Track teams revive old rivalry

M. Track takes on Tiger challenge It doesn't matter what sport it is. It doesn't even have to be a sport. The simple fact is that Penn and Princeton are adversaries, and whenever these two teams clash in competition, the event is significant. That rule certainly applies to men's track, as the Quakers head to Princeton for a dual meet with the Tigers tomorrow. "It's not the same," sophomore sprinter Clive Brown said. "Princeton is the big rival in football and basketball, and I guess that carries over to track." Penn coach Charlie Powell explained how intense and historic the series is. "This is a helluva rivalry. It's probably the oldest track and field rivalry out there," Powell said. "We really go at it. We don't like to lose to each other." Powell estimated that over the last 25 or 30 years, either Penn and Princeton have combined to win 80 percent of the championships. This year should be no different. Both schools once again have strong teams contending for the coveted Heps championships. "Outstanding," is how Powell described Princeton's team. "Right now, they are probably one of three schools vying for the title." The other two teams, according to Powell, are Penn and Army. So, with two of the top three Heps contenders meeting head to head late in the season, this must be a big meet for the Quakers, right? Well, yes, but not for the obvious reasons. Penn is more concerned with continuing its season-long development for bigger, better meets, such as the Heps and IC4As, than it is with beating the Tigers this weekend. "It's good competition in all the events," Brown said. "It's almost like a mini Heptagonals meet." "Just keep the progression going. That's paramount," Powell said. "If we win, it's gravy. But the key for us is to get to the championships." But rest assured, once the Quakers step onto the Princeton track tomorrow, their hate for the Tigers will provide plenty of incentive for a win. "We'll certainly be going after it," Powell said. After all, it is Penn versus Princeton.