AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State men's and women's cross country teams made significant jumps in this weeks set of rankings put out by the United States Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association. The women are ranked eighth while the men are ranked 16th.

“It's obviously great for us to have these high rankings this early in the season,” head coach Corey Ihmels said. “But we are focused on what we need to accomplish at the end of the year. I think both groups are pretty grounded and excited about the progress they've made, but also really excited about what they can do down the line.”

The women's team jumped 20 spots after winning the Roy Griak Invitational this past weekend. Senior Lisa Koll was runner-up at the meet (21:12). The top five finishers for the women's team all finished in the top ten out of a field of 193 runners.

The men's team jumped nine spots, after winning the Roy Griak Invitational as well, led by senior Guor Marial who finished runner up in the 167 man field. The men's top three finishers all placed in the top 10.

The Cyclones both saw some good competition at the Roy Griak Invitational. The men's field included No.25 Oklahoma, No. 27 Duke and No. 29 Minnesota. The women's field included No. 9 Minnesota and No. 18 Michigan State.

Iowa State will take a break from competition for the next few weeks as the they prepare for Pre Nationals Oct. 17 in Terre Haute, Ind. Terre Haute will be the site of the NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Cross Country Championships, November 23. Some runners will compete in the Bradley Classic, Oct. 16 in Peoria, Ill.