Penn Relays Review

This past weekend many track and field fans were treated to the greatest Track and Field event on American soil known as the Penn Relays. This three day carnival is a spectacle to see with the many relay competitions. Each level of track and field takes the spotlight as over 100,000 fans arrive for the three day event. Let's review some of the best moments at the meet.


UTECH DOMINATES THE SHORT SPRINTS

Until 2012 no Jamaican University was able to win any relay event at the Penn Relays. In 2012 the claimed the 4x200 relay and then in 2013 they claimed the 4x100 relay. This year in 2014 UTech took both events in domineering fashion proving that Jamaica is here to stay and for now has taken the top spot from the United States. The men's 4x100 relay nearly broke the record held by TCU by clocking in at 38.72 and the 4x200 almost went under 1:20 with a time of 1:20.07.


TEXAS A&M AGAIN



Pat Henry has continued his relay success he had at LSU at Texas A&M. The lady Aggies have become a dominant power in the collegiate sprinting world in the relays. This past weekend Texas A&M claimed there 6th straight title in the 4x100 relay. Their total of 6 victories is now half of the total LSU has earned, most of which former coach Pat Henry. They also earned the 6th victory in the 4x200 relay albeit not consecutive. The clocked stopped at 1:30.21 just barely ahead of rival Texas who was second in 1:30.26. The race was turned on the second exchange when Texas third leg Briana Nelson left a little too early. Texas A&M gained the lead with Olivia Ekpone running a strong third leg and Kamaria Brown running an equally strong anchor leg.


VICTORY NUMBER 11!

The University of Texas has been long known for the dominance in the women's 4x400 relay and open 400 running. Since Beverly Kearney arrived in the early 90's the Texas Longhorns have won a total of 10 titles at the Penn Relays. This year under new sprint coach Tonja Buford-Bailey they returned to their winning ways in dominating fashion with a time of 3:25.05 a Penn Relay Record. The Longhorns had a great start from Briana Nelson who led with a time of 52.1. Second leg Courtney Okolo broke the race open with a split of 49.7, while true freshman Kendal Baisden split 52.5 and anchor Ashley Spencer ran 50.6. Only one runner of this group is a senior and that would be Nelson, look for the Lady Longhorns to return to their winning ways in this event.


DUCKS DOUBLE

The Oregon Duck men are still riding high after their NCAA Indoor title. This outdoor season they gotten off to a great start with top performances all over the track which has earned them their number 1 ranking. The Ducks stretched their distance muscles yet again by claiming the Distance Medley Relay and The 4xMile relay. It's their 3rd victory in the 4xMile and 2nd in the DMR. In the 4xMile Oregon had an early strong lead thanks in part to true freshman Edward Cheserek who split 3:56.4. Anchor Mac Fleet who had a sizable lead when he received the stick still ran a great split of 4:00.4 nearly breaking the 4 minute barrier without any competition. Cheserek also ran a strong anchor leg in the DMR with a split of 3:57, while senior teammate Eric Berry ran the 400 leg with a split of 44.7.


NUMBER 20!!

Villanova is located in the great state of Pennsylvania and since their arrival at the Penn Relays they have become perhaps the most historical dominant program. In practically every event aside from the short sprint relays Villanova has a large winning history. They have more all time wins than any program in the 4x400, 4x800, Distance Medley Relay and the Sprint Medley Relay. One of their best events in the 4x800 relay, which prior to this year they have won 19 times. The only programs within reach are Michigan, Georgetown and Penn who are all tied with 10. The dominance would continue this year with their 20th victory clocking in at 7:16.58. Anchor Samuel Ellison had the top split with 1:46.5 to lead a total of 3 men who split under 1:50.

It was another great meet this year and 2015 should be even better.


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