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PENN2016 RELAYS

APRIL 28-30, 2016 2 PENN RELAYS THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN | THEDP.COM Relays showcasePenn'spotential Editors Will Snow Tommy Rothman Tom Nowlan Laine Higgins Nick Buchta Table ofContents 10 11 9 9 8 6 5 4 3 Cover photobyGuyrandy Jean-Gilles,backcover photobyZoeGan DMR dominanceforVillanova Ananya Chandra Relays throughtheyears David Figurelli Making thePennRelaysareality Jacob Snyder Jacob Adler Laine Higgins Olympic hopefulscometoPenn Cole Jacobson One finalshot Will Snow track Back on Zhao &IlanaWurman Guyrandy Jean-Gilles,ThomasMunson,Katie 2015 PennRelaysinphotos Nick Buchta&IlanaWurman What towatchthisweekend NCAA’s bestreadytocompete Reporters Jacob Snyder Thomas Munson Cole Jacobson David Figurelli Jacob Adler Design Editors Photo Editor Ilana Wurman Alex Graves Ananya Chandra year. last 17th Cornell against Ivy title its clinch football watch Penn to look like. could for that what potential the into offer aglimpse Relays the again, once experience average of the student’sics apart Athlet Penn making of challenge the on resolved take to has houn built. be to more yet is there that yearly reminder —a Athletics Penn in done be to work of a symbol yet the as serve granted. events. sporting great world’s of on one the putting been Penn’s achievements has crowning of overlook to One fact. tended that I’ve of my yearly routines, part a To become it as has honest, be of University City. heart the in right place takes meet field and track World forversus the itself. speaks USA And stands. the somewhere in sprinter goldodd medal-winning the with back, come champions Old Quakers. for the has Mattis Sam senior Penn world, current as the in thrower discus best the as emerge can school champion high display. three-time on full The are field and of track future and present world of athletics. the in be can of Penn what part Relaysthe integral have an formed on122 Going years, track. on the — it’s just a showcase than more table the to University City brings what highlight to chance the gets Penn 33rd to Street. eyes turn over a century. for well Athletics Penn defined has event for be an that No, will they either. isn’t attraction main the football Penn and game, crosse City. University to come to globe the cross ally liter athletes and fans as Penn at sports have wesphere can around of atmo kind of just the reminder T Only 6,007 people were on hand were on hand people 6,007 Only Cal Grace Director Athletic As Relays Penn But the also should for it’sAnd almost taken often America’s annual North largest Relays, past, Penn At the the days, all Every year, for three Relays. Penn The crowds won’tThe for be a la the packed stands will be a a be will stands packed the weekend, This full. be will Field Franklin weekend, his BUCHTA NICK - - - - - sylvanian. He can be reached at at reached be can bu He sylvanian. editor of The Daily Pennnior sports from Olmsted Falls, Ohio, and isse Relays will be its foundation. Relays be will Penn the happen, to is that If ture. cul sports of locus athriving the classroom. the go beyondworld-class offerings Penn’s that Relays offer a reminder the —and location to academics — from reasons City for myriad when you get there. by you what see surprised be might over You 33rda walk to Street. take days and of reading stress the from abreak weather, take nice be hopefully of will what for anyone. just about trip the worth be Field will Franklin gear, latest the to food fantastic from village; Jamaican the to tents Nike From should. Carnival the selves don’t offer much appeal, offer. to has America North field in and most exciting track weekends of one the highlight Olympic Trials U.S. emerge the who at could horses of dark number any and Gardner English Championship WorldFraser-Pryce, American Shelly-Ann Olympian maican Ja surface. the just scratch they beyond and — yetOlympic Trials Awad eyes have on the their all Kelsey Tom Hay and Mattis, yard. back their in Olympics right the preview have to students a chance on campus. means Athletics Penn what in point ing year’s aturn This Relays mark can experience. student offorefront the Blue and the Red to the bringing in capital and of energy amount event. sporting a around together comes community when a be can Athletics Penn what Field onSaturday. Take alook at your way overmake Franklin to I’d student, apathetic suggest you in. come go. can forts on how Calhoun’s far put a limit ef body student of the interests and size the and changed long since has football —Ivyhave League passed Field Franklin fill could football NICK BUCHTA [email protected]. Penn has the potential to become become to potential the has Penn University to come Students advantage else, take nothing If them Even competitions the if corner, the just around Rio With a huge invested has Calhoun the or fan To sports casual the that’s RelaysAnd the where To days when Penn the sure, be

