The Georgetown track and field team is one of the best in the country and it will have an opportunity to showcase its talent this weekend as it begins the championship season at the illustrious Penn Relays. Aside from the Olympic Games, the Penn Relays stand as one of the most heralded showcases of athleticism in the world as runners and fans come from around the globe to be part of the experience. The Hoyas are among those that make the Penn Relays an annual tradition, performing in front of crowds which can surpass 50,000 spectators and representing Georgetown’s habitually strong program.

The Hoyas began their Penn Relays journey as they traveled up to Philadelphia on Thursday, April 22. Through Saturday, the Hoyas will hopefully prove that they belong in the top as they compete in a host of relays and individual events as well as a sprinkle of field events.

The men’s and women’s 3,200-meter relay will be the main events for the Hoyas, as it is the team’s strongest event. Two years ago, the men showcased their ability, shocking the nation as they captured the 3,200-meter tournament. Last year they proved once again to the nation that it was no fluke and that Georgetown was indeed a top-level team. This year shall be no different as the men’s team enters among the favorites. Seniors Jesse O’Connell, Ezra Richards, Ali Najjar and sophomore Chris Lukezic will make up the four legs of the race for the Hoyas.

“These guys are going to run for the win and time won’t be as important, but if there is a team that can challenge them and push them, I think that they have a chance at the school record of 7:12.62, which would be extremely fast,” Director of Track and Field Ron Helmer said.

The men’s distance medley relay will also be exciting as they also contend for the top spot. It will be made up of O’Connell, Najjar, Lukezic and sophomore Chris Bonner. Apart from these two relay combinations, a 1,600-meter relay and a 6,000-meter relay will be run. Other Penn Relays competitors on the men’s side will include junior Teddy Presley in the long jump and sophomore Fleet Hower in the 5,000m run.

On the women’s side, the 3,200-meter relay and DMR will be their significant relays. The DMR will be made up of seniors Colleen Kelly, Monica Hargrove, Maura McCusker and Treniere Clement, the same quartet which set the Georgetown indoor school record. The women’s 6,000-meter relay should prove to turn some heads as well, and will be made up of Kelly, Clement, sophomore Sabine Knothe and one other runner who is still to be chosen. Other performers on the women’s side will be senior Nicole Lee in the 10,000m, senior Amanda Pape in the 5,000m and junior Leilani Greene in the pole vault.

“The women’s relays are still not determined, we have a nice group of girls that are ready to run fast times, now I just have to pick from them,” Helmer said.