By KURT NICOLL

There was no competition for the Albion (Mich.) College team at the inaugural collegiate whitewater championships two summers ago.

Things should be quite different this time.

This weekend's two-day event on the Rappahannock River is expected to attract 50 to 60 paddlers from five colleges or universities, including Mary Washington, Virginia, Penn State, Brevard (N.C.) and Albion. The American Canoe Association-sanctioned event also may attract late entries from Davidson and Warren Wilson (N.C.).

The Albion Britons again figure to be among the top contenders for team and individual honors, but it won't be the same as June 2007 when the eight paddlers from Michigan were the lone ones entered.

ASA president Kirk Havens referred to those results as "a scrimmage," and expects this weekend's races to provide plenty of fun and friendly competition.

One of the in-state rivalries for bragging rights should occur between Mary Washington and Virginia.

Cameron John is UMW's team captain, while younger sister Maggie John serves as team captain for the nine-member Cavalier team.

Cameron John credited Bill Micks of Virginia Outdoor Center in assisting the UMW canoe and kayak club team get started.

"Bill has generously offered to allow us to use all boats and equipment that we need for the race at no cost," the junior said. "I think part of the reason for the initial success this year is that Bill and I started talking about doing this last year and all summer.

"The only small difficulty we originally had was getting the information out to our fellow students, but even so, we have a strong team coming into the collegiate race."

The club numbers 15 students, 10 of whom are expected to race this weekend.

All of the races will occur on a two-mile stretch of the water recently named the John Warner Rapids.

Tomorrow's schedule gets under way at 2 p.m. near the Virginia Outdoor Center and concludes at Old Mill Park. Classes include open canoe and kayak for men and women, followed by a mixed canoe race. Classes will go off in five-minute intervals.

Sunday's relay event will feature six-person teams (two must be women) with two canoe exchanges (the canoe representing a baton)--the last one at City Dock, and finishing at Old Mill Park.

Each event is scored and will help determine the final team champion. Individual medals also will be awarded.