More than 240 college teams will be in attendance at the Penn Relays, or "America's Classic" as it is nicknamed. So today at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, when the Penn State women's track and field team begins to take on the whole country, and some of the world, don't expect too much.

"We'll definitely compete to the best of our ability," Penn State coach Beth Alford-Sullivan said. "But in terms of a 'Championship of America' it's a difficult thing, and I don't think we have our sights set on trying to win any one relay, but just representing and making finals."

In the 111th edition of one of the nation's most prized sporting traditions, the Nittany Lions will be just one of 45 college teams from their own state of Pennsylvania who will be competing, not to mention the other 924 high schools that will be entered its respective events.

The Penn Relays at times can render itself a lot like a carnival of track and field. Last year, the meet set a three-day attendance record, with 112,701 people showing up to watch the festivities.

"There's nothing like it. In track and field, there are very few times that you get a full arena and this is one of them," Alford-Sullivan said. "So to be prepared and to show up in front of a lot people is really fun."

Penn State will not focus too much on standing out from the massive crowd. All of the best teams from the collegiate ranks will be there, including familiar foes from the Big Ten/SEC Challenge meet, Tennessee and South Carolina.

"What we're looking to do is really enjoy the atmosphere and see some of the best teams, individuals, and international people that are out there in our sport competing," Alford-Sullivan said.

In a deep field in the 100-meters, Lions sprinters such as junior Sara Shoaff, sophomore Kamilah Salaam and freshman Shana Cox could face possible matchups with Gamecocks freshman Shalonda Solomon. Last year, Solomon starred at the relays as the national girl's high school track and field athlete of the year.

Also out of the Southeastern Conference, Louisiana State freshman Kelly-Ann Baptiste joins fellow Trinidad 4x100-meter relay Olympic teammate, and 60-meter 2004 NCAA Indoor Champion, Auburn senior Fana Ashby in the 100.

In several other events, there will also be an abundance of athletes from Olympic training teams, like the Nike Farm team. Penn State runners will hope to get a boost from the level of competition around them.

"It provides that element of open athletes and professional athletes vs. the collegiate athletes and it definitely brings out the best in everybody," Alford-Sullivan said.

And even if the Penn State team is just a fraction of the athletes competing over the weekend, for just an instant, the Lions hope being in their home state will give them an extra bit of recognition.

"We're kind of the in-state team that people look at; it's really fun to wear the Blue and White," Alford-Sullivan said.

"The crowd goes crazy when Penn State gets a piece of it. It's a great atmosphere. We're really looking forward to standing out this weekend."