Filmed by Kendrick Taylor Edited by Kristen Brake
The men's and women's track and field teams are poised for a strong finish at the WIAC indoor championships, following an impressive performance in the 'Hawk Meet last Friday.
The Warhawks, ranked No. 3 in the latest U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association men's poll and No. 20 in the women's, head to UW-Stout's Johnson Gymnasium to face all nine conference opponents 11 a.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday.
UW-Oshkosh, ranked No. 1 in the nation by the USTFCCCA poll in the men's division and No. 6 in the women's, will offer a tough challenge for the 'Hawks. UW-La Crosse could also be an obstacle in 'Hawks' way. La Crosse is looking for its eighth consecutive men's indoor title and third straight women's title.
"I believe La Crosse will probably be our biggest competition," sophomore Aron Kehoe said. "They're always the favorites every year and have been a track dynasty as long as I can remember."
In fact, La Crosse will try for an unprecedented 34th men's indoor conference title and 19th women's conference title, while the 'Hawks, who finished second last year on the men's side, look to dethrone the Eagles.
Men's head coach Darren Schneider feels confident his team is in a solid position heading into the conference championships.
"I think our kids are very well prepared and will do a very nice job," Schneider said. "I think that all the pressure is on the other teams, but I don't feel the pressure. We just have to go in there, do our best, and if we do that, we could surprise them."
The women's track and field team, who finished seventh last season, also believes it has an opportunity to shine at the season-ending conference meet.
Sophomore Meghan Morehart, who will compete in the 55-meter hurdles, said they have a chance to finish in the top tier of teams.
"I think we definitely have a good chance at finishing in the top five or maybe even the top three," Morehart said.
Women's head coach David Weiderrecht said his team will conserve its energy leading up to the conference championships, but will retain the same mentality they have had throughout the indoor season.
"We will be tapering or taking it easy," Weiderrecht said. "However, we have to stay focused on our goals, practice with purpose and take care of the little things."
In addition, both teams head into the WIAC championships with momentum. In the 'Hawk Meet, the men placed first in every event and swept 11 of 14 events, while the women won 11 of 14 events and swept five events.
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