Chess Tournaments At Our Local University

The University of Wisconsin has chess tourneys that you don't have to be an alumnus or student to enter.
i was thinking of entering, but have my doubts.
i am not that good of a player so if i play some whiz right at the beginning i'm gone or is there some way they have somewhat equally skilled players go against each other? Would appreciate reply from anyone who has participated in one of these public tourneys either at the University of Wisconsin or anywhere else.