Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Leanne Pompeani of Iowa Central won six national titles between cross country and track as a freshman at Iowa Central.

In the old days, Leanne Pompeani never used to worry about wearing a winter coat in January when she went for a run.

But after a chance encounter and an Internet search, her January attire quickly changed.

Pompeani, who is originally from Canberra, Australia, is in her second season at Iowa Central, due in large part to the program’s success in cross country.

Pompeani’s former coach, Des Proctor, had a son who was running at Northwest Missouri State. While the Tritons were competing at the Drake Relays, they were also running at other track events near the blue oval — the same place as Proctor’s son.

When Proctor searched the web for his son’s results, he saw how successful Iowa Central had been, with numerous finishes in the Top-10.

Proctor contacted Triton head coach Dee Brown about Pompeani, who was looking to ultimately compete at the Div. I level.

Six Pompeani national titles later, it was a great decision for Brown.

“We like to give people opportunities at Iowa Central, and this was one of those lucky moments to get such a runner like Leanne,” Brown said.

The biggest change for Pompeani was the climate change. Being from the land down under, she was used to summers in January and winters in June.

“Here in Iowa, the scenery is different and the winter weather can be brutal,” Pompeani said. “It was a little tough at first, getting home and trying to adjust the season.

“I chose Iowa Central because it was a place for me to get my grades up and get more requirements for a D-I school.”

Pompeani’s first season as a Triton quickly established her as the most decorated individual athlete in the school’s history. She won the NJCAA cross country title and the half marathon. In the indoor track season, she captured the 3k and the 5k crowns, and in the outdoor season, she was the 5k and 10k champ. She was also part of the Tritons’ national track and field team.

On Saturday, she begins her repeat tour with the cross country national championships.

“Our team is good and close,” Pompeani said. “There’s something different about this group. We all try to do everything to help each other succeed.”

Pompeani, has the chance to double up on every championship and maybe add a couple of different track titles. Brown believes she has a chance to leave an unprecedented legacy.

“When she’s finished, it will be easy to look at the record books and know she was a standout,” Brown said. “But what I want everyone to know is how good of a person she is.

“She’s very unassuming and humble. She is more mature than your typical college student and she makes great choices.”

Pompeani has settled in and found another home at Iowa Central.

“Coming here I had no idea what to expect. The homesickness comes around now and then, but we’re always busy and I talk to my family a lot. I miss them and my pets.

“When I feel lonely, there are a lot of people around here that care.”

Brown knows the Tritons have something special in Pompeani.

“She’s the exact kind of person you want in your program,” Brown said. “She’s extremely talented. Everyone wants to be like her and be around her.

“Whereever she ends up after Iowa Central, they’re going to get outstanding athlete and human being.”

Pompeani has a couple of schools in mind, notably New Mexico, Arkansas, and Boise State. She has yet to decide where her next path will take her, but is glad it all started at Iowa Central.

“Coach Brown has helped me out a lot. He is very similar to my coach back home (Proctor),” Pompeani said. “He is a great person and helps me when I need it. Everyone around here is great; it’s like a family.

“It’s all about the team.”