When a spectator asked Michigan women's track coach James Henry to assess the Wolverines' performance shortly after this weekend's Len Paddock Invitational, it was clear Henry cared very little about the team's finish.

"We came out unscathed," Henry responded. "No one got injured, and that was really our biggest goal this weekend."

Each year, the Invitational - a home, non-scoring event - is held a week before the Big Ten Outdoor Championships to provide the athletes with low-pressure competition while preparing for the conference meet.

This year, Henry mainly cared about making it through the weekend injury-free.

Henry opted to rest sophomores Amber Hay and Geena Gall, juniors Laura Glynn and Nicole Edwards and seniors Erin Webster and Katie Erdman - each of whom already has a regional qualifying time for NCAAs already.

But a few of the team's best runners did compete, including senior Anna Willard. Despite unfavorable wind conditions, she easily won the 1,500-meter run, finishing in 4:15.99 - nearly 21 seconds faster than second place.

The time was the second fastest in the nation so far this season, and it was just six seconds short of a school record.

"Willard had an outstanding 1,500 on Friday night, especially when you factor in the wind conditions," associate head coach Mike McGuire said. "I'm sure the wind cost her a few seconds."

The team's top sprinter, sophomore Tiffany Ofili also participated in the invite. She won two events by setting career-bests in the 100-meter dash (11.86) and the long jump (19 feet, 7.5 inches).

Sophomore co-captain Bettie Wade also performed well for the Wolverines. Her personal-best and regional qualifying time of 13.80 seconds in the 100-meter hurdles was just enough to edge Michigan State's Jackie Walton for the win.

But regardless of how many victories the Wolverines claimed in various events, almost everyone knew avoiding injury and preparing for the conference meet were the main objectives.

"We're fairly healthy going into our biggest meet, so we're excited about it," McGuire said.

With no serious injuries, one question remains. Is the team ready for Big Tens next weekend?

Henry said the Wolverines are prepared, but he's not counting on his team to come out on top for the Big Ten Outdoor Championships.

"No, it's not an expectation," Henry said. "Minnesota's got a really, really good program and Illinois looks very good. We've got our hands full, so it's not going to be a shoe-in at all. In fact, I don't see how we're the favorite team."

The women's track program won three straight outdoor titles from 2002-2004, but hasn't won since.

Henry said this year's favorite is Minnesota. The Golden Gophers won last year's title and the majority of their top athletes returned this year.

Many of the athletes also realize Minnesota appears to have the upper hand going into the title meet this weekend. But Ofili said she plans on treating this race just like any other, rather than counting the Wolverines as underdogs.

"For the most part I just go into every meet thinking I want to have a great competition no matter what," Ofili said. "I just want us to do our best, whether we finish No. 1 or No. 10."

Although McGuire said the Wolverines aren't expecting to win the meet, he said victory was within reach, as long as the team prepares well.

"Minnesota's the defending champ and they've got a lot back," McGuire said. "We're going to have to hit it on all cylinders. But it's definitely still attainable. We've had some people catch fire the past few weeks, and we've still got some of our more established people. If we can come together for three days next week, we'll be fine."