As one of the three seniors on this year’s squad, Nate Lonsway has been around the block to say the least.

From 2009-11 he was a member of Eastern Michigan University cross-country program. He transferred to Iowa for the fall 2012 season. The decision, he said, was for both running and academics.

“I remember my first visit — there was a snowstorm,” he said. “However, the campus was so lively compared with Eastern. It was great to see people my own age on campus. Not something most people consider a big deal — for me it was.”

Lonsway considers himself more of a track runner, but despite a few bothersome issues, he has high hopes for this season.

In high school, he ran the 400 and 800, eventually transitioning to longer events when he entered college. After not competing on the cross-country or indoor teams last fall and winter, he ran track last spring for the Black and Gold.

“I’m really looking forward to indoor this year,” he said. “I feel like I’ve had a really good summer and with cross-country as well, it should be a pretty good season.”

The Hawkeye’s cross-country program doesn’t have a large number of transfers, but on occasion, Iowa head coach Larry Wieczorek will grab one.

“It’s hit or miss with a transfer,” he said. “You hope that it’s a good thing and that person finds the right fit in a mutually good situation.”

For Lonsway, the situation couldn’t be better.

“It feels a lot more like home,” he said.

His teammates believe that everything ended up working out as well.

“It’s fun having kids like Lonsway come in,” senior Sam Chaney said. “Especially him; he’s so personable. Once he got here, he was one of the guys, basically.”

In a season in which there are only six upperclassmen on the roster, experience is unquestionably important.

“Our team is definitely coming together,” Lonsway said. “It’s a bit different from what I’m used to, because as an older guy, only Sam Chaney and Jon-Michael Brandt and me are the three seniors.”

The leadership that the older runners, including the juniors, have brought to the team this year hasn’t gone unnoticed by Wieczorek.

“It mostly comes from the guys,” he said. “I think this is a very good group of guys and are into what they’re doing. They’re enjoying themselves, and they’re productive. That’s something we’d like to build on for sure.”

Lonsway has high expectations for this season and what the team can do — not only this year but in the future as well.

“It’s great to be part of such a growing program,” he said. “[There’s] lots of hope. I’m really excited about what’s to come.”