Midlantic is Relays sponsor

Director Timothy Baker introduced the first presenting sponsor in the 100-year history of the Penn Relay Carnival yesterday in an attempt to offset money lost when Bill Cosby decided to withdraw his financial support following last year's event. Midlantic Bank will contribute $500,000 to the Relays during the next three years, and will have the right to exercise an option through 2000, Midlantic president and chief executive officer Garry J. Scheuring said at a press conference in Weightman Hall. The money will be used to defray up to one-third of the travel expenses of college teams, ensuring the field will remain elite by attracting squads from across the country, Baker said. Last year the meet boasted eight of the nine women's cross country teams that participated in the NCAA championships. Another impressive field is expected this year. The 101st Relays will be staged from April 27-29 at historic Franklin Field. The Penn Relays was the most-attended track meet in the world last year, but Penn students have traditionally been apathetic toward the meet. Athletic director Steve Bilsky said he hopes to change students' attitudes. "It's the most fun event that takes place on this entire campus," Bilsky said yesterday. "It's so unique that if you don't take advantage of it over the four years you are here, you'll never see anything like it again." Baker stressed the money will not affect the Relays' amateur ideals, and is simply an attempt to recoup the money lost from Cosby. The Relays attracts top professional athletes despite paying them no money. "Because of the stories which appeared last year that Mr. Cosby was not continuing his level of contribution, people pretty much knew that we were looking for money," Baker said.