is a College junior is aCollege junior ------THEDP.COM | THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 PENN RELAYS 3 4x400 USA vs. Women 2:25 p.m. the World of America Girls’4x100 2:35 p.m. FRIDAY High School Championship SATURDAY 4x100 4x200 USA vs. USA vs. Women Women College Olympic 1:10 p.m. 1:10 the World the World Racewalk Women’s Women’s 6:45 p.m. 6:45 of America Girls’4x400 12:50 p.m. 12:50 8:00 a.m. 2:10 p.m. FRIDAY High School Women’s 5K Women’s Development Javelin Throw Javelin Championship Championship SATURDAY SATURDAY SATURDAY THURSDAY Men Men Men 4x400 4x100 4x200 Mixed 4x100 USA vs. USA vs. USA vs. College College Masters the World the World the World Men’s 3K Men’s 5:52 p.m. 2:52 p.m. 5:40 p.m. p.m. 7:45 of America 12:38 p.m. 12:38 2:00 p.m. FRIDAY 70 and Older Steeplechase Championship Championship Women’s DMR Women’s SATURDAY SATURDAY SATURDAY THURSDAY THURSDAY Men’s College Men’s Masters 3:22 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:30 100m Dash FRIDAY 70 and Older Championship SATURDAY

College Hurdles College

2:35 p.m. of America 1:15 p.m. 1:15 9:00 a.m. 9:00 of America Boys’ 400m Boys’ High School Men’s DMR Men’s FRIDAY Men’s 4xMile Men’s Championship Championship Championship SATURDAY SATURDAY What to watch this weekend this watch to What 4 PENN RELAYS THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN | THEDP.COM 2015 PennRelaysinphotos THEDP.COM | THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 PENN RELAYS 5 - - The track new itself is not a great collaboration “It’s Proud indeed — the Quakers “Ithink will it attract new with track,So a new new year. We’re going to going be the host We’re year. Nationals Club U.S. for site also work this summer. We’re ing on hosting Trials a Olympic qualifying distance night in the summertime those for trying to thoseget qualifying Olympic like to keep ex times. We’d panding in the years to come, high meets school whether it’s competition.” or world-class the only change within the stadium. Alterations also have been applied to the high jump and triple jump pits, and the been so even have renovations specific as to reposition the areavault pole better to work with the wind. between Penn Facilities, the and Penn Penn Relays track,” Dolan can we said. have “Now really something that we’re proud of.” can be many proud of things regarding . And according to Dolan, the couldrenovations also help in attracting Baby some new Quakers as well. students to Penn — everyone wants to train at world-class a From one. and have facility, we both training a and recruiting a standpoint, having Franklin at tip-topField shape like is it is definitely an advantage for us.” and recruits,mega-events, new looks like it theaging relic of Philly become just have may the cougar new on the block. Look out, young‘uns. - - - - - Like Frank any aging lady, The surface new Penn’s of “Having a brand surface new technical of couple A but — like would ad to hold “We Back on track Back Renovations to Franklin Relays 2016 precede Field WILL SNOW Sports Editor-elect facelift a lin got Field this year one. and— is big a it trackis immaculate the — popcolors enough out to make any graphic designer jump with the But high-tech surface joy. about just looks. isn’t has been amazing,” Penn di rector track of and field Steve Dolan said. “I think we’ve thegot perfect combination surface a fast of that can we run really good times on, and really high performance. have also something canIt’s we train good. feels It’s It regularly. on also nice to train just some on thing so aesthetically pleasing, with the red track and the blue around it.” importantextremely — ad ditions to the surface new are the creation ninth a of lane and the lengthening the of back straightawayto allow full- length hurdle and sprint events. The nine-lane new track has the capacity more to hold in less time,events also but a competition. of higher level According to Dolan, that was theone of primary goals the of renovations. ditional things at Franklin added We on allField levels. another collegiate meet this ILANA WURMAN | DESIGN EDITOR 6 PENN RELAYS THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN| THEDP.COM anything of but.With hisstunning effort his laurels — except senior hasdone the would Mattismightrest that on think ual men’s nationaltitlesince2003,one thrower Sam Mattis is just getting started. Championships. Onenationaltitle. the fications at NCAA All-American selections.Three