UW Track & Field

The Wisconsin women’s track and field team, led by a trio of returning first-team All-Americans, will begin the season ranked No. 9 in the country, according to the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

After finishing 18th at last year’s national indoor meet, the Badgers moved up nine spots and enter the season as the highest-ranked Big Ten squad in the USTFCCCA National Computer Rankings.

Senior Kelsey Card begins her final season in Madison as the top returner in the weight throw with a best of 71 feet, 7 1/4 inches. The reigning Big Ten Indoor Field Athlete of the Year also is seeded fifth in the shot put, entering the season with a mark of 56-7 1/4.

Sophomore Sarah Disanza enters the season as the top returner in the 5000 meters after setting the Big Ten record in the event last year with a time of 15 minutes, 20.57 seconds. The Wantage, New Jersey, native also ranks 16th in the 3000 meters.

Junior Georgia Ellenwood, who earned All-America honors in the pentathlon last year, is seeded eighth in the event. She set a personal best of 4,223 at last year’s Big Ten championships.

In addition, the UW men start the 2016 season ranked No. 32 after losing two-time NCAA champion Michael Lihrman to graduation.

Senior Zach Ziemek enters the season ranked fourth in the heptathlon with his personal-best score of 5,913 points set at the 2014 NCAA Indoor Championships.

Junior Malachy Schrobilgen and sophomore Morgan McDonald check in at No. 10 and 13, respectively, in the 3000 meters.

The Badgers open their indoor season on Jan. 16 with a home dual against Notre Dame at the Camp Randall Memorial Sports Center.