Not very much was expected of the 4x400 relay team that Robin Martin anchored at the 1997 Penn Relays, and the expectations werent exactly raised when Martin grabbed the baton for the anchor leg in fourth place in the IC4A championship race.
But with a burst of speed and adrenaline, Martin passed the three runners in front of him to lead Penn to a stunning and dramatic victory on their home track.
What happened next, the former Quaker middle-distance star and current Penn mens track and field head coach remembers vividly.
The crowd went bananas, recalled Martin, a sophomore on that 97 winning relay team. The professional athletes that were there all came and jumped on us and were giving us hugs. People poured from the stands onto the track. It paused Penn Relays. It was crazy. That kind of thing really doesnt happen.
Martinwho took over for Penns longtime track coach Charlie Powell on an interim basis last Decemberhopes things like that happen more often for the host school in the countrys oldest and largest track and field competition. And he hopes they begin to happen this weekend at the 118th running of the historic Penn Relays, his first as head coach.
You dont hear Penns name on the loudspeaker at the Penn Relays, said Martin, who was a two-time All-American during his career at Penn from 1996-2000. We host itbut were usually just the hosts. The number of times that were really competitive is small.
Were not nationally competitive right now, Penns new coach continued. But the big part of our drive is to get there.
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The Quakers best chance at a championship this weekend will likely be in the mens high jump, where Maalik Reynolds will defend his title Saturday afternoon. Last year, Reynolds jumped 7 feet, 3inches to become the Quakers first Penn Relays high jump champion since 1955. And the sophomore continues to improve.
Martin believes the Quakers also will be competitive in the mens distance medley relay, where they earned a spot in the top Championship of America heat. Last year, Villanova captured the national title in that race, traditionally one of the most exciting at the Penn Relays Carnival.
This year we want to be in the mix, Martin said. This year, with 300 meters to go, my dream is to hear, Its Villanova, Oregonand Penn! That would be incredible.
Martin knows, however, theres a lot of work to do to catch Villanova, which is home to some of the nations premier distance runners.
I dont know the last time weve beaten them, so its hard to call them a rival, the Penn mens track coach said. Theyre big brother right now. But were looking to change that.
On top of going for their second straightand 25th overallmens DMR Championship of America title Friday afternoon, Villanova will also be a part of many other distance relay events, including Thursdays womens DMR.
Last year, the Wildcats fizzled out in that race, finishing in 13th place after many thought theyd shatter the Penn Relays record. But with senior Sheila Reidone of the top college distance runners everback for one last shot at her first Penn Relays title, Villanova womens coach Gina Procaccio appeared confident in last weeks pre-carnival press conference.
I think we have our best shot in the last few years to bring home another wheel, Procaccio said. Were definitely looking forward to having a really strong DMR. And what I am most excited about is I think this year we are actually going to have a 4x800. We havent had a 4x8 in this meet in over 10 years.
Villanova mens track coach Marcus OSullivan was equally optimistic about the Wildcats chances to bring home some hardwarewhile also excited for his athletes to compete against the best this country has to offer, on one of the sports biggest stages.
This is as big as it gets, said OSullivan, who competed in four Olympics during his own running career. I compare it to the nervous energy that I would expect I would have gotten at the Olympic Games or World Championships. This is my barometer. This is what I can compare it to. This is a rite of passage, in my mind, to go on to the next level.
For a complete Penn Relays schedule, click here.
Email Dave Zeitlin at djzeitlin@gmail.com