After one of their best finishes in program history last season, the women’s track and field team looks to contend within the conference once again.  The team opens up the indoor season with the Alumni meet on Dec. 10 in the UW-Whitewater fieldhouse.

In a year when key senior leaders from last season have graduated, head coach Mike Johnson seems content with this season’s team.

“We have a well-balanced team in a rebuilding year” Johnson said.

The Warhawks will miss the scoring output and leadership qualities that Dana Thompson and Jessa Luebke provided last season and Sara Poppe’s jumping abilities will not go unmissed.

“She was a great jumper for us, we really will miss her” All-American returner, junior Shelby Demos said. However, Shelby said she’s ready to see what this year’s freshman can do.

“We have a lot of freshmen coming in this year; it’s exciting to see what they can do for us.”

There has not been many practices yet, but  Johnson said he is pleased with the fitness of the team so far.

“When it comes to injuries in track and field it’s feast or famine, the ladies are in good shape and that’s a good indicator of how things will play out in the next couple of months,”  Johnson said.

In track and field a lot of events are about the individual first and the team second.  The Warhawks are trying to focus a little harder on the team aspect of things this season.

“This year we have really come together as a team.  In the past we have been about the individual, I feel like everyone is more involved with each other this year.”  Demos said.

With cross-country just now ending, it is important that the girls take some time off and let their bodies recuperate said key returning senior Madeline Roznos.  The indoor track and field season doesn’t pick up until after winter break, but the ’Hawks will likely run as often as possible until then.

“Winter break is a make it or break it time for track athletes,”  Roznos said. “The team’s success will come down to who puts in the work over break.”