When Coach Teri Jordan said Saturday's indoor track meet was going to be low-key, she didn't mention how low-key. Not even a handful of single runners from other schools showed up and the meet ended up more of a blue-white affair than anything.

"Regardless of who showed up or didn't, we got accomplished what we needed to, which was a good training day in a little bit warmer facility -- a little bit warmer we'll emphasize -- and a tune-up so we know who's ready to go and who's not ready to go," an up-beat Jordan said.

The severe winter weather which plagued the entire northeast, including all of Pennsylvania, posed problems for many of the teams scheduled to compete. In fact, many of the schools had no opportunity to practice due to inadequate training facilities.

"(University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown) was supposed to be here and Shippensburg, but they're small schools," Jordan said. "They didn't have school at all, so they had no practice. They didn't feel that they were prepared to come."

Even though Penn State only cancelled a few classes, the indoor team still experienced difficulty practicing due to the weather.

"Wednesday, we didn't have any heat or lights and they told us that everything was closed down, but we were already here, so we practiced despite it," Jordan said.

The meet was not in vain, however, as the team was determined to make the best out of the situation. The runners ran as if they were competing against other teams instead of just teammates.

"It was difficult because there was nobody there to push us," said junior Kelly Hickman, who placed first in the 200 and 400 meter races. "I think people just did the best they could in the situation."

The team managed to overcome and excell individually under the unusual circumstances.

"A couple of things I saw that were especially good -- (Senior) Jenny Weaver in the 3,000, obviously helped by alumni Wendy Nelson -- that was a particularly great performance on her part, a lifetime best for her. Erin St. John, who finished third in that race, that was a lifetime best for her," Jordan said. "So, despite maybe not ideal circumstances, we got things accomplished and we got people ready for next week."