Xavier University Athletics
Mazzei Set for Record-Breaking Performance at Penn Relays
04.28.16 | Track and Field
Senior runner set the XU indoor track 3K record earlier this season
PHILADELPHIA – When Sarah Mazzei hits the track tonight, she will be racing against some of the best runners in the nation at the Penn Relays. And it will be in front of nearly 50,000 spectators.
"I'm not going to think about it or the amount of teammates who will be watching online," said Mazzei. "This race is no different than any other except it will be against some really good competition. This is my first time racing in front of such a large audience, but I know everyone wants me to do well – so I will be okay."
The senior runner qualified for the elite section of the 3,000-meter run after posting a qualifying mark in two weeks ago in California.
"I was ecstatic when I heard the news because I had a really good 1,500 race," said Mazzei. "I look forward to competing in the elite section. I've looked up to a good amount of the girls for the last couple of years, even if they're younger than me."
The All-BIG EAST cross country performer will be taking the track at the Penn Relays for the first time in her career. The 117th edition of the Penny Relays is expected to have a three-day attendance average of 48,000 spectators, making it the best-attended track meet in the world behind the Olympics and the World Championships.
"It's a great honor and privilege to run at the Penn Relays," added Mazzei. "Some of the girls from the east coast I've raced against, but other than that its girls from all across the country in my race."
The Cincinnati native has had a breakout senior campaign as she set the school record in the indoor 3,000-meter run with a time of 9:40.03 at the BIG EAST Indoor Track and Field Championships. The time was an improvement of nearly 40 seconds from her previous personal record.
"I'm going to focus on what I did at the BIG EAST Indoor Track Championships," said Mazzei. "Hopefully I will set the school record. "
In addition to the indoor 3,000-meter school record, Mazzei also ranks second in the cross country record book in the 6K race – posting the mark at the BIG EAST Championships last fall.
The current Xavier record in the 3,000-meter run was established in 2007 by Becky Clark with a time of 9:54.30.
Mazzei is slated to compete at 8:40 p.m. at Franklin Field tonight.
Fans can tune into Mazzei's race at www.flotrack.org or follow live results at pennrelaysonline.com
"I'm not going to think about it or the amount of teammates who will be watching online," said Mazzei. "This race is no different than any other except it will be against some really good competition. This is my first time racing in front of such a large audience, but I know everyone wants me to do well – so I will be okay."
The senior runner qualified for the elite section of the 3,000-meter run after posting a qualifying mark in two weeks ago in California.
"I was ecstatic when I heard the news because I had a really good 1,500 race," said Mazzei. "I look forward to competing in the elite section. I've looked up to a good amount of the girls for the last couple of years, even if they're younger than me."
The All-BIG EAST cross country performer will be taking the track at the Penn Relays for the first time in her career. The 117th edition of the Penny Relays is expected to have a three-day attendance average of 48,000 spectators, making it the best-attended track meet in the world behind the Olympics and the World Championships.
"It's a great honor and privilege to run at the Penn Relays," added Mazzei. "Some of the girls from the east coast I've raced against, but other than that its girls from all across the country in my race."
The Cincinnati native has had a breakout senior campaign as she set the school record in the indoor 3,000-meter run with a time of 9:40.03 at the BIG EAST Indoor Track and Field Championships. The time was an improvement of nearly 40 seconds from her previous personal record.
"I'm going to focus on what I did at the BIG EAST Indoor Track Championships," said Mazzei. "Hopefully I will set the school record. "
In addition to the indoor 3,000-meter school record, Mazzei also ranks second in the cross country record book in the 6K race – posting the mark at the BIG EAST Championships last fall.
The current Xavier record in the 3,000-meter run was established in 2007 by Becky Clark with a time of 9:54.30.
Mazzei is slated to compete at 8:40 p.m. at Franklin Field tonight.
Fans can tune into Mazzei's race at www.flotrack.org or follow live results at pennrelaysonline.com
Players Mentioned
/ Track and Field
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