Track stars prepare for Penn Relays as nation's eyes turn to Philadelphia

In college sports, it doesn't get much bigger than the Penn Relays. On Saturday — the most important day of the competition — over 40,000 people regularly pack the stadium to witness one of the world's greatest track meets. Elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, colleges and clubs all send athletes to the Penn Relays. Over the last 10 years, over 100,000 people have competed.

"It's simply the biggest meet in the country," men's head coach Fred Samara said. "In fact, in terms of the number of athletes, it's the biggest track meet in the world."

Some of the members of Princeton's men's and women's track teams head to Philadelphia today for the 106th Penn Relays, with hopes of making a mark on the international scene.

"Teams from as far as California and Jamaica come to the Penn Relays," women's senior captain Allison Brown said. "It's just a different feeling running in front of 40,000 people, as compared to running in front of just our teammates at Weaver Stadium."

"It's a really remarkable event," Samara said. "There are hundreds of schools there and getting into any event is great."

Many of the events at Penn Relays are, not surprisingly, relays. The meet, which lasts from today until Saturday, also includes a number of field events and a handful of individual running events. Princeton's men are looking for strong showings in all three types of competition.

In the field, two familiar Tigers are in the championship level of college competition — the best of the best. Junior captain Scott Denbo is entered in the shot put, while fellow junior Jonathan Jessup will compete in the pole vault.

"I want to finish as high as possible, which could be first," Denbo said. "I want to compete well. These are people I'll see again at nationals, so I want to solidify my spot ."

As a sophomore, Denbo was one of Princeton's leaders at the 1999 Penn Relays. He threw 58 feet, 1/2 inches in the shot put to claim fifth place overall.

Junior Dennis Norman and freshman Jeff Petrulis are competing in the college division of the field events.

Another Princeton performer to look for in the field is sophomore Liam Morton.

"Liam's a javelin thrower who's ready to make a national-caliber throw," Denbo said.

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The Tigers are also very strong in the individual distance events. Two of Princeton's leaders in longer races — seniors Chris Banks and Mike Spence — fared well earlier this spring against national competition in Stanford. Banks and Spence — along with sophomore phenom Paul Morrison — are the key Tigers in the distance events.

"Morrison and Banks are looking to qualify for nationals, while Mike Spence [who has already qualified] wants to improve on his times. I think we have all three of them in good events," Samara said.

Morrison will run the 5000 meters this weekend, while Spence is going to compete in the steeplechase. Banks will be running in the 10,000.

But individuals only can do so much at the Penn Relays. Princeton needs to have its relay teams come up with strong finishes if the Tigers want to make their presence felt on the national scene.

"We're going to be very competitive in the 4x100 and 4x200. We should be able to run those races very well," Samara said.

The longer relays might be even better for Princeton. The Tigers have leaned on many of their distance runners for crucial points in important events throughout the year.

"We should have a strong distance medley relay, and the four-by mile will really do well," Samara said. "We have the runners in that relay competing at a high level."

'Stepping stone'

But while Penn Relays might be a meet of international importance, Princeton's men are still focused on another goal.

"Penn Relays is an incredible level of competition, but we use it as a stepping stone for Heps," Samara said.

The Tiger women also hope that Penn Relays will be an opportunity for them to showcase their skills.

"Everyone's been practicing and training very hard, and we've had plenty of time to recover [from other meets]," Brown said.

The various relays will be Princeton's strongest point at the meet.

"The 4x400, 4x800, and the [distance medley relay] should be some of our best events," Brown said.

With the men and women both competing in one of the greatest events in collegiate sports, Princeton has an opportunity to show that its athletes can compete with the nation's best.