Track to visit Bucknell

There has been a change in plans for both the Penn men's and women's track teams this weekend. Instead of competing in the Navy Invitational today as scheduled, both teams will travel to Bucknell tomorrow for their opening meets. Originally, the women's team was also scheduled to compete in the Lafayette Invitational tomorrow, but coach Betty Costanza said she chose the Bucknell Invitational for her team instead because it will be a good chance to see where the team stands. "We are anxious to see where the upperclassmen are and where the freshmen fit in," Costanza said. "The upperclassmen have to establish themselves and lead the way for the others." It is the Quakers' first time competing at Bucknell. They do not know who will be at the meet, but they do know that only Division I schools will be there. "I am expecting us to be the strongest, most balanced team there," Costanza said. With the exception of the members of the men's distance medley (Neil Riordan, Robin Martin, Lou Juliano and Aaron McCommons), who will compete at Navy, the men's team will also be at the Bucknell Invitational. Penn men's assistant coach Nathan Taylor looks at this meet as a way to see whether or not the training the Quakers have been doing will be effective for the season. Penn has been working primarily on developing strength, as opposed to focusing on technical details. Taylor also views the Bucknell Invite as a chance to see his athletes in real competition for the first time this season. "The meet is a great opportunity to see everyone compete for the first time," Taylor said. "It is also a good opportunity to see the freshman class compete for the first time. We like to look at it as an early midterm exam." Both teams are optimistic not only about the Bucknell Invitational, but about the entire upcoming season as well. The Penn women's team hopes to repeat last season's impressive finish, as the Quakers claimed the indoor Heptagonal Championship. Graduating only one athlete and gaining 25 freshmen, there is a strong possibility that goal will be achieved. But Costanza admits this will not be an easy task. "Everything has to be perfect to win," Costanza said. The men's team returns 28 athletes who have scored at the Heptagonal Championships, 13 of who have also earned all-East honors. Combined with a talented rookie class, the Quakers hope they are well on their way to success. Although Penn currently has several men on the injured list, Taylor does not feel this will negatively affect the season. He is confident that his athletes will make every attempt to be at practice and to get in shape again as soon as possible.