really want to get these kids together and build unity,” Wiens said. “It's really important to build off that team community we worked so hard to establish last season.”

For any freshman, coming to run at a Big 12 school is a challenging step in their running careers. However, the transformation from high school runner to collegiate runner is immediate.

“Everybody is serious (here),” Wiens said. “We don't have anybody playing around. I think at Iowa State, we do things better because we are serious about what we are doing.”

Sophomore sprinter Ian Warner came into last season apprehensive. The Markham, Ontario native competed as a true freshman for the Cyclones, and later qualified for the 100-meter dash finals at the Big 12 Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

“Last year I didn't really know what to expect,” Warner said. “It's hard to believe in yourself because it's the Big 12, but after last year I got in the Big 12 (outdoor) final and I saw that I could do it.”

Warner brings that self-affirmation into every practice.

“This year I have a lot more confidence,” Warner said. “Everyone on the team seems to have a lot more confidence and everyone seems like they're going to go out and get it this season.”

Warner understands the sacrifices it takes to compete at the highest level, and setting that mindset now is essential in creating a base to build upon this season.

“The main things (we are focusing on) is having the right mentality, and not being scared, and stop complaining about workouts,” Warner said. “If you complain about it you still have to go through the workout. So don't complain about it, and have a positive attitude.”

Senior Jenna Caffrey has exuded leadership through her performance on the track. This season, however, she is becoming much more of a vocal leader.

“This year coming in it's nice to know what to expect from Coach Wiens,” Caffrey said. “I'm just trying to be an example of what (Wiens) wants to show to the underclassmen.”

Wiens has hit a chord with his runners, and they have responded.

 “He is just as excited as every athlete to do well this year,” Caffrey said. “I think the energy he brings to the team is just awesome because it keeps the team energy level high.”

Iowa State will play host to the ISU Holiday Preview, Dec. 11. This will be the first meet of the season for the Cyclones, and the first opportunity to show how hard everyone has worked in the preseason.