quali - SHOT ONE FINAL After securing Penn’s securing After first individ- Penn discus part? scariest And the Three IvyLeaguechampionships. Two by ColeJacobson cially great [entering that meet] that —Ithinkcially [entering great — andI wasn’tthat even feeling espe- his record-breaking mark. “Now Ihit that in my career,” week Mattissaidthe after I’dseason, butalsowhere Ithought be not only moves ofthis timetable upthe merely NCAAs. arepeat titleatthe himself asacontenderfor far more than College asserted Classic, Mattis abruptly 67.45 meters 2016Philadelphia atthe “This is something that really is something that “This kind of Jamaican Traves Smikle,whoset astill- competitor butcouldn’tAmerican best 2011, Mattisagainthe top finishedas place behindJamaica’s ChadWright. In donned aPenn jersey. himself inPhiladelphiafar before heever Mattis madeanameformedium that environment —anditwas this through inahigh-pressure to perform opportunity divisions to give nearby youthan talent have spikes laceduptheir inrecent years. Bolt, Allyson Felix andTyson Gay that householdnameslike the Usainsidering track onthe talent —rightfully so,con- Relays are renowned for professional the wasstar already buzzing. 33rd Street regarding heralded super the school legend cameto aclose,word on University Citybeckons yards. 7,125career rushing record with NCAAholds the DivisionI FBSall-time ed to play eightyears NFLandstill inthe record set by Ron Dayne — who proceed - all-time New Jersey highschool discus process, hebrokeonship, but,inthe the consecutivehome his third champi state - high school season.Not only didhetake saved hisbest efforts for last inhisfinal discus throw in2010and2011,Mattis High School. recordat East books on the Brunswick coach, Mattislaunched anall-outassault never looked back. With hisfather asa trackthe andfield, New Jersey native innately given to succeedin pedigree the twoin the events. ond placeinschool history, respectively, liam andMary, ranking fourth andsec- hammer throw and weight throw at Wil - Mattis’ father, Marlon, specializedinthe tis was noexception. mid-1980s, Inthe looking to passonknowledge, andMat- eventualto their passionsby arelative A family tradition making. decades inthe followingthe are actually months, several breakthrough, andany may that comein the track, onandoff it’story that his clear givention onthat day. a result ofgoodluck orspecialprepara- was performance the assume that simply absolute rarity, by way the —onemight by 16feet more than inany event —an seasoncanbeprettythis big.” As asophomore, Mattistook second meetBut the also offers high school To most track and field the fans, Penn But even before asahigh hisstatus boys’ titlesinthe winningstate After Consequently, younger the Mattiswas Countless athletes are first introduced deeplyBut ifonelooks atMattis’ his- Any timeanathlete hitsapersonalbest - year, andto actually get itdonewas awe- I’vethat wanted to dosincemy freshman complishment for me; that’s something nationalchampionship.home the clutch final toss of62.48meterstake to NCAAat the Finals —anddelivered a andfinalattempt hissixth inches entering Tennessee seniorTavis Bailey by two straight conference title, Mattis trailed track immortality. winning histhird After Mattis would inPenn cementhisstatus regular season. the point during failed to reach hispersonalrecord atany for superstar, to Earth the a return ashe placenationally.he finishedinfifth for NCAA Finals for first the time, where second conference titlebefore qualifying ued in his sophomore year, as he won his mark of58.34meters. championship event inthe a in2013with er, andMattiswon his first IvyLeague ly becomehisteam’s top discusthrow tis’ freshman seasonsaw himimmediate- Topping the charts momentsweregreat only beginning. ing.” bestis the momentI’ve ever hadthrow nothing bigger winning at Penn; than this NewJersey.com is meet. the “There after of minefor alongtime,”’ Mattistold ond two times—it’s beenahuge goal ters to winby 18feet. more than high school level, Mattisthrew 64.60me- atthe Inhislastgrounds. opportunity to putonashow onhisfuture stomping committed to Penn, andhemadesure 6-foot-12012, the hadalready superstar highschool1.6-kilogram disc). gargantuan toss of69.55meters the (with highschoolstanding meet a record with career I thoughtI’d beinmy season, but also where up the timetable of this - Sam Mattis “Obviously was that anawesome ac- 2015postseasonBut asthe came, Initially, junioryear seemed to bring Mattis’ naturally progression contin- As was casefour the years prior, Mat- But, asMattiswould the soonlearn, “It’s niceto finally beingsec- winafter meet timethe rolled aroundBy the in not only moves that really kind of This is something .”

