As we flip the calendar to the month of April, it signifies good weather will be just around the corner.

It also means the outdoor track season has finally arrived.

For the women’s track and field team, the arrival of fresh air and a larger track is welcomed after a long indoor season.

“I prefer outdoor season because the outdoor track is easier to run on, which leads to faster times,” junior 5,000 meter runner and steeplechase participant Madeline Roznos said. “[With] indoors there is so much turning, it’s hard to stretch out your legs and get into a good stride; especially for me because I have a longer stride.”

Roznos, a cross-country standout, is expected to be an essential ingredient in what will potentially be a huge year for the Warhawks.     While Roznos competes in the 5K as well, her main focus will be the steeplechase.

“We don’t have the [steeplechase] in indoor, and it’s my favorite race,” Roznos said.

After sending three athletes to the national championships in the indoor season, head coach Josh Ireland expects the team to take another strong step in outdoors.

“I think that a top three finish is definitely within the realm of possibility with this year’s outdoor team,” Ireland said. “The girls have worked their tails off this year, and we are fortunate to have great coaches that set them up for success.”

After having an excellent indoor season by setting the school record in weight throw and achieving All-American honor, senior Jessa Luebke looks to take another step with the start of outdoor season.

A goal-oriented and driven athlete, Luebke said she plans to give all she has in her final season of track.

“I want to pick up right where I left off in the indoor season,” Luebke said. ”With being outside, it will be nice to actually have more time to work on each event and not get kicked out of the field house like we do for the indoor season.”

After sending three to nationals for indoor season, the ’Hawks expect Sara Poppe to also have a strong outdoor season. Poppe, a senior long jumper and triple jumper, was expected to be a national qualifier but came up short and admits she has a fire in her belly for the outdoor season.

“My motivation is to finish strong,” Poppe said. “I didn’t end my indoor season the exact way I wanted to, but going into outdoor season, I have a couple of things that I have fixed and many people who support me and push me to be my best.”