by Conrad Haber

Franklin Field 
Event: The Mecca of outdoor relay meets, the Penn Relays.

It is that time of the year again.

The streets surrounding the famed Franklin Field turn will once again turn from normal pedestrian traffic to a whirlwind of vendors and runners, the very images that we have come to associate with the Penn Relays. No other meet on the outdoor track schedule can create such an elevated level of excitement among both competitors and fans as the Penn Relays. Year in and year out, people flock to Penn to watch the nations elite runners wage war with one another in the hopes of capturing the ultimate goal: 1st place at the Penn Relays.

This years meet appears to be no different. The men's individual distance events are more competitive than ever, making for what looks to be a great day of racing at Penn.

OPEN MILE 

This year, the open mile race is shaping up to be a great one. Although there will not be an Alan Webb vs. Tristan Calangelo match up (will we ever see one?), the fans will not be disappointed with the crop of competing runners.

The favorite, as of right now, would have to be Mason Ward from Ohio, who last year ran a 4:13 at Penn. He will not, however, be the only competitor with Penn that has had previous racing experience. Brain Turner of Nebraska ran to a 4:17 finish last year in the open mile at Penn.

What is to be said then, of the first time competitors?

The local favorite would have to be Scott Munro from PA, who has clocked an impressive 4:19 mile, a time good enough to place him on the list of runners for the Dyestat Elite. Also not to be forgotten would be New York standout Jason Jabout and Brian McGovern of Connecticut.

With the favorites fresh on the mind, who then will win?

The winner will be Mason Ward from Ohio in a time of 4:12. Call me a stickler for past history, but his experience coupled with his superior mile speed will stand to be a combination too great for any runner in the field to match. Brian Turner could figure into the picture although he has never really reached his true potential as a miler. He does, however, have the talent to pose a serious threat to the mile crown.

The race should play out with a tight pack after the first lap, no one really attempting to take the lead. The pace should be quick, probably around the 61-63 range. Starting after the 800-meter mark, the first separation will occur with Jabout, McGovern, Turner, Munro and Ward pulling away. This is where the real race will begin. Turner will probably try to take it from the 1000 mark with Jabout, Munro and Ward following close behind. Coming around to the bell lap Ward will make his final move, the one that will give him his victory. The final result:

1. Mason Ward 4:12 2. Scott Munro 4:14 3. Brain Turner 4:14 (high) 4. Jason Jabout 4:17 5. Brian McGovern 4:18

3000 

The 3000-meter race contains one of the deepest fields in recent memory. It is stacked full of state champion, regional and national qualifiers. New York looks to be represented real well this year fielding the best state team with Aaron Emery, Julio German and Joe Iatuaro. Some other runners to keep an eye on will be Matt Edmund from Massachusetts and Joe Halin from New Jersey. All these runners, however, will have their dreams of a Penn Relays title dashed by the hometown favorite.

Dan Coval will run away with the 3000-meter race. He was the top runner at the Footlocker NE regional and was the only runner to prove himself nationally on the cross-country scene. He has prior experience at the Penn Relays and should once again produce another excellent performance.

How then will the race transpire?

After about 2 to 3 laps of jockeying for position, Coval will take the lead, never to see the back of another competitors jersey. He should then just cruise in for the win. The real race, however, will take place for 2nd place. Look for German and Iatuaro to go with Coval as he starts his first surge. Slowly, the duo will fade off of Covals accelerated pace. Behind the NY duo of German and Iatauro will be Emery and Halin. Going out at a more controlled rate, Emery and Halin will work together as they charge up through the field, in the attempt to catch the victims of Coval's surge. The gap that was created in front of them will be to great to makeup and Halin and Emery will have to settle for top 5 finishes. Look for some real fast times. The final result:

1. Dan Coval 8:25 2. Joe Iatuaro 8:32 3. Julio German 8:33 4. Joe Halin 8:39 5. Aaron Emery 8:40 6. Matt Edmund 8:42

DMR 

The High School Distance Medley is shaping up to be one of the most exciting events of the day.

You have the favorite St. Malachy from Ireland.  Need any more be said?

Cardinal O Hara, the local favorite is shaping up to be a contender for the title. After a solid indoor campaign, the Cardinal has already notched a 10:17 this season in the DMR. Not to be forgotten, will be the team from South Lakes Virginia. With Webb running the anchoring leg, the other teams need to have a large lead by the 1600. Otherwise Webb could bring the crowd to their feet with a 4:00 performance, as he attempts to walk down the runners in front of him. Also look for the New Jersey powers CBA and Washington Township to be right in the middle of the mix.

St. Malachy should go back to Ireland with yet another DMR title under their belt. The biggest challenge in their pursuit for a championship will be the team from Cardinal O Hara. The Cardinal is a very balanced team, having tough competitors in each leg of the relay. Cardinal O Hara will not however, be able to keep it together on the all-important anchoring leg, where St. Malachy will pull away. Two other teams that will be in the early mix will be CBA and Washington Township. Both squads possess a 3:05 1200, 48 400 and 1:56 800 legs. South Lakes will not be in the race at first, since their front 3 legs are not the strongest in the field but once Webb gets the baton, anything goes. He should be able to make up ground on CBA and Washington Townships 4:18 mile legs making for an exciting race for 3rd. However, if the South Lakes team has an exceptional day from there 1200, 400 and 800 legs, dont be surprised to see Webb gunning down Cardinal O Hara and St. Malachy for the team title. The final results:

1. St. Malachy 10:00 2. Cardinal O Hara 10:06 3. South Lakes 10:12 4. Washington Township 10:15 5. CBA 10:17