- - title fromcollegeresume Mattis missingonlyRelays the worldthe was putonwatch. landed ataninconceivable 67.45meters, Classic onMarch 19. was PhiladelphiaCollege coming atthe not even hecould’ve anticipatedwhat about his career accomplishments, but Throw.”“The by whatcansimply bereferred to as were allsilenced—to putitpolitely — settle inonMattis’ season. final have expected somecomplacency to semester one might senior threatening, generaland the ofbeingasecond- status Throw”“The it’s hitmeyet.” some,” Mattissaid.“I’mstill not sure if And when that first throw first meetAnd when that ofthe Mattis has always been optimistic everBut ifthere were any doubts,they With a national titlealready inhand fourth in the men’sfourth inthe discuscompetition. Games, Mattis’ throw would’ve taken 2012Olympic2011. Ifplaced inthe Romesince Jarred didsoback inAugust atany 67metersAmerican age to surpass firstcollegiate athlete. Hebecame the was farthest ever the by any American throw worldwide in2016,Mattis’ throw the year I hope—thatthisis - Sam Mattis In additiontobest still asthe standing like —atleast It’s looking .” it’s allfinally coming together. wanted to Penn to whenIgot – recruited booster to know Icanthrow that asfar I It’s relief and confidence a nicemental whiched that, hasbeenreally exciting. I can be and evenwhere I think exceed- kind offinally gotten back onpace to NCAAs,” year, Mattissaid.“This I’ve beforefrustrated strong Ifinished at trend where Iwas to get starting alittle year was same kindofgoingalongthe ups anddowns sophomore year, last then towardfrustrating end,Ihadalot the of freshman yearto aslow was start; pretty Virginiaat the QuadMeet inearly April. same meet before throwing 65.12meters 66meters inthe more attempts surpassing twono flukethe timesince,securing in proved hisbreakout that was performance “I think [my“I think career] definitely got off And, for seniorhas goodmeasure, the best Ican.” that so I’mgoingto want to step upanddothe definitely won’t behappy ifIdon’t win, lays record for disc,” Mattissaid.“And I Penn goalisto break the do, andthe Re- accomplished seasoninaPenn uniform. of what’s already arguably beenhismost homestretchsatisfy himasheenters the Relays, ofperfection will nothingshort title athisseventh consecutive Penn easy, andeverybody really steps up.” shape,”is ingreat Mattissaid.“It’s never thrown really far, andobviously [Dacres] top guyssome ofthe from Jamaicahave ... It has been tough, in past years — Relays inboth2011 and2013. PennSmikle, whotopped Mattisatthe dition, UWI-Monawillalsobesending best mark of65.94meters in2016.Inad- world infourth placeinthe ranks a with at last year’s Penn Relays and currently third placerick Dacres, whofinishedin sity ofWest IndiesatMonaseniorFed- strong. Jamaicawill be sendingUniver fieldopposingMattiswillbe the quite to throw andtry asfarthere asIcan.” year, isthe this soI’mgoingto goout “It’s lookinglike — atleast Ihope —that bestthe meets world,” inthe Mattis said. Pennthe Relays isjust generally oneof success alotIhave easierthan been,but to come into college andreplicate that of highschool, I’d andIthought beable able to get done;Iwon itinmy last year my freshman year and just haven’t been onhismind. nothingbutvictory nity with years ago,he’s- hisfinalopportu entering Penn Relays title—andjust like hedidfour missing from Mattis’ collegiate resume is a meters for secondconsecutive the year. while Brown set ameet record at65.04 fully similar, asMattistook fourth place Brown set ameet record title. to take the junior in Rodneysecond place as LSU years.time in three In 2014, Mattis finished ishing aspot behindSmiklefor second the legiate discusthrow Penn atthe Relays, fin- meet easily lays falsehood this to rest. in any capacity, Mattis’ at the recent history weekend’sof this Penn Relays senior to the importance tional teamdreams diminishthe Red the plish wearing andBlue. go far beyond anything hecanaccom- world year, this it’s evident hisgoals that Mattis owns best the discusthrow inthe 2016Olympicsof the fact andthe that One finaltry “I’m feeling alot better Iusually than hisfirstBut asMattisseeks collegiate year] [Icanwinthis “I think honestly. Even Brown with having graduated, “It’s I’ve something that wanted since As aresult, justonly aboutthe thing Then, last year, narrativewas the aw the col- In 2013,Mattisfinished in fourth But ifthere’s any Mattis’ beliefthat na- looming presence the Considering

