The upcoming track and field season promises to be a successful one for both the men’s and the women’s team, who return four all-Americans from last season’s squad.

At the top of that list is standout junior Dan Taylor, who finished 10th overall at the National Championship in the shot put event. Taylor also set the school record during the season and finished in first place at the Big Ten Championships.

Entering his 14th season as head coach, Russ Rogers is excited about Taylor’s chances at winning the national title.

“He’s been so consistent over the last two seasons,” Rogers said. “Dan has continued to get stronger during the off-season. Couple that with his experience and he should have an excellent opportunity to become the best in the country.

Taylor himself is looking forward to the upcoming season and his prospects at another All-American award.

“I am excited to see all the hard work put in during the off-season pay off,” Taylor said.

Overall, Rogers is expecting big things from both the men and the women this season. The men are returning many of their athletes after an injury-plagued year. The women finished last season at No. 21 overall in the final Trackwire Top 25 poll.

“Both team’s have a realistic shot to earn first place honors in the Big Ten this season,” Rogers said. “We were really young last year and if we stay healthy, things are looking good.”

Besides Taylor, the men’s team is returning sophomore long-distance runner Dan Glaz, who completed his off-season with a 16th place finish in the 10,000-meter run at the World Junior Championships in July.

Glaz knows his efforts at the world championships will give him the edge.

“The experience I gained this summer really helped me prepare for this season,” Glaz said. “I think my success should carry over into this year’s meets.”

The jump squad led by senior Billy Mills, junior Jeff Cerveny, and sophomores Drew Carter and Nosa Ehimwenmen should be a major strength on the men’s side. The women return All-American senior Tammy Smith, who won last year’s Big Ten championship for the high jump and went on to qualify for nationals.

Mills is gearing up for another season as he focuses on a Big Ten championship.

“We are closer than ever at achieving our goals,” Mills said. “If everyone can do their best, than we’ll accomplish big things.”

The women throwers are looking to continue their success with returning two All-Americans in junior Alexis McCall (shot put) and sophomore Krista Keir (discus).

“Keir was third in the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s and Big Ten Champion last year, so we expect her to do well again,” Rogers said. “Along with T. Smith and McCall, we are in excellent shape.”

The indoor track season gets underway tomorrow at the French Field House. Field events are set to begin at 12 p.m. with the running events beginning at 1 p.m. Teams competing in the Buckeye Invitational will be Central State, Oklahoma State and Vanderbilt.