EDITORIAL: A winning tradition

The annual Penn RelaysThe annual Penn Relaystrack meet last weekend wasThe annual Penn Relaystrack meet last weekend wasone of the best in years.The annual Penn Relaystrack meet last weekend wasone of the best in years.____________________________ Perhaps the most remarkable thing about this year's Relays was not just that they happened (with a minimum of summery heat), but that they were planned and executed extremely smoothly -- despite the sudden resignation of Relays Director Timothy Baker in January. Under Baker's leadership, the Relays thrived, with the number of competitors nearly doubling -- including such subgroups as Special Olympians and non-elite adult athletes -- and profits increasing dramatically. But even with his decision to leave, Athletic Director Steve Bilsky was able to ink a deal with CBS to televise Relays competition and raise the event's national profile. This year, Relays spectators noticed the precise and successful staggering of events, the way races seemed to run like clockwork (no pun intended) and keep ahead of or on pace with the planned schedule. Community members -- especially students -- also noticed one of the safest and calmest Relays weekends in years. Even historically wild events like the Greek reunion party in Superblock Saturday night were relatively subdued, without the weapons and property damage that have characterized similar gatherings in the past. Baker may be gone, but the experience of and attitudes found at this year's Penn Relays should live on. This is one University tradition that's only getting better with age.