Iowa men’s track and field enters the 2026 indoor season with versatility, returning longtime head coach Joey Woody, who has been with the program since 2006, as well as strong performers across areas such as throws, sprints, and mid-distance.
Woody, who was named to the role in July 2014, credited the program as a group focused on competing for one another.
He said the culture of the group ensures the athletes are not focused on individual success but rather competing at a high level as a team.
A former World Champion runner as well, Woody noted Iowa’s emphasis on this team culture.
“We actually have passed on some really good athletes we felt weren’t going to contribute to having a successful culture here,” Woody said. “We feel like we’ve got a really good group of people in our program, and I think that’s where it all starts.”
In his time at Iowa, Woody has garnered numerous accolades, including leading the Hawkeyes to 249 All-America honors and 60 Big Ten individual titles.
These accomplishments are not lost on athletes like fourth-year mid-distance runner Terrick Johnson, who credited Woody and assistant coach Jason Wakenight as some of the best coaches in the NCAA.
“They’re underrated coaches, but I did my research on who they coached, the development of the athletes they coached,” Johnson said in an email to The Daily Iowan. “Everyone who comes to run for them will PR and become a contender in the Big Ten conference. I chose this place because I believe I can be something special with the coaches here.”
Less than a week after the conclusion of the Hawkeye Invitational, held in Iowa City from Jan. 9-10, third-year Ryan Johnson earned the honor of Big Ten Field Athlete of the Week.
Johnson, from Springboro, Ohio, was announced as the recipient on Jan. 14, five days after a 24.85-meter weight throw to become the fourth-best weight thrower in NCAA Division I history.
Jordan Gross also shined at the Hawkeye Invitational. The first-year recorded a 6.71 in the 60 meters to tie for the sixth-fastest in school history.
Gross previously earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors for his collegiate-best 33.49 in 300 meters at the Jimmy Grant Alumni Invitational on Dec. 13.
The first-year’s speedy start complements the skills of older athletes with more experience, like fourth-year sprinter Tyrese Miller.
“Something that stands out to me about Iowa as a program is the winning culture and mindset that the team carries,” Miller said in an email to the DI. “No matter the conditions, we show up and perform our best when it matters most.”
After early successes, the program looks ahead to the remainder of indoor season.
For athletes like Miller, Johnson, and Gross, chances to compete include trips to Texas, Arkansas, and Indiana.
For coaches like Woody, the key word is gratitude.
Woody said he grew up in Iowa City, and being a part of the Hawkeyes’ track and field is a dream come true. Woody is entering his 20th year with the program.
“I’ve been a Hawkeye my entire life. Even though I went to Northern Iowa, and that’s my school that I competed for, I grew up a Hawkeye, and I’ve obviously been a Hawkeye since 2006 as a full-time coach here,” Woody said.
Whether in his career as an athlete or his coaching tenure at the collegiate level, Woody is thankful for the mentors he has had along the way.
“I’ve been very fortunate to be a part of not just a successful program, [but] just being surrounded by great people,” Woody said.