Overview: To some, winning a Penn Relays Gold Watch is a goal just as, and even sometimes moreso important than winning a national championship. Watches are awarded only to the overall American winners in Championship of America events at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia, kicking off for the 119th time this Thursday at Franklin Field. In some cases, most notably the sprints, it is harder to win a spot on the top of the medal stand than it is to win a national championship. This fact is because of the international draw the relays bring to Philly; currently, there are 62 schools registered that are not from the United States, with Jamaica the most represented foreign country with 32 individual schools. For some, winning a watch means beating the world.
While the main events remain the short relays, specifically the 4x100m and 4x400m, the distance relays and open events are available on an invite basis. And with the the high quality meet comes a high caliber field in each of the 4 invitational distance events. We broke down the competition to help you see where the action may take place.
Girls Invite Mile
Event Record
| Bronxville (NY) | 4:39.28 | 2012 | Mary Cain |
Breakdown: The mile can be a tricky event at the Penn Relays, where most athletes have not yet peaked for Championship season. That may have all changed, as a trio from South Africa have entered the mix, fresh off competing for spots at the World Cross Country Championships. Lizerie Ferreira comes in with a 4:22.0, 1500m mark, which converted puts her at the top of the field. However, conditions will be quite different than that of the Republic of South Africa (RSA), so factoring in a speed rating, Amelia Paladino may look to be your leader. Kennedy Weisner is last year's fastest returner, and something of a hometown favorite. Now a senior, Weisner will have the extra incentive of not yet receiving her gold watch, after two prior attempts. Weisner will have another Pennsylvanian to deal with, as Mady Clahane looks very strong. At nationals in the winter, Paladino took 2nd, Weisner 3rd, and Clahane 10th. How much will a home crowd factor into the race? We'll find out Thursday night.
Link to 1500m race of Ferreira, Mentz, and Labuschaigne (RSA): Click Here for YouTube Video
|
Girls Invite 3000
Event Record
| Dover (N.H.) | 9:15.3 | 1985 | Cathy Schiro |
Breakdown: Can anyone catch Tessa Barrett? Will PA sweep the distance races at the Penn Relays? (Barrett has scratched from the race, wishing to spend time with her father, who is ill) These questions and more will be on the minds of those out to watch the Foot Locker National Champ take on the Foot Locker Runner-up, in Hannah DeBalsi. Barrett made something of a statement at the New Balance Indoor Nationals, taking the 5000m, then 3000m titles in style. With the state record within reach for the senior of Abington Heights, will she lead from the gun? However, DeBalsi, who took a fall in the concluding laps indoors, will make it a race. Dominent in the rising power that is Connecticut prep track, Debalsi knows Barrett's final kick all too well, after competing with her at Balboa Park for the Foot Locker XC National Championships. The Stanford-bound Claire Howlett is another from the small state of Connecticut to be making waves on the prep scene. Known to run from the front, Howlett may be ensuring the race has an honest pace. Like the mile, athletes from the Republic of South Africa may have an affect on the race. Winning the junior division of the World XC Qualifiers for RSA was Nonhlanhla Diamini, who is entered here based on her 4:25 speed over 1500m. North Carolina is also sending a strong contigency, which includes Kayla Montgomery, who has the most racing experience outdoors after she traveled to compete at Arcadia. While the meet record is a lofty goal, Barrett and DeBalsi look to be the perfect contenders to break it.
|
Girls Invite 4x800
|
Event Record |
800m Splits Relays’ Top Performers 2:03.17—Ristanna Tracey, Edwin Allen: Clarendon, Jam (2011) 2:03.2—Inez Turner, Vere Tech: Hayes, Jam. (1991) 2:04.7—Claudine Williams, Vere Tech: Hayes, Jam. (1992) |
Breakdown: While many may think of the Jamaican contingency at the Penn Relays simply a sprinting force, past practice has proven that they take the girls 4x800m relay as seriously as any dash. This year, they have two squads who look to be under 9mins-flat, which was the nations leading time this winter. Edwin Allen returns three legs at 2:15 a piece from last years runner-up relay, while Holmwood Tech looks to have the strongest seed in the field. However, like last year, Columbia of NJ will look to be a force not to be forgotten, as an astonishing anchor leg by then-junior Olivia Baker solidified their quarter in Penn Relays history. They return in 2014 as not the top seed, running a relaxed 9:05.41 mid-season before focusing on the shorter relays. The only team faster was NJ-compatriot's Freehold Township, winners of the Indoor National Title. They took third last year in the very same race, and will look to challenge for the win once again. A race not to be missed.
| Top Teams Breakdown | ||||
| Team | Holmwood Tech | Edwin Allen | Columbia, NJ | Freehold Township, NJ |
| Meet | JAM Champs | JAM Champs | Millrose Games | New Balance Nationals Indoors |
| Total |
8:53.65 (Top Seed) |
8:59.00 (Combined Relay Legs) |
9:05.41 (8:56.37 -2013 Penn) |
9:00.62 Indoor National Champs |
|
Girls Invite DMR
|
Event Record |
1200m Splits Relays’ Top Performers 3:26.7—Brianna Nerud, North Shore: Glen Head, NY. (2012) 3:33.0—Karen Bennett, St. Jago: Spanish Town, Jam. (1991) 3:33.2—Megan Patrignelli, Monroe-Woodbury: Central Valley, N.Y. (2009) |
1600m Splits Relays’ Top Performers 4:42.2—Jillian Smith, Southern Regional: Manahawkin, N.J. (2008) 4:42.9—Haley Pierce, Tatnall: Wilmington, Del. (2012) 4:44.5—Alejandra Barrientos, San Lorenzo: Felton, Calif. (2000) |
Breakdown: With Hannah DeBalsi focusing on the 3000m Invite, you have 4 of the top 5 Distance Medley Relays from the Indoor Season battling it out at the Penn Relays. Led by anchor Carolina Alcorta, West Springfield is the top seed, but only just. They toppled the top-seeded Haddonfield, NJ at NBIN by less than second to win a National Title. Both teams will be looking to prove their dominance, while also having to battle with the defending Penn Relays' Champs Benjamin Cardozo. Despite losing anchor Sabrina Southerland, Cardozo has reloaded with top talent Denise Branch, among some younger legs. With all four legs entering the race fresh, this could be an entirely different race. The same could be said for Mount Saint Dominic, who beat Haddonfield at the Eastern State Championships. This race could provide us with a very different results than it did only month ago.
| Top Teams Breakdown | ||||
| Team | West Springfield, VA | Haddonfield, NJ | Benjamin Cardozo, NY | Mount Saint Dominic, NJ |
| Meet | New Balance Indoor Nationals | New Balance Indoor Nationals | New Balance Indoor Nationals | New Balance Indoor Nationals |
| Total |
11:43.39 (Indoor Champs) |
11:43.94
|
11:52.07 (Defending Champs) |
11:56.08
|
|