Milwaukee City Wire

The Milwaukee women's track and field team has been picked to tie for first place in the Horizon League Indoor Track & Field Preseason Poll. The poll, released on Wednesday, also placed the men's team in second position for the upcoming indoor season.

The women's team shares the top spot with Youngstown State, each receiving five first-place votes and accumulating 95 points. This follows a successful year where Milwaukee secured both the indoor and outdoor titles in 2024. Key returning athletes include Natalie Block, who was named Horizon League Athlete of the Year after winning multiple events last season, Anna Szepieniec, last year's Freshman of the Year, Anelise Egge, who excelled in middle-distance events, and Dominique Thomas, defending champion in the 60m dash.

In the women's preseason poll standings:

- Milwaukee and Youngstown State are tied at first with 95 points each.

- Purdue Fort Wayne follows in third place with 76 points.

- Oakland ranks fourth with 72 points.

On the men's side, Milwaukee is projected to finish second again this year after achieving that position at both indoor and outdoor championships last year. The men's team received one first-place vote and totaled 56 points. Notable returning athletes include Liam Richards, who earned Freshman of the Year honors last season by excelling in multi-event competitions, and Anthony Campbell, a senior known for his achievements in jumping events.

For the men's preseason poll standings:

- Youngstown State leads with seven first-place votes and 63 points.

- Milwaukee holds second place with one first-place vote and 56 points.

- Purdue Fort Wayne is third with 47 points.

Both teams are poised to make strong showings as they enter another competitive season.