AMES — The Iowa State men’s cross country enters the season in uncharted territory.

For the first time in program history, the Cyclones have been selected as the preseason No. 1 team in the country, holding the top spot in the United States Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association poll.

Last year, Iowa State earned NCAA runner-up honors, returning four runners who earned All-America status from that lineup. They were also tabbed the No. 1 team nationally and the top USTFCCCA Midwest regional squad, as the Cyclone women are ranked third in the Midwest behind Oklahoma State and Minnesota.

Robin Bera, Rodgers Kiplimo, Joash Ruto and Sanele Masondo were All-American runners last year at nationals while Devan Kipyego and Ryan Watts return.

Former Humboldt distance standout Quinton Orr is a redshirt senior on the roster for the Cyclones. Orr, who was an honorable mention All-American during the recent outdoor track season in the Steeplechase, competed in two cross country meets last fall.

Orr finished seventh at the Cyclone Preview and seventh at the Greeno/Dirksen Invitational. He ran in four meets as a sophomore and three during his freshman season at ISU.

With Humboldt, Orr anchored the state championship sprint medley relay in 2021 and finished third in both the 1,600 and 3,200 in Class 3A. He was a three-time 3A state cross country runner-up.

As for the Iowa State women, they have three-time NCAA Championships qualifier Maelle Porcher back along with Riley Beach and Bella Heikes.

The Cyclones run on Friday here at the third annual Cyclone Preview. The men’s 6K starts at 8:30 a.m. with the women’s 5K to begin at 9 a.m.

Iowa State will compete in the NCAA Midwest Regional in Stillwater, Okla. on Friday, Nov. 14 with the NCAA Championships scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 22 in Columbia, Mo.