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7 THEDP.COM | THEDP.COM THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 28, APRIL THURSDAY, THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN DAILY THE PENN RELAYS PENN - Expectedtoruninthe4x100mforUSAatPennRelays - 2ndfastest100mtimein2015,behindonlyShelly-AnnFraser-Price - 24year-oldrisingstarinthe100m English Gardner - Expectedtoruninthe4x400mforUSAatPennRelays7thconsecutiveyear(won2010,2013and 2014) - Bronzein400mat2012Olympics - Goldinthe4x400m2004and2012OlympicsforUSA DeeDee Trotter - Expectedtoruninthe4x100mforJamaicaatPennRelays - Goldinthe100m2008and2012Olympics Shelly-Ann Fraser-Price - Expectedtoruninthe4x100mforUSAvs.TheWorldrace - Goldinthe100m2004OlympicsforUSA Justin Gatlin - Expectedtoruninthe4x100mforUSAvs.TheWorldrace - 2ndfastesttimeeverinthe100m,behindUsainBolt - Americanrecord-holderinthe100m(9.69) Tyson Gay

8 PENN RELAYS THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN | THEDP.COM Sports Editor HIGGINS LAINE spot for world the in best Relays gathering as serve City. University in compete field to and track — in international and can Ameri- — both biggest names the of some Relays Penn drawn has the years, Over the past. the in presence Field their with Franklin have that graced stars only the Olympic hopefulscometoPenn The Eagles aren’t Eagles Philadelphia The The World Event: 4x100minUSAvs. Olympics the 100mat2004 Known for:Winninggoldin utnGti Shelly-Ann Fraser-Price Justin Gatlin Justin Gatlin Event: 4x100minUSAvs.TheWorld world behindUsainBolt the second-fastesttimeeverin the 100-meterdash(9.69seconds), Known for:American-recordholderin 4x100minUSAvs.TheWorld Tyson Gay Olympians atthePennRelays American-recordholderin relay teams for the last four years. years. four last for the relay teams States United onthe fessionally pro- for competing Tennessee and 2000s early the in appearances several Relays making regular, Olympics, a is Athens 2004 the who won in 100m gold the in onds. of 37.90 time a blazing with sec- USA Worldthe the versus race in record relay a meet set meter men’s Jamaican ofrest the 4x100- the He and Frank. the at pearance ap- an Bolt, made Usain on earth, American star Justin Gatlin, Gatlin, Justin star American 2010,Back in man fastest the Shelly-Ann Fraser-Price World Event: 4x100minUSAvs.The Olympics forJaimaica 100m atthe2008and2012 Known for:Winninggoldinthe Known for: Winninggoldinthe one-year ban in 2014 in ban one-year for testing a serving after sport the to ing He just is nowseconds. return- 9.69 in event the 2009 in in record American the set later and Osaka World in 2007 Championships events the at wonwhen he three late-2000s, the heyday in came World the versus Gay’s race. track 4x100mStates relay USA for the United on the competing be edly 2016the report- Relays will and Tyson to invited Gay was also year’s this in Relays.compete to invited again was once Gatlin Fellow American sprinter sprinter American Fellow the seventhconsecutiveyear) Event: 4x400minUSAvs.TheWorld(for bronze inthe400mat2012Olympics at the2004and2012Olympics,winning Known for:Winninggoldinthe4x400m the seventhconsecutiveyear) Known for: DeeDee Trotter DeeDee Trotter Matt Mantica |OnlineGraphicsAssociate Winninggoldinthe4x400m fastest 100mtimein2015 behind star inthe100mand second Known for:24-year-oldrising Event: 4x100minUSAvs.The English Gardner Shelly-Ann Fraiser-Pierce in a similar position, with Senior Senior with position, a similar in are runners Jamaican pic team. Olym- American on the berths event each in earn qualifiers three top the Eugene, only Ore.,where week of July in first held the trials, before two months nearly come Relays the For Americans, meets. Olympic Trials respective their have offer to before runners est world’s of the what get ataste fast- Relays the use to athletes many as Philadelphia, to competitors evenan longer of professional list substance. positive illegal for an Olympic years tend to bring bring to tend Olympic years World Relays. Penn of the 122nd running the in result improve that to upon 2015, in Championships poised is NCAA 13th Outdoor at take to going on Relays after Penn and, women’s javelin year’s last at July. come team U.S. for the contender Olympic a top Mattis makes Olympics and 2012 the at London fourth placed would have throw That meters. 