Iowa State track director Ihmels moves on to BSU

AMES - Corey Ihmels has stepped down as Iowa State's track and cross country director to take a similar position at Boise State, ISU's director of athletics communications Mike Green confirmed Friday.

Ihmels, a 1997 ISU graduate, has mentored several elite athletes, including Olympian Lisa (Koll) Uhl, multi-time NCAA champion Betsy Saina and former Xavier standout Meaghan Nelson.

Ihmels did not immediately return a phone message from the Gazette seeking comment, but in a news release on Boise State's web site, he expressed excitement about the new challenge.

“After having lived and trained in Boise as a distance runner, I strongly believe that the programs at Boise State can become a national powerhouse,” Ihmels said. “With everything that the University and the city have to offer, there is an incredible amount of untapped potential for these programs. I am excited to bring my passion for developing national-class track and field and cross country student-athletes to Boise State.”

Ihmels led the Cyclone women to a 13th-place finish in last week's NCAA Outdoor Championships.

Boise State's women finished in a tie for 32nd.

As an ISU runner, Ihmels attained all-America honors six times.

He also helped the Cyclones win the 1994 NCAA cross country title.