Both the men’s and women’s track and field teams will try to capture each program’s very first WIAC Championship Feb. 25-26 at UW-River Falls.

“It would be an incredible feeling [to win],” head women’s coach Josh Ireland said. “It’s something that has never happened before in the existence of our program, it would be huge.”

Both teams look to have a legitimate shot at a title and have worked really hard throughout the season to be in position to do so. With strong all-around teams both believe they have a shot.

“[Winning] would be exciting for our program especially, the university, and our staff,” head men’s coach Mike Johnson said. “We’ve had this goal for a long time and our kids are really hungry for it this year.”

With how competitive the WIAC has been in track and field, both sides will have to go up against tough competition. On both sides the UW-La Crosse Eagles loom as the perennial powerhouse in the conference.

Both UW-Stevens Point and UW-Oshkosh look to be other obstacles in the Warhawks’ way of the ever-elusive championship.

The women have a strong field team that could act as a great stepping stone towards gaining momentum during the championships. The men’s team is extremely well rounded having standout members in key events with a great amount of depth all around.

Throughout the season injuries and sickness have taken a toll on the ‘Hawks, but next week’s tournament looks to have a clean bill of health.

“They know where they rank at the conference level, so if they can perform in their positions or better that will give us a great advantage going into it,” Johnson said.