An optimistic atmosphere surrounds the Ohio women's track and field team as it awaits the outdoor season.

"I definitely think we'll finish in the top four," senior co-captain Sherri Fries said. "I don't think we've ever looked better (going into an outdoor season) in my four years here."

Such a positive attitude stems from Ohio breaking four school records at the Mid-American Conference Indoor Championship Feb. 27-28 at Kent, where they took seventh place out of 10 teams.

Another important factor is that the playing field levels out for the outdoor season. Both Ohio and new MAC entry Marshall are without adequate training facilities for the winter months.

The lack of an appropriate and spacious place to train is a disadvantage for the team, in particular, the throwers.

"It's a big change to get outside," said Fries, who throws discuss and shot put. "(Going outdoors) is a huge turning point in our training and a positive point in the season."

The difference from one season to the next signals a shift in philosophy on team outlook and competition.

"We're gung-ho for the outdoors," coach Elmore Banton said. "We try to step it up a notch. During the indoor season, we're looking to set PRs (personal records) and get better from week-to-week, while for outdoors we're trying to win meets."

Jackie Conrad, Kristin Diehm, Erika Ferri and Julie Kline figure to be among Ohio's leaders in meets.

Conrad, a NCAA qualifier and MAC Champion in the 10,000-meter run, was an All-American her first year. The MAC Woman Athlete of the Year also won the 5000-meters in last spring's championship, an event in which Diehm also placed third.

Ferri and Kline also earned third-place honors in the discuss and the 3000-meters, respectively.

"We've got some high expectations," Banton said. "We finished on a very high note, and we've got momentum from the end of the indoor season."

The competition in the MAC will be stiff, however, as Ball State and Kent, the top two teams, respectively, from the Indoor Championship, will be the schools that pace the conference.

Ball State is led by LaTasha Jenkins, the MAC Champion and NCAA qualifier in the 200-meters. She competed in the USA Track and Field Championships in Indianapolis last June and participated in the World University Games.

Roberta Collins is Kent's big threat. An All-American in the discus, Collins placed fifth in the NCAA Outdoor Championship.

Ohio begins its outdoor schedule with a home meet Mar. 21 when Canisius, Malone and Wittenberg visit Peden Stadium.