The Wisconsin men’s track team has continuously exhibited its mettle, which should prove useful in the upcoming Big Ten Indoor Championships.

The indoor season is very short, consisting of less than 10 meets that end with the Big Ten and NCAA championships just two weeks apart. This leaves little time for preparation, but the 13th ranked Badgers show promise. Head coach Ed Nuttycombe is very pleased so far and has high expectations for the upcoming meets.

“I’d like to think that we’re in the hunt to contend for a championship,” Nuttycombe said in his press conference Monday.

The Big Ten has been a very competitive conference in track and field this year. Nuttycombe anticipates a battle between six strong teams fighting for just three top spots. On paper, Indiana seems to have the best shot at first.

“We are very excited about it and looking forward to the challenge this weekend,” Nuttycombe said.

There are very few seniors on this year’s roster, so a large burden will fall on the younger athletes’ shoulders. So far, that hasn’t been a problem, as sophomore Maverick Darling is heading into the Big Ten Indoor Championships with a No. 1 seed in the 3,000 meter run. Red shirt freshman Jay Cato also holds the first seed in the heptathlon.

“It’s always a little precarious to be counting on young people who have never been in this meet before, but these athletes are good and I’m confident that they will do well,” Nuttycombe said.

Nuttycombe is also pleased with the development of several other underclassmen on the team, such as sophomore sprinter Gavin Robertson. Robertson is from the Milwaukee area, and in high school he focused more on his soccer skills. However, Nuttycombe is very impressed with his growth on the track.

“His development has been nothing short of amazing in such a short period of time,” Nuttycombe said.

Last year, Robertson finished second in the 200 during the Big Ten Outdoor Championship. This year, he is ranked favorably in the 60 and the 200.

Not only is Robertson a key member of the team as far as putting points on the board, but Nuttycombe also enjoys the character he exhibits off the track.

“He’s got a lot of spirit. He is quickly developing into a team leader, especially in that short sprint area,” Nuttycombe said.

Cato is also making an impression. Along with obtaining the No. 1 seed in his first heptathlon, Cato automatically qualified for the NCAA championship, a significant accomplishment considering the NCAA takes only the top 16 athletes in each event.

“He is extremely talented, a great learner and very eager,” Nuttycombe said. “He has got a long way to go, but I think he has got a great future. He is going to make an impact not only at the conference meet, but I think he has a chance to do well at the national meet, too, in heptathlon.”