#PennRelays2014 Coverage on #TrackAlerts.com is brought to by @iflycaribbean#CaribbeanAirlines
By Noel ‘Bravo’ Francis
The biggest relay carnival in the world, the Penn Relays, will take centre stage from April 24-26, 2014 on the grounds of the University of Pennsylvania. Many of the world’s top track and field high schools, colleges and national teams will travel miles to this prestigious event seeking glory. This year fans should witness over 22,000 athletes participating in 425 events over the three days of competition. Several outstanding Caribbean athletes will be on display this year at the 120th staging of the Penn Relays representing their respective high schools and universities.
For many years, the Jamaican high schools have brought their flair and high-spirited culture to the relays, which has secured their legacy and thrilled spectators. One such school is Kingston College, an institution that paved the way fifty years ago winning on debut, and today remains a shining beacon for other schools. Kingston College will receive official recognition for their inspirational role at the Penn Relays this year.
The Jamaican high school athletes are naturally competitive and usually relish the opportunity to compete not only against their native high school counterparts but also against top U.S. and Caribbean high schools at Franklin Field. The added bonus of securing a track & field scholarship through quality performances is also a magnetic source of motivation.
The strength of the competition from their U.S, Canadian, South African and Caribbean opponents this year are unknown, however, based on the superlative performances at the Gibson Relays and Boys & Girls championships, the Jamaican high schools should equip themselves well against quality opposition.
Some outstanding Caribbean seniors will also be on show, the list includes, Kerron Stewart, Michael Frater, Chris Brown, Michelle-Lee Ahye and Natoya Goule. Other countries represented this year include, Brazil, China, Ireland, Nigeria, Mexico, Sierra Leone and Australia. Therefore, without making any predictions I encourage track fans to follow keenly these selected events below:
Friday April 25, 2014
1:00 p:m Championship of America –High School Girls’ 4x800m
2:15 p:m Championship of America –High School Girls’ 4x100m
4:10 p:m Championship of America –High School Girls’ 4x400m
5:35 p:m Championship of America – High School Boys’ Distance Medley
Saturday April 26, 2014
12:35 p:m U.S.A versus the World Women 4x100m (Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, U.S.A, Brazil & Nigeria)
1:05 p:m U.S.A versus the World Men 4x100m (Jamaica, U.S.A, St. Kitts & Nevis, Trinidad & Tobago, China, Brazil & Nigeria)
1:15 p:m U.S.A versus the World Women Sprint Medley ( Caribbean All-Stars, Jamaica, Sierra Leone & U.S.A)
1:50 p:m Championship of America – College Men’s 4x100m
1:57 p:m Championship of America – High School Boys’ 4x100m
2:35 p:m U.S.A versus the World Women 4x400m (Brazil, Jamaica, Nigeria & U.S.A)
2:52 p:m U.S.A versus the World Men 4x400m (Bahamas, Brazil, Jamaica, Nigeria & U.S.A)