Penn Relays will showcase nation's best

102nd Relays will102nd Relays willfeature No. 1 men's and102nd Relays willfeature No. 1 men's andNo. 1 women's teams On the last full week of April each year, the track and field world turns its attention toward Franklin Field. The Penn Relays is the most prestigious annual track and field competition. This year, the Relays enters its 102nd consecutive year at Franklin Field, a tradition longer than either baseball's World Series or football's Super Bowl. The Penn Relay committee has selected six honorary referees for this year's event. The group is highlighted by New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and Dr. Leroy Hubbard, the president of the United States Olympic Committee. Included among the 34 teams in the men's collegiate field are the top three ranked teams in the nation -- George Mason, Nebraska and Arkansas. "I think the Penn Relays is very important to us," George Mason coach John Cook said. "The competition is incredible, everyone is good in the Championship of America." Although George Mason is the favorite in the men's competition, Cook believes Arkansas is at least equally as talented. Penn may also be competitive in the men's field, after demolishing Ivy League rival Cornell a week ago. "Being at Franklin Field, it gives us a little extra adrenaline rush," Quakers coach Charlie Powell said. "Being at home puts a little extra spring in their steps." Penn will be strongest in the 4x200 relay, in which the Quakers are currently ranked No. 6 in the nation. Penn also has the No. 3 pole vaulter in the East in Greg Schroeder, and four of the East's top 12 triple jumpers in Dave Davenport, Stanley Anderson, Okiny Ayungo and Dan Nord. Penn junior Chris Osentowski is also ranked No. 13 on the East Coast in the shot put. Powell believes the Quakers match up well against the nation's top teams. "We have a bunch of gamers -- some really tough nuts," Powell said. "They actually get better as the going gets tough. The collegiate women's field will consist of 37 of the nations top teams, featuring No. 1 Louisiana State, No. 3 Texas and No. 4 Florida. LSU is expected to dominate the short-distance runs. The Tigers have the top two runners in the 100-meter dash, D'Andre Hill and Zundra Feagin. Feagan is also ranked No. 1 in the 200-meter dash, clocking in in just under 23 seconds. The Longhorns should be the strongest in the relays. "We are strong but inexperienced in the 4x100 meters", Texas coach Bev Kearney said. "The 4x200 meter and 4x400 meter relays should do even better." Villanova is also expected to be a force. The Wildcats are led by senior distance runner Jen Rhines, a seven-time All-American. But after losing Becky Spies, one of last year's top U.S. distance runners, to graduation, Villanova is not as experienced as in years past. Wildcats freshmen Kris Jost and Carrie Tollefson will step into the vacated spotlight. In the women's events, Penn stands its best chance in the pentathlon and heptathalon. Quakers junior and team captain Angie Jimenez stars in both events. Penn captain Kelly King will anchor a solid 4x100 relay. And freshmen standouts Kim Mason and Lisa El seek to continue their season-long domination in the long jump. The Penn Relays, which begin today and run through the weekend, is one of the nation's most recognized sporting events. The final events will be aired Sunday on CBS-TV. "We are looking forward to the Relays because they allow us to get involved in the community," said Don Haskin, a spokesman for PNC, a sponsor of the event. "We understand what a tremendous opportunity this is for young people all around the country."

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