67.45 world the —a staggering in longest throw the discus recorded Mattis March, lege in Classic Mattis. Sam thrower discus Kelsey senior Hay and specialist javelin senior two of its own,in boasts Penn Olympic hopefuls. Relays Penn the at are competing college yet, athletes many sionals 2014. 2010, in meet the at titles 2013 and Relays,secutive Penn earning USA with 4x400m for con- six the Now in 33, run has Trotter finish. 2012 athird-place with in 400m individual the in aling med- also while team 4x400m USA of the member women’s 2012 and a Olympics as 2004 the both at gold medals earning a long as sprinter, career cessful 4x100mloaded race. the in go head-to-head likely will weekend, they this individually two won’t the Although battle Fraser-Pryce’s behind only 10.74. world the in second 2015 ranked of 10.79 event the in in seconds best Jersey native whose personal aNew Gardner, 24-year-old star rising it well the may very be throne, 100m the from Pryce Relays. Penn at 4x100m the Jamaica with run to expected is but first she summer, event the this in winner three-peat ever first the become to chance Now the 29, has Fraser-Pryce Olympics history. in sprint the in go to back-to-back female third the only her Olympics, making 2012 and 2008 the both in race women’sgold the in 100-meter Relays. Penn the at ing compet- be reportedly will States United of Trotter the DeeDee and Gardner English maica, of Ja- Shelly-Ann Fraser-Price Jamaica. July Kingston, 3 in 30- June from place taking Trials Hay finished in fifth in the the in fifth in Hay finished Col- Philadelphia At the they’reAlthough profes- not suc- a long had and has Trotter Fraser- anyone unseat to is If the home took Fraser-Pryce stars sprint year, female This THEDP.COM | THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 PENN RELAYS 9 - - - - will New Hampshire

, Read into it what you will,Read into what you it but The holder of this season’s The this of holder season’s that think this could be the year the winning Wildcats’ streak is broken. Procaccio did mention, that to she “excited was however, see what the freshmen can and do” that the she believes runners new are “ready the for competitive en vironment.” one thing sure is for — if history tells us anything, come the final leg the Wildcats theof will relay, be right in the mix. the outdoorseason and has won each time. Elinor Purrier best timein the steeplechase, Elinor Purrier qualified U.S. for weeks Trials few a Olympic just at theago Ocean State Invita tional in Providence, R.I. She finished third in the mile at the NCAA Indoor Championships this year and had the fastest in dividual mile time nationally during the indoor season. In the NCAAChampionships last year, she placed in the seventh steeple chase with time a she has already bested this season more than by six seconds. COURTESY OF VILLANOVA ATHLETICS - - Mid. Tennessee

, Onethe of more distinguishing The reigning Penn Relays After winning its fourth straight distance medley title, relay Villanova be hard-pressed it a fifth make to consecutive win with an all-new lineup. ings.This outdoor season, he has already posted wins in the hurdles, 400m110m hurdles and 4x400m relay. AmpomahJohn preme confidence in her team’s chances this she repeatedly year, referenced the future, which might catch competitors of the eyes Desmond Palmer named was a second team All-American, and he currently the holds top spot in the national 400m hurdle rank be the competitive by the end of Procacciorace,” said. “There are some pretty anchors impressive coming to compete against our to seefreshmen, have just we’ll happens.” what interviewaspects Procaccio’s of thatwas instead expressing su of champion in the John javelin, Ampomahtook second in the NCAA Championships last throw from andyear, his 81.55m rank would Relays last year’s second nationally occurred if it season. Thein Accra, the 2016 Ghana, has native competed in the four times javelin so far in ------Pittsburgh

, Florida State Florida

