Lance interviewed seven individuals at the season-opening college cross country race hosted by Iowa State on Aug. 29. Iowa State coach Jeremy Sudbury talks about the pressure of entering the season as the top-ranked men's team and why he might not field a complete team until the Big 12 Conference meet. New Drake coach Sam Read, an Iowa native and former Wartburg College runner, tells of the quick transition as the Bulldogs' new leader and his vision for the program. Former Cyclone Gable Sieperda looks back at his performance at the USA outdoor track and field nationals in Eugene, OR. Current Cyclone sophomore and former Danville-New London prep Allen Bonnesen talks about his runner-up finish in the 6K at the Cyclone Preview and buying into the program built by Sudbury. Cyclone fifth-year senior Bella Heikes, a runner-up in the women's 5K, and sophomore Olivia Verde, both former Johnston preps, offer their goals for the Cyclones' season and why this could be a special season. Northern Iowa sophomore Micah Rees talks about the competition on the young Panthers squad and a mentor who has made a big impact on his runner career.