Brash Quakers to invade Colgate pool

Penn men's swimming coach Kathy Lawlor-Gilbert is usually a woman of many words. But if her brevity yesterday is any indication, the Quakers have nothing to worry about when they travel to the Colgate Invitational this weekend. "Attitude is everything," is all Lawlor-Gilbert could say regarding the upcoming meet against Colgate and Yale. The team itself is almost as clear about their intentions. "This weekend we have one objective -- to win," Penn co-captain Colin Robinson said. "And we're really look forward to beating Yale." The confidence shown by the Quakers is a bit deceptive. The team will be short-handed, with some of its top swimmers missing due to serious illnesses like pneumonia and mononucleosis. They will be relying on some swimmers who have never seen the spotlight. "A lot of guys need to step up and be counted," Penn assistant coach Mike Schnur said. Penn senior Matt Robon agrees. "We do need a full team effort if we are going to win," he said. The Yale squad is young and inexperienced, with 20 freshmen swimmers contributing to the team. But Schnur makes it clear that the Elis should not be discounted. "They aren't as experienced, but they are very talented," he said. Penn sprinter Mark Spenner has a cautious, but nonetheless confident, view. "If we swim to our potential, we will be able to defeat a very good Yale team," he said. One change the Quakers, specifically the coaches, will have to adjust to is the three-team format. Up to this point, all of Penn's competitions have been dual meets. "It will therefore call upon the swimmers to compete in many different events, making the meet more competitive," Robinson explained. "And what will put us over the top is our depth." The meet will be the last before winter break, giving the team time to rest and recuperate. "We are looking forward to this meet. It will be a good transition into second semester and will prepare us for the Eastern divisionals, which will be a difficult meet," Schnur said. Senior sprinter Jon Levine sums up the team's sentiment as politely as he could: "No one on this team has any intention of losing to this Yale squad."