Track teams revive old rivalry

M. Track finally meets Princeton Two weeks ago when the women's track team was preparing for the Princeton Relays, Penn knew it was really preparing for tomorrow's dual meet with the Tigers. "It's a good opportunity to compare our competition," co-captain Karyn Smith said prior to the relays. "It's a good chance to size them up." Finally, tomorrow the Quakers won't be preparing, they'll be competing. The annual dual meet (12 p.m., Jadwin Gym) is always one of the key meets of the season, so obviously, the Quakers are very excited. The coaching staff is hoping Penn will be able to focus its energy in a positive way. "We're really excited," junior-co-captain Maggie Morrow said. "Princeton is in our league and it is always a great matchup." The drastic improvement of weather conditions has helped the Quakers' confidence this week. The distance runners have been able to get outside and do moderate-speed runs. The technical competitors have also been able to get an adequate amount of practice time in since they have been able to utilize their indoor facility more recently. "In fact, [the indoor facility] got a little warmer," assistant coach Tony Tenisci said. "It dried up from the flooding, the track is usable, but it's not particularly warm. But at least the facilities are operable." Not only has the weather improved morale, but it has also enabled the whole team to gather together. This is almost a new concept because the Quakers had previously been forced to split up due to the weather. "It helps a lot that we're out there all together in the same place," Morrow said. "It's just more of a team feeling." However, Penn is still weary of the Tigers. Last year, the teams tied. This year promises to be just as competitive. "Princeton is a very good team," Tenisci said. "They have some very good athletes on that team. We've been preparing everyone." Another key factor is the youth of the Quakers. Although many haven't personally experienced this rivalry, they will have no problem getting ready. "They're all really psyched for it," Morrow said. "We don't have to help them, we can just go along with them."