With winter quarter well under way, Husky indoor track and field is set to officially jumpstart their season tomorrow with the UW Winter Preview. The event, held at the Dempsey Indoor, will play host to an impressive field, including Olympians from the 2008 Olympic games in Beijing.

The meet, head coach Greg Metcalf insists, will serve as a great opportunity to evaluate how his young team is progressing.

“It’s a chance for us to watch some of our youngsters compete and to give some of our other folks their first competitive experience of the year,” said Metcalf. “We’re going to walk away from that and see how the pieces are fitting with our team.”

This season marks the first time in the past several years that the men’s or women’s teams are featured in the AP’s preseason top-20 poll. Though he acknowledges that such lists don’t have significant meaning, Metcalf said he and his staff are dedicated to earning more national respect.

The Dawgs will take their first steps toward gaining that respect tomorrow. Aware that they have a long season ahead of them, however, the Huskies will take care not to attempt to do too much in their first event of the year.

“It’s the first meet of the year, and we’re not going to be going at full force for a number of reasons,” said Metcalf. “In this sport, timing is everything. Every meet gains intensity, performance and expectations.”

Metcalf just wants his team to compete and keep their eyes on long-term goals.

“We always want our kids to go out there and do a great job. But the way that all of us coaches organize and practice is that we understand the most important time of the year,” said Metcalf, referring to the NCAA Regionals and Championships in mid-May and June.

Metcalf said he will specifically be monitoring his younger athletes at the event. Many freshmen will be competing, and it is imperative to the team’s success that the newcomers get their college careers off to a great start. Certain groups, such as the sprinters and jumpers, will be analyzed closely.

“All in all,” Metcalf said. “I think this is going to be a great kickoff to our indoor track season.”

Reach reporter Ben Foutz at sports@dailyuw.com.