#PenRelays2018 coverage is brought to you from Franklin Field Stadium (April 26-28) by WIHCON
PHILADELPHIA – Jamaica’s High school teams will be looking forward to replicate their 2018 Penn Relays successes, where they won all six High School Championship of America titles.
Calabar High’s 4x100m and 4x400m boys led by Christopher Taylor, were the most successful of the teams inside Franklin Field Stadium, in 2017.
They ran a record 39.00secs in the 4x100m, thanks to Tyreke Wilson, Christopher Taylor, Michael Stephens and Dejour Russell.
Calabar also ran a record 3:08.59 to win the 4x400m, with Anthony Carpenter recording a (47.3) split, Aykeeme Francis (48.2), Malik James-King (46.91), and Taylor (46.13).
Shemar Chambers, who will replace Francis for the 2018 season, was apart of the team that ran 3:05.04 at Corporate Area Development Meet in February.
Calabar boys again look very strong on paper and are expected to take top honors in both relays, with strong hopes of adding the 4x800m to their arsenal, which STETHS won in 2017.
Jamaica College (JC), however, should start as favorites in the 4x800m, with Kingston College (KC) also being in the mix. STETHS should also be a factor.
The boys start their quest on Friday, while the girls will bow into action on Thursday, their opening day.
Edwin Allen, on the girls’ side, look set to take the 4x100m, while Hydel’s name should already be written on the 4x400m crown.
Edwin Allen, in 2017, ran 43.96 to best a 13-year-old record set by Vere Technical.
This year, however, they will be without Shellece Clark and Patrice Moody but the super talented Kevona Davis will be returning for her second year, at Penn Relays and is expected to do very well.
All other leading teams, like Holmwood, Hydel and St. Jago however, should not be counted out.
Hydel will try to improve on their 3:33.99 record set last year and with Shiann Salmon and Charokee Young returning, this is highly possible.
Holmwood topped the 4x800m in 2017 and again are confident they can repeat. Chrisanni May will be the key to their success.
All Jamaican teams however, should face stern competition, from rival US teams.
