Celebrating its 110th anniversary, the Penn Relays have become an internationally renowned Philadelphia tradition.
With the whole world watching, high expectations are held for the Penn men's track team at the upcoming relays.
Whether it be distance running, pole vaulting or javelin throwing, the Quakers boast impressive records, hoping and expecting to continue their success from the past season at the renowned relays.
Having won the 4x400-meter relay that includes only Ivy schools for the past four straight years, Penn faces "great competition" from Princeton and Cornell's 4x400m relay teams, according to Penn men's track coach Charlie Powell.
"This race should go down to the wire and be very exciting this year," Powell said.
One of the Red and Blue's expected top relays this year is the 4x100m.
At the Raleigh Relays, the men finished third with a time of 15:20 in the event.
Running the legs of the 4x100m are junior mid-distance runner Scott Sebens as the lead, senior distance runner Joe Fabiani, junior mid-distance runner Stephen Hayes and sophomore distance runner Mark Materna as the anchor.
Also belonging to the Red and Blue men's track team is "one of the best 4x800-m relays in the country," Powell said.
Leading the relay is senior Joe Plevelich, junior Scott Sebens and freshman Carson Schmiett as the third leg. The last leg of the relay is sophomore Courtney Jaworski, of whom everyone will be "seeing and hearing a lot more about in the next few years," Powell predicted.
Aside from the relays, the distance and field events will highlight several Quakers participating in the pole vault and javelin throw.
Tomorrow night, juniors Dusty Lieb and Nolan Tully will represent Penn in the 5000-meter race.
Tully will be looking to beat his career best in the 5000m at 14:18.50, while Lieb will be looking to top 14:35.79.
Junior vaulter Neal Wojdowski, is another Penn notable to keep an eye on at the relays.
The Valencia, Pa., native is looking to beat his career-best 16 feet 2 3/4 inches. The coaching staff expects Wojdowski to have a banner year in 2004.
Senior javelin thrower Brian Chaput is the incoming favorite, expected to win yet another Penn Relays championship, which first began his string of victories last year.
"The guy just knows how to win," Powell said.
Ranked No. 2 in the country and No. 1 in the NCAA, Chaput has thrown over 77 meters at three meets.
"He knows what he wants, to be good, to perform at the highest level possible and there's no problem with him making lifestyle changes and doing whatever he needs to do to get it done," Powell said. "He's got one of the fastest arms you've ever seen."
