As usual, a small but strong Penn contingent will be competing in the men's and women's track and field NCAA Regionals.
The teams are going to Gainesville, Fla., this weekend. But instead of taking in the sun, they're taking on some of the best athletes in the country.
Junior Tim Kaijala qualified in both the 800m and 1500m, but will only be running the former. According to coach Charlie Powell, that is the event for which is best qualified and also the event in which he is the most comfortable.
"I think he's ready to run either a very fast race or a patterned and controlled one," Powell said. "But [the 800m is] very unforgiving. You need to run at close to full speed for two laps."
A very competitive 4x100-meter team will also be sporting Red and Blue in Florida.
"They're ready to run their best time ever," Powell said excitedly. "The key is for the handoffs to go smooth. If they hit it right, man, it's beautiful to watch."
So while the coach doesn't seem too concerned about his runners, he evinced some worries about the his athletes' chances to advance in other events..
Sophomore Anthony Abitante will need to have his best pole vault ever, according to Powell.
"He's done 5.05 meters a half dozen times, but to qualify for the finals, you need a 5.14 meters, at least."
Rounding out the men is the ever-versatile junior Kyle Calvo. He'll be showcasing his abilities in the long jump, although he's proven himself many a decathlon event in the past.
In fact, he and sophomore teammate Max Westman both qualified for the NCAAs in the decathlon, which will take place next weekend.
On the women's side, senior Shani Boston and junior Jesse Carlin have qualified to represent Penn in their events.
Carlin, traditionally a 400m specialist, took first place in the 800m at the ECAC in Princeton, N.J., on May 13. Her time earned her the spot in Florida.
For Boston, this is her last opportunity to make the NCAAs. She is currently on the provisional list in the heptathlon after coming in first in the event at the Ivy Heptagonals in Princeton on May 5-6.
The goal for Powell, and the rest of the Quakers, is to try and produce an All-American.
"We've always been successful at the Regionals and Finals, and we always have at least one All-American," Powell said. "We're going to try and keep that streak alive."
