ROCK HILL, SC-The Winthrop men's and women's track and field teams are ready to kick off their indoor season Saturday, as they travel to Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA for the Angry Birds Invitational. 

The Eagles will face Lehigh, Monmouth and Pennsylvania in a quad-scored meet. Winthrop will be competing against teams that have already run more than once this indoor season and are primed to post strong performances.

"We're not the fittest team right now, but we're trying to be at our best by the end of February for the Big South Indoor Championships," said Winthrop head coach Ben Paxton.. "The team looks good and I expect some encouraging results to start off the season on a positive note."

Winthrop will be led by senior Jeanne Stroud in the 3,000 meters.  She had  a MVP campaign last year, capturing the Big South indoor title in the 5000m and outdoor titles also in the 5000m and 10000m. She was also voted the Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Scholar-Athlete of the year.  On the men's side look for Colby Coulter to perform well in the 3000m. 

Andrew Chavous and Alesha Love will put their favorite outdoor event, the 400m hurdles, on hold to compete in the 60m hurdles and the 400m dash.

Other athletes who are looking to post strong performances include: Marthaline Cooper and Jake Elliott (Weight Throw), Carlo Raiteri (60m dash), Dylan Brennand-McClemont and Shalace Rose (200m and 400m dashes), Chris White (Long Jump and 60m dash), and Lisa Nichols and Sarah Devaux (800m run). Ten freshman athletes will be making their college debutes. 

Winthrop track and field fans can now follow the Eagles on Twitter. Follow @WUtrack and @WUPax for live results and updates each week from the meet sites.