The 2014 Penn Relays cham Penn Relays The2014 After finishing second in the scarierEven the for Villanova “Both those are of legs crucial to The freshmen two in line to Hutchinson will and Bockover confident that“I’m can we still Kellion Knibb, inpion the discus, Kellion Knibb continued her tear after claiming theRelays, more two meet wins a in before the event fifth-place finish at the NCAA Championships. Currently ranked second in the country, she has competed in the discus three times this outdoor season, win ning twice, with marks two better than throw her best Penn Relays from years two ago. Desmond Palmer 400m Penn hurdles at last year’s and helping set school- a Relays record time in the 4x400m relay, be devastating. The Homer City, had native Pa., set the collegiate record in the 1,000m at the Big East Championships in February, and she finished second in the mile atthe NCAA Championships last month. faithful is that Schappert and Pic cirillo ran the first and of last legs which are thethe lon two relay, andgest important most as legs, Procaccio explains. Procacciothe outcome,” said. “The determines essentially leg leadoff to be going in the race atif you’re all, and the anchor is the person want to bringyou home you when it the lead athave the last handoff.” replacePiccirillo and Schappert teamon this are year’s Vancou Hutchinson Nicole native andver Ohio resident Sammy Bockoven. The girls two raced head-to-head on Friday to take see would who theon responsibility the of anchor. Theresults that of not race have been made public. likely join Clei sophomore Siofra righ Buttner and senior Michaela Wilkins, the runners two returning group. Regard from last year’s runs who of less the all-important Procaccioanchor leg, count is not ing her inexperienced team out. - - - - Oregon , , Right beside Todd is teammateRight beside Todd “For feel some reason, always I the question marks of Some big Although the team prepared was Despite these remarkable feats, Hannah Cunliffe, who ranks ranks who Cunliffe, Hannah third in the 100m and eighth in the 200m. Cunliffe transferred to Oregon after her freshman year fromOklahoma, where a shewas second team All-American in the indoor 60m. fending champs might be looking at a tough task to make a five-peat it race,in this held this Thurs year’s at Franklin PM atday 5:40 Field. track Villanova women’s However, coach Gina Procaccio remains adamant that while her team may benot the past triumphs favorites, indicate that undoubtedly they’ll be competitive. the underdogs we’re paper] like [on had a lot thoughhere, we’ve even Procaccio success,” of said. “There might not beas many names big out there still this from they’re but year, Villanova and they know what the arePenn all Relays about.” thefor Wildcats’ DMR team are the very people that might not know what the competition is all the freshmen aboutnamely, — the of four runnersrunners. Two group willfrom last year’s not be competing this Stephanie year. Schappert, a four-time All-Amer ican, graduated last spring, while another DMR veteran, Angel Piccirillo, com this of is out year’s petition to due lingering a injury. to compete withoutSchappert this injury Piccirillo’s year, could Todd is participatingTodd in her third having finishedPenn Relays, second in the relay 4x100-meter and firstin in 2014 the sprint is She inmedley relay 2015. ranked nationally in the top 20 the 100m dashin four events; 200m dash 19), (No. 1), (No. and triple jump 4) (No. long jump (No. 19). Cunliffe Hannah titlesfive in from a row 1987-91, theand last four more from notably, 2012-15. recent races indicate that the de ------Oregon

The DMR is race a that is com Since the inception the of DMR DMR titles areThe 14 only not more impressive Perhaps even There’s succeeding, andThere’s then When the Villanova women’s A redshirt Jasmine junior, While the nation’s eyes turn eyes While the nation’s lected first its title Penn Relays the school itself not even in 1984, predictedcould have the decades of success that to follow. were prised each varying of four legs, of length. The first is 1,200 meters, leg 400m a by an 800m leg, followed and 1,600m a leg, final All leg. legs are considered “middle distance runs” aside from the 400m, which is considered sprint. a Vil at the in 1980, Penn Relays haslanova amassed victories, 14 almost tripling the total Ten of nessee, the second successful most wins. withschool five the from most in school a the event theyitself, but are also the that most has school a earned in the any of at outdoor the events Penn women’s Relays. than the number titles of is the Wildcats’ ability to dominate the consecutive years, for with event there’s success. there’s distance medley team relay col JACOB SNYDER Associate Sports Editor Wildcats seek fifth seek Wildcats victorystraight Relays DMR dominance for Villanova DMR dominance , Todd Jasmine pete in