While injuries have decimated the women’s indoor track team, head coach John Craft is happy to finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“Though we won’t be at 100 percent,” Craft said. “We just about have our full squad back.”

That’s good news for Eastern, which will host its first meet of the year this Friday night at Lantz Gymnasium.

Though thrower Jessica Sams is recovering from knee surgery and sprinter Megan Wadas has been redshirted, both should be ready for the outdoor season.

“We had to redshirt Megan,” Craft said. “She’s a senior, and there was no sense in hurting her chances to compete in the outdoor season.”

After battling illnesses, Lexie Nuckolls and Leah Reeves are well enough to compete. Nicole Milici, Shelli Troha and Marissa Bushue are recovering from leg injuries but will also try to run on Friday.

“It will be good to finally have a home meet,” Craft said. “Our runners need to get used to our track in competitive situations.”

Illinois State University, the University of Illinois, Butler University and Bradley University will be the Division I schools to complete for the first time in the newly renovated Lantz Fieldhouse. McKendree College, Millikin University, Lincoln College and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology will also attend.

Members of the team say they are excited to be competing at home, and that having last week off helped them recuperate and get ready for this meet.

“It’s the last meet before the Ohio Valley Conference championships, so it’s time to let them go and see what they can do,” Craft said. “At home before friends and relatives on our own track should give us a home court advantage. It will be exciting.”