M. Track looks to build on success at Cornell Invitational

While Penn's men's indoor track team views each meet as a chance for physical improvement, its mental toughness is unquestionable. Tested by Mother Nature this week while preparing for tomorrow's competition at Cornell, the Quakers stuck to their guns and continued to practice as usual. A frigid Monday gave way to only slightly better conditions Tuesday and Wednesday before the real challenge arrived in the form of about four inches worth of snow yesterday. Although they might comprise the indoor track team, much of the squad trains outside at Franklin Field whether there's rain, shine, sleet or snow. Junior long distance runner Bryan Kovalsky completed several laps around the chilled track well past sunset late Wednesday afternoon. "Most serious runners run indoors and outdoors," Kovalsky said. Penn coach Charlie Powell says he's not sure whether training in the bitter cold and snow is a plus or a minus. He chooses to downplay the significance of it, even though several of the teams that Penn faces throughout the year are able to practice inside. Kovalsky, however, feels that the Penn runners might have gained a mental edge for the Cornell meet. This improved mindset can't do anything but complement the Quakers' aggressive training schedule. Therefore, the Quakers are understandably confident about building on their second-place effort last week at Penn State when they battle local rival St. Joe's in addition to Fordham and host Cornell. "Penn State was just like the first step," said Kovalsky, who echoed the thoughts of many of his teammates who have their eyes on the Heptagonal Championships and IC4As, which loom at the season's end. Last Saturday's outing seemed a promising first step, despite the fact that standouts such as captain Sean MacMillan insist that much room for improvement remains from a team standpoint. Still, few can dispute the impressiveness of performances turned in by individual athletes such as senior throwing captain Matt Pagliasotti, who has captured first place in the 35-pound weight throw in both of Penn's meets thus far in the season. Perhaps sophomore Tuan Wreh has been even more sterling. The Red and Blue's leading jumper has also recorded victories in both of Penn's competitions, but in different events. He took the long jump title at Princeton on December 11 and won the triple jump in State College. Junior Mike Aguilar has placed third or above in three separate events so far in the young season, very clearly illustrating the Quakers' athleticism. "A lot of our guys are really versatile and Aguilar is agile and extremely fast," Kovalsky said. Penn throwers and jumpers have already shown results, and with the adverse weather hardening the nerves of the runners, the Quakers have every reason to be confident as they head up north.