M. Track wary of Big Red

At first glance, it appears the Penn men's track team should have few problems dispensing with Cornell tomorrow at Franklin Field. The Quakers are one of the top 20 teams in the country, while the Big Red is a middle-of-the-pack team in the Ivy League. But if there is one lesson that every coach has learned, it is to not overlook any team. The meet falls between Penn's emotional one-point defeat to Princeton and the Penn Relays. The Big Red could easily catch the Quakers looking ahead or focusing on what could have been. "Cornell knows that they can catch us on the rebound," Penn coach Charlie Powell said. "If they get some steam early on and pass us, then it could be a tough meet." Cornell will come into the meet fired up to prove it deserves to be considered among the Ancient Eight's elite. Even more important is the fact Cornell considers Penn to be its arch-rival and keys on the meet each year. But it is more than intangible factors that could make this meet tougher than expected. Cornell has one of the Ivies' best sprinters in Chad Hunter, who won the 100 and 200 meters at the Penn Invitational two weeks ago. Cornell also features solid middle-distance and distance teams and a group of jumpers that should push the Quakers. The one area in which Penn will have a distinct advantage is in the throws. Clarence Hinton, Doug Jackson, Josh Deines, Lucas Deines and Chris Osentowski should dominate Cornell in the hammer, shot and discus. The same should be true in the javelin, where recent IC4A qualifiers Corey Shannon and Matt Spoerndle will face little competition from the Cornell throwers. Conspicuously absent form the javelin will be John Taylor, Penn's all-American. He is still trying to recover from a recurring groin injury that has limited his competition this year. Taylor is not alone among the walking wounded for the Quakers. Hurdler and jumper Jon Yu, sprinter Clive Brown and jumper Randy Simmons will miss the meet tomorrow. Penn is trying to get completely healthy by Heptagonals in two weeks, so Powell is not willing to risk further injuries even if it means resting many of his top competitors. Ideally, Penn will leave the meet with a win and a few more IC4A qualifiers. Powell is also looking to solidify his traveling team, and several spots will be decided by how individuals perform in the next few weeks. But Powell may find himself focusing on just getting a win if Cornell gains confidence early. While Cornell might be looking to catch Penn off guard, the Quakers are aware they can't have an off day if they expect to easily defeat the Big Red. "We have a lot to prove to the coaches and to ourselves," captain Chris Harper said. "Just because we are not facing a top-level team, it does not mean that we can let down this week."