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.
Boys Invite Mile
Breakdown: This could get very interesting. If I had to make my best, educated guess, I would say it would take sub-4:12 to be a contender here. Why is that? You have five guys who have bested that time before, and look in shape to do it again. The top seed may be Vincent Ciattei of Maryland, who has a 4:11.77 full mile to his name from Nationals, but seed #2 is nothing to scoff at. Ben Malone of NJ has a 4:07 mile credit to his name, and although he managed to return to 4:12 shape indoors when winning the Millrose Mile, he hasn't shown the same mile speed. That could change on Friday. The wildcard factor here could be Sean McGorty of Virginia, who just recently flew to an 8:46 in the double-distance 3200m. That proves he is ready for a killer race at Penn, and may be the most in shape to take the title. Pennsylvania resident Ben Ritz of Germantown Academy is no slouch either, as he has a 4:12 to his record, and a race that could play tactical, may not actually go to the best PR. The other unknown factor is Saratoga's Jay Navin, who went in a 4:12 split last weekend, on a 3000m double. Coudl the sixth seed pull the upset? Tune in to find out!
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Boys Invite 3000
Breakdown: Can someone break 8:30.00? After the unique showing at the Arcadia Invitational earlier in the season, it's been proven that anything is possible. Thomas O'Neill out of New Jersey looks to be the top seed here, as he has turned in a 9:02 performance recently in the 3200m. However, he is not alone out there, as Jack Boyle of CBA NJ is more than capable of matching his 9:05 PR pace for the longer race as well. The issue is always the double, and will Boyle be back for the Relay events. Max Norris of PA may be the only athlete with a clear 3000m mark, but his 8:28.24 is clearly one to watch for. Running the race 200m shorter means extra room for the kick, and Norris may best know how to handle that change. Louis Colson comes in with a 9:06 mark in the 3200m as well, and could challenge for the lead. The final contender would be Stephen Shine of Briarcliff, who essentialy time-trialed a 9:12 two-mile in the slow heat at Nationals. With a 4:17 PR in the mile, his added speed may give him an advantage, if he takes the race out hard.
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Boys Invite 4x800
Breakdown: Almost a whos-who of the event will be on hand, with the notable absence of US #1 from indoors. That doesn't mean the competition is lacking in anyway, as several teams are vying for the top spot. The question will come down to who is the most ready in the early season. Centenial looks to be that factor, as they went 7:42 this season, and are making the trek for Nevada to repeat. The Jamaican contingency of Kingston College has gone 7:46.06 this year, and could challenge. US#2 Pleasantville NJ is a huge factor as well, with the Clarke twins both hovering around 1:50 for their splits. On paper, Chaminade is one of the top seeds by about 3-seconds. But Thomas Edison VA, Syosset, and St. Anthony's are all withing striking range of those times, if the cobwebs of winter are not still shaken off. Warwick and St. John's, both residing at 7:53 for indoors, could very well be in the top spots for this race. If anything, it will be interesting to see who came to the race most ready to run.
| Top Teams Breakdown | |||||
| Team | Centenial, NV | Pleasantville | Chaminade | Thomas Edison | Syosset |
| Meet | Mt. Sac | Nationals | Nationals | Nationals | Nationals |
| Total | 7:42.52 | 7:45.55 | 7:45.62 | 7:47.02 | 7:49.92 |
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Boys Invite DMR
Breakdown: As is with the girls, this is the race to watch. Of the top ten times put in over the winter, 8 of those will be in the race. CBA NJ has the best time coming off the winter, but may be affected by two factors. Anchor Jack Boyle will be competing in the 3000m run just moments after the conclusion of this race, and whether or not he goes full strength here, or is even replaced by a teammate, is unclear. The second factor is the ressurgance of the 2nd seeded teams anchor leg. Edward Cheserek cruised to a 4:06 MileSplit in his last relay effort, as well as a very strong looking 1:49.4 last weekend. This puts Cheserek in top position, with all factors considered, and it will be all about how far back he gets the baton. Several other teams could sneak a win here, but I stand by a prediction I made in the girls' article. Both anchor legs of the winning DMR will have a faster split than the Mile Championship, when converted. The races will be that fast.
| Top Teams Breakdown | ||||
| Team | St. Benedict's Prep | CBA Lincroft | Cardinal O'hara | W.W. Painsboro |
| Meet | Indoor Nationals | Indoor Nationals | Indoor Nationals | Easterns |
| Total | 10:12.61 | 10:10.78 | 10:13.13 | 10:13.60 |
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