The men's and women's track and field teams will jump-start their 2011 outdoor seasons March 25 and 26 when they travel to Nashville, Tenn. to compete in the Vanderbilt University Black and Gold Invitational.

The men's team ended its indoor season more than a month ago on Feb. 19 at the Capital University Rick Meindl Last Call meet. Since then, the team has been preparing for its fast approaching outdoor season.

"We have a very balanced team this season," head coach Warren Mandrell said. "We have guys that have scored in every event."

Unfortunately, blustery snow storms over the last few months and recent thunderstorms like the one on Monday afternoon have stifled the RedHawks' ability to go out and practice.

Coach Mandrell was forced to cut the four final practice days before the Vanderbilt meet to three because of the storm Monday. Out of the 17 seasons coach Mandrell has been at Miami University, this has been the worst winter he has ever seen, which has hindered track practice considerably.

However, despite ice and snow on the track, frozen sand deterring long jump practice and thunderstorms, track members run as long as there isn't lightning and the field members have done workouts in Millett Hall as often as possible.

"Hopefully they will be very competitive this weekend," Mandrell said. "Mostly it's just a first chance to get some outdoor competition and see where everyone is at."

Last season the men's team won 10 of 18 events at Vanderbilt. The Red and White are looking to better that record this weekend.

The women's track and field team finished its indoor season a week later than the men's team, placing third at the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championships in Bowling Green, Ohio.

Track and field members Rachel Patterson, Katie Lenahan and Erica Mudd ended their indoor seasons even later on March 3 and 4 at the Alex Wilson Invitational.

With less time off between the indoor and outdoor seasons, head coach Kelly Phillips has the same idea about the Vanderbilt Black and Gold Meet as coach Mandrell.

"It's our first outdoor meet, so it's kind of about just getting things going," Phillips said. "The goal is to just get a good first meet in to kick off our outdoor season."

Last season, the women's team had taken home six event victories from the Vanderbilt Invitational.

The women's team is solid, comprised of runners like senior Rachel Patterson and field event competitors like freshman Erica Mudd, who have already done great things for Miami in their indoor season.

The team's indoor performance holds promise for its outdoor season. When discussing the Vanderbilt meet, Coach Phillips said the 'Hawks will be overall a stronger team than last season.