After months of waiting, Michigan's freshman track phenom Alan Webb will finally compete in the 1,500 meters this weekend at the Mt. SAC Invitational.

"I'm ready to run with anybody," Webb said. "I've been waiting for this all winter."

After finishing the cross country season as a Big Ten Champion and an All-American, Webb was forced to sit out of the indoor track season because of tendonitis in his Achilles.

"I've been having great workouts for six or eight weeks," Webb said. "I'm at 110 percent right now. I'm anxious to stick my nose in there and make some noise."

Webb has already made plenty of noise. Last summer, he broke Jim Ryan's 36-year-old American record in the mile by nearly two seconds (3:53.43).

He was also one of five finalists for the 2002 Sullivan Award, which is given to the top amateur athlete in the country. Webb finished behind 2002 bronze-medal-winning figure skater Michelle Kwan in the voting.

Despite the long layoff, Webb's teammates can't wait to see him in action.

"I know he's going to go out there and run fast," senior Mike Wisniewski said. "We're all excited to see him qualify (for NCAA Championships)."

Michigan coach Ron Warhurst also has more than a little confidence in Webb's ability to qualify.

"That the whole point of going out there," Warhurst said. "Win the race and get a qualifying time - that's what I would like to see from him."

Although Webb wouldn't comment on his long-term aspirations, he also believes that earning a victory and an NCAA appearance this weekend is well within his reach.

Webb will need to finish the 1,500 meters in less than 3:41.5 to qualify for nationals.

Despite the new surroundings and the inflated expectations, Webb is preparing for his first collegiate track meet just like any other race.

"This is not going to be any huge shock for me," Webb said. "I've got a lot of big race experience, so I've got that whole thing down."

Wisniewski, Webb and a few sprinters are the only members of the team that were invited to the Mt. SAC Invitational. The rest will make the trip to the Eastern Michigan Invitational on Saturday.