AMES - Track coach Ron Miller of Muscatine was exhausted and excited.

"So far, each of our team members has either bettered their time or bettered their distance. I'm feeling really good right now," he said.

The Iowa track team began competition Monday morning in the Special Olympics USA National Games, with races and field events held at Ames High School. Athletes, coaches and spectators filled the grandstand.

Athletes are split into divisions by age and skill level. They must be at least 8 years old and have an intellectual disability.

Hilary Rawlings, 15, of Clear Lake was getting ready to run the 400-meter dash. She had fun at the opening ceremonies Sunday night, but now it was time to get down to business.

"I enjoy the joy and the energy of it," she said about her experience so far at the national games.

Her Clear Lake classmate Nick Leasure, also 15, was doing the men's 400-meter dash and the shot putt. He said the best part of the competition has been meeting the other athletes.

"I've met lots of people, people from all over the country," he said.

Miller, the coach, was a presenter at the opening ceremonies. He took the stage to read the Special Olympics coaches' oath.

"In the name of all coaches, we shall abide by the rules and policies in the spirit of sportsmanship," he said.

The ceremonies ended at about 11:30 p.m., so Miller and his team got just a few hours of sleep before they had to be at the track.

"I'm feeling tired, but it's been great," he said.

Dan Gearino can be reached at 515-243-0138 and dan.gearino@lee.net.