DAYTON, Ohio – The University of Dayton women’s track and field team opens its 2011-12 season in Findlay, Ohio at the Oiler Opener Dec. 2 and 3.

Under the direction of first-year head coach Jason Francis, the Flyers begin preparing for their Atlantic 10 Indoor Track and Field title defense. UD had a strong showing last season in the Oiler Opener, placing in the top three in six events.

Francis has seen positive growth since taking the helm over the summer.

 “The first thing I noticed early on this fall was the good technical base that the returning athletes have and how much untapped potential all of the athletes possess,” Francis said.  “Our coaching staff has been working with our student-athletes to help them realize how talented they are and how good they can perform.”

With the graduation of All-American thrower Mallory Barnes, as well as a talented crop of seniors, Dayton will turn to its returning standouts including senior pole vaulter Courtney Siebenaller and distance runner Emily Zimmerman.

"Emily and Courtney each qualified for the NCAA Preliminary Round last season. The experience that they gained at that meet will be a great asset for them in their senior campaigns as they strive to qualify for the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor national meets.” Francis said.  “After just missing out on qualifying for the NCAA Cross Country Nationals, we expect Elissa Mason to build on an outstanding cross country season. Our staff is excited by her potential for a great senior year on the track as well.

“Our distance runners and throwers are still our two strongest and deepest event groups. However, we will see more production out of our very young sprint, hurdle, jump and combined event groups than in years past.”

The Flyers gained outstanding coaching resources from the offseason additions of Bryan Duby, Barnes and Anne Beecher. Sarah Hinkley and Tom Cope also return as assistants for Dayton.

“The experience of the coaching staff, both in competing at the highest levels, and coaching athletes to the highest levels of competition has made the biggest impact on the student-athletes’ growth,” Francis said. “Our student-athletes have been able to draw on our experiences to learn and that has made a positive impact on their growth. I also believe the diverse backgrounds of our coaches are a great asset to the program and we complement each other well.”

While the Flyers have traditionally fared well in the meet, Francis has a specific set of goals for the opening weekend.

“I am looking forward to watch how the athletes perform and handle themselves in competition when it counts. After watching the cross country ladies compete as hard and well as they did, I am excited to watch the track ladies give it their all and compete just as hard,” Francis said. “The early meets are great for evaluating what improvements we have made and what still needs work. Competition is the best way for our athletes to see the progress that they are making.

“After this competition we will have a better understanding on our team’s strengths and weaknesses. It has been a long fall of hard work from the ladies and we are all ready to get out there and compete.”

The Flyers will compete in the pole vault and the weight throw Friday beginning at 6 p.m. Action begins Saturday at 11:30 a.m. with the women’s high jump. The 4x400 is the final women’s event at 6 p.m.