Iowa State Track and Field Breaks Multiple School Records

Cyclones post strong performances across three meets on Valentine's weekend

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Iowa State track and field team had an impressive showing over Valentine's Day weekend, breaking six school records and posting several NCAA top-10 marks across three different meets. The Cyclones saw standout performances from their distance runners, sprinters, and hurdlers, highlighting the team's depth and versatility as they gear up for the indoor championships.

Why it matters

Iowa State's record-breaking weekend demonstrates the program's continued growth and competitiveness on the national stage. The Cyclones are proving they can compete with elite talent, which will be crucial as they look to make a strong push at the upcoming indoor championships.

The details

Across the Valentine Invite, Tyson Invite, and Husky Classic, Iowa State broke six school records. Highlights included senior Emanuel Galdino and senior Nathan Pestka both posting sub-4:01 mile times, senior Daylin Williams breaking a 25-year-old record in the 60m hurdles, senior Rachel Joseph setting a new 200m record, and the women's distance medley relay team also setting a new school mark. Several other Cyclones posted top-5 all-time performances in their respective events as well.

  • On Valentine's Day weekend, the Iowa State track and field team competed in three meets: the Valentine Invite in Boston, the Tyson Invite in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and the Husky Classic in Seattle.
  • The record-breaking performances took place over the course of the three-day weekend, with new school marks being set on each day of competition.

The players

Emanuel Galdino

A senior distance runner for the Iowa State Cyclones who posted a time of 4:00.01 in the mile event.

Nathan Pestka

A senior distance runner for the Iowa State Cyclones who set a new personal best time of 4:00.78 in the mile.

Daylin Williams

A senior hurdler for the Iowa State Cyclones who broke a 25-year-old school record in the 60m hurdles, first with a time of 7.76 seconds in the prelims and then 7.74 seconds in the finals.

Rachel Joseph

A senior sprinter for the Iowa State Cyclones who set new school records in the 400m (51.53 seconds) and 200m (23.63 seconds).

Mercyline Kirwa

A freshman distance runner for the Iowa State Cyclones who set a new school record in the 5,000m event.

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What’s next

The Iowa State track and field team will next compete on February 20th, splitting up to compete in the Iowa Open in Iowa City and the Arkansas Qualifier in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

The takeaway

Iowa State's record-breaking performances across multiple events and meets demonstrate the depth and versatility of their track and field program. As they gear up for the indoor championships, the Cyclones are proving they can compete with the nation's elite talent and are poised for a strong postseason push.