Women's Indoor Track Coach Teri Jordan said her team's success in the upcoming season will be derived from the athletes' abilities to act like characters from Disney's The Lion King.

Besides their ability to run like cheetahs, Jordan said some upperclassmen have completed the "Circle of Life" by growing into true team leaders, providing some positive influences to underclassmen that they once needed themselves.

"I've been really excited about the support they've shown each other in all aspects of life," Jordan said. "They are a very positive, dynamic team that really empowers one another."

That power, Jordan said, should lead to a team that will be "easily in the top 25 nationally indoor and outdoor," and "could be the top 15 if everything goes right."

The student-athletes who may need the most guidance while helping the team achieve that ranking are the freshmen, who have to adapt to college life with the added pressure of athletic competition.

Freshman Caryn Benjamin, who said that classes and track are equally important to her, has made the transition.

"The first two months, I had a hard time," she said. "Now, I keep a balance."

Jordan expects Benjamin and fellow freshman Erica Bosler to be major performers this year. Benjamin also has high goals for herself. Although she called it a "long shot," she said she wants to qualify for the NCAA Championships in the long jump during the indoor season. Benjamin is hoping her indoor training will ensure her qualification for this event during the outdoor season.

Kim Hicks, a potential national qualifier in the shot put, has high expectations for the team as well.

"Hopefully we'll be in the top three in the Big Ten and do very well in ECAC's," the sophomore said.

Hicks also said she knows what the new members of the team are going through, having been there herself. But now she has a clear goal of throwing the shot 50 feet, a mark she passed in high school and now needs in order to qualify for nationals.

"I think I've matured," she said. "I think I had 'freshmanitis' all around. I'm working a lot harder this year."

Jordan expects her distance team to join Hicks in qualifying for nationals. Captains Kim Kelly, Kris Kelly and Kelli Hunt should contribute to the distance effort. Sophomores Candida McCarthy, Erin St. John and Tresa Hohnka should also star in those events.

Hohnka said she sees the indoor season as "a time for rebuilding." She added she is training hard in order to qualify for NCAA distance events during the outdoor season.

Hohnka said that a more relaxed, fun atmosphere will enhance the team's chance for success. She also acknowledged the support that the freshmen are given by the upperclassmen.

"We want them to do good things," Hohnka said.

Captain Sue Huelster agreed. She said she and the other upperclassmen have learned to use their leadership positions to lead their team to victory.

"We're really focused on team unity and competing and presenting a united front," she said. "We're pretty knit, I think."

Coach Jordan characterized her team as "ordinary people doing extraordinary things."

And considering the unique talents and tight-knit personalities of the athletes, she could be right on track.