The men’s outdoor track and field team is off and running as it begins its outdoor season.  

The Bombers finished their successful indoor season, during which they improved upon last year’s team’s place and point total at the 2007 New York State Collegiate Track Conference. The Bombers finished ninth in the state and second in the Empire 8.

Head Coach Jim Nichols said he hopes the team’s indoor season will help them improve on its performances.

“We use the indoor season to prepare for the outdoor season,” Nichols said.

Nichols hopes the team’s indoor success will help it improve on its 2006 seventh-place finish at the NYSCTC. Nichols said he wants to return to the top five during this season.

“I cannot wait for the weather to break so we can begin practicing on our outdoor facilities,” Nichols said.

The team, however, is not waiting for warm weather to get in shape. In fact, many members, such as senior Jeff Abbott, a mid-distance runner specializing in the 800-meter run, said the indoor and outdoor season are one season. Even during the off season, team members are expected to train every day on their own and report their mileage weekly to the coaching staff.

Senior captain Derek Campbell said during the off season, Nichols sends workout sheets to keep the runners at the top of their game. Being on the track team keeps him conditioning throughout the year.  

Junior Jeremy Walck, who competes in the hammer throw, shot put and discus, conditions four days a week during the off season. He finds that also being a member of the Bombers football team helps with his throwing and strength.

Walck said he sees physical size potential because a number of larger guys have joined the team.

Sophomore javelin thrower Alex Darcey, who also plays with Walck on the football team, agrees that while the team has gotten larger, they also have versatility.

“The team this year is well balanced and has a lot of good freshman talent again this year,” he said.

With the South Hill squad at the peak of its physical game, the Bombers are set to begin chasing their championship goals at the Ithaca Invitational at 10:30 p.m. Saturday at Butterfield Stadium.