the Championshipcollege look a Americaof Here’s events. theat some of collegiate competi tors for: out to watch to Franklin versus USA for Field there Saturday, on willthe World top also be the some of nation’s athletescollege arriving from across the United States to com JACOB ADLER Associate Sports Editor Every region represented in competition collegiate NCAA's best ready to compete to ready best NCAA's 10 PENN RELAYS THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN | THEDP.COM Sports Reporter DAVID FIGURELLI volunteers show the run Professional staff, aware of the workings of every workings ofaware the coverage, press to must he be security to ticketing — from Relays of the aspects gistical lo different of the all in stake Relaysthe was 1978. ever he year worked with first the position; current his assuming Relays the before with perience plenty of ex had though director, Johnson’sRelays be will 21st as upcoming Dave The Johnson. of experience. a decade least at has of every one them almost and round, event year the almost themselves to dedicates ics staff Athlet of Penn contingent small a Relays volunteers, for the are working of people majority vast the Though in. comes staff event reported? compete? to come How als the is profession colleges and Which distributed? tickets How are stay? athletes the do ing. Where train athletic just the event than the into goes but much so more weight the room, in and track the on year-round train athletes the We produced? know magnitude event year. of the biggest Penn-sponsored the edly it undoubt is security, and staff volunteer countless to addition in days, of three over course tors the excess specta in of 100,000 and participants overwith 22,000 Olympics; the Relays than the in compete athletes year. of More the titions compe anticipated highly and most prestigious the of one the RelaysPenn are lege professional — the and col school, — high athletes sounds. air. the in thicker and thicker becomes tension the and building, are nerves The lives. of their biggest race the may be Field. For some, this lin crowd Frank at of over 40,000 of a front up in lined are petitors com the and April, in Saturday sunny It’splaces. a beautiful, Making thePennRelaysareality As director, Johnson has a has Johnson director, As Director is of it charge all In That’s Relays Penn the where But of this how a spectacle is field and track For many gun starting Finally, the their have taken runners The ------working here."working enjoy coming here and a lot of loyalty. People - Gail Zachary, assistant director outside the track and field and track the outside — everyone. I’mtators reaching spec the coaches, the officials, the volunteers, the is group ity My responsibil restrained. more isthey’re group responsibility group; peer their are that sport the within coaches other has world,”of the “A said. he coach It’s rest the out in administrators. it or for is coaches like internal not is group my constituency responsible. ultimately is son for John which community Penn outside of people the of many so participation the upon contingent are and audience much wider Relays,The however, a meet bubble. Penn the within fit Penn at eventsMost of the happening involved Relays. are the in that of people number sheer the with job,of however, the dealing is covered Relays. by the partially be to of cost had which the linas, Caro the from of teams a group for arrangements hotel extra nize orga to had staff Penn ofrest the the and Johnson that meant year one cancellation aflight ample, Relays. entire For ex the affect can city side of the other on the however, of plans change one times, inclement weather. Other issues with result accuracy or such variety, as normal more of the are challenges the times Some scope. and widely size in interrelate.” city of the of pieces sorts how all just seeing Flower Show Relays onthe — Philadelphia of effect the the work onSEPTA lines, railroad Philadelphia traffic patterns, — in no interest I had I thought of things sorts all about learn to “I’ve said. things,”he weird had of sorts out all you and find tions event-wide issues. of troubleshooting charge in Moreover, ultimately is Johnson expect. might one as department, “Because it’s“Because apublic event, biggest of challenges the One up vary come that Issues “You ques odd with get hit event, we have Luckily, as an

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