Although this weekend's event may be called the Penn State National, it will have quite an international feel. At least seven different countries will be represented, which will add to the quality of the field.

Starting at noon today and resuming at 9:15 am tomorrow at the Multi-Sport Facility, the Penn State men's indoor track and field team will compete against some of the most talented athletes from the United States and throughout the world.

The National is an open event, which means it is not restricted to collegiate athletes only -- independent athletes unattached from track and field clubs are eligible to compete. This raises the competition level and gives the collegiate athletes a great test before the conference championships and the NCAA Championships.

Included in the international field are three former Olympians. Sprinters Niconnor Alexander and Melvin Nero will be joined by fellow countryman and middle distance runner Sherridan Kirk. All three represented Trinidad & Tobago at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

This level of competition has Penn State head coach Harry Groves eager for Friday and Saturday.

"We have had to limit the entries to 30 per event because everyone wants to come and post a good time," Groves said. "It should be very competitive."

The National also gives the Nittany Lions a chance to improve upon their performance from the Penn State Relays two weeks ago. One member who looks to improve is 2005 Big Ten runner-up in the weight throw Scott Vernon.

"I was kind of disappointed with the Relays; I wanted to throw a little bit better," Vernon said. "I should do better this weekend."

Vernon will also have a chance to see how he stacks up against some of the county's best. Defending NCAA champion Spyridon Jullien of Virginia Tech will be in the field and should give Vernon some of his toughest competition until the Big Ten Championships in late February.

Also looking to build upon his performance from the relays is sprinter Steve Morgan. "On a scale of one to 10, I'd say it was about a seven. I did well, but I feel like I can do a lot better," Morgan said.

"The competition [at the National] allows you to push harder and run against people that are getting a lot more attention, so it gets you amped up."

Coach Groves agrees with Morgan when talking about the talented field.

"If you don't get excited to run against some of the best, there is something wrong with you," Groves said.

This weekend Penn State will play host to some of the best athletes the world has to offer, and it is a great opportunity for the Nittany Lions to see how they stack up against the best and should help them improve for the later season meets.