M. Suash hosts F

Some tremendous athletes have come out of the state of Michigan -- players like Magic Johnson and Chris Webber. But this afternoon will possibly be the only time Penn will have a chance to see two of the state's most prized sports figures together at last on the court. The squash court, of course. Not only do second-team all-American Steve Scharff of the Penn men's squash team and freshman sensation Jess Berline of Franklin & Marshall both hail from Michigan, but they are also best friends. Penn will host F&M; this afternoon (4 p.m., Ringe Courts). The Quakers (3-2) start a string of six matches in less than two weeks. Because of the cancellation of last Saturday's match against Williams, Penn got a little more time to prepare for the second half of the year, which is full of many challenging opponents. "The time off has been very beneficial for us," Penn senior Billy Hamilton said. "We've had a couple guys who have been sick over the break. We had a couple other problems like not being able to practice because of the ice and the shutdowns. It's been a little hard to get going." "F&M; will be one of the biggest matches of the year," Scharff said. "The next couple weeks will be the critical part of our season." Come 4 p.m., all eyes will be focused on the Scharff-Berline matchup. If it occurs, that is. Scharff will occupy the No. 1 spot for the Quakers, but it remains undecided whether Berline will play in the No. 1 or No. 2 spot for the Diplomats. "If we ended up playing each other it would be a pretty big rivalry," Scharff said. "He is the guy I hang out with and play squash with. We play whenever we're home, every day together. I'm looking forward to playing him." Penn defeated F&M; twice last season, but nobody's taking them lightly this time around. With the Diplomats' new crop of freshman, the team has a completely different look. However, the Quakers need this win to start the strenuous second half on a good note. "We've been doing a lot of work on our physical condition," Hamilton said. "I think we'll be ready. We are in good shape for these matches and we have had some challenge matches in the last couple days." Although the Quakers know they are up against a tough opponent, one big advantage on their side is the home court -- the Ringe Courts are never a hospitable site for opponents. "It's definitely an edge to be at home," Scharff said. "When we have the fraternities come down and be rowdy, bring cow bells or whatever, it definitely makes a difference. It's to our advantage." Cow bells and an intense Michigan rivalry of best friends -- what more can you ask for on a Wednesday afternoon?