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Women's track visits Champaign

Many times, when individuals are working hard and expectations are high, the concept of team is forgotten.

This is not the case with the Michigan women's track and field team. This weekend the Wolverines are heading to Champaign to compete in the Illinois Invitational, which will feature many strong teams.

Because the event is an invitational, it will not be scored. The purpose of the meet is personal qualifying for the NCAA National Indoor Championships.

The team is focused and ready after its meeting on Tuesday. Everyone understands that, in spite of all the personal accomplishments that are anticipated, the key to this meet is the development of the team as a whole.

"We're looking for a good team effort, for some people to break some ground," said senior Courtney Babcock, a five-time All-American.

Babcock is hoping to qualify for the distance medley relay Friday along with sophomore Michelle Slater and junior Lamika Harper.

The usual other leg, sophomore Pauline Arnill, may be unable to run due to illness; who her replacement will be is not clear.

Wisconsin and Illinois, two of the teams that Michigan will see this weekend, are very strong and are the early favorites to win the Big Ten Indoor Championship.

Illinois, the reigning Big Ten Indoor Champion, is powerful in the sprints, throws and jumps.

Wisconsin, the runner-up last year, is strong in the middle and long distances.

Michigan, on the other hand, hopes to lead a solid, balanced attack that is starting to come together. This year the Wolverines have four strong returning members in Babcock, senior sprinter Tearza Johnson, senior high jumper Monika Black and sophomore Tania Longe. But it should be the newcomers and others that will take this team from a handful of potential qualifiers to contenders for the championship.

Michigan coach James Henry said he realizes the importance of this meet, saying the team has to treat it like a conference meet. Alhough Michigan has been quite successful so far, they still have some work to do.

"Sixty percent (of the team members) have stepped up," Henry said. "Forty percent -- they know who they are -- need to step up."

If the rest of the Wolverines don't show the improvement Henry is looking for, they may end up being unable to rid themselves of a lingering shadow of doubt.

This could hurt their confidence and future performances.

Not only is this a good opportunity for the Wolverines to get their team support together, they also get a chance to preview the competition they will face at the Big Ten Indoor Championships in two weeks at Wisconsin.

The meet will give the Wolverines a chance to run against tough competition.

Everyone should get a better idea as to where they stand and how much further they need to go.