Penn Relays Glory! Excelsior breaks drought, JC triumphs and KC dominates
Key Points(5)
- In a historic day at the 128th staging of the <a href="https://pennrelays.com/">Penn Relays</a> in Philadelphia, on Saturday, Excelsior, Kingston College (KC), and Jamaica College (JC) each claimed victory in their respective events, showcasing Jamaican excellence on the international stage.
- Excelsior made headlines by breaking a 57-year drought in the Championships of America 4x100m boys' relay.
- The quartet of Ryeem Walker, Damor Miller, Malike Nugent, and Lennon Green secured the school’s second title, clocking a winning time of 40.45 seconds.
- KC finished closely behind in second place with 40.53 seconds, while Herbert Morrison Technical took third in 40.58 seconds.
- Excelsior's victory was marked by flawless baton changes and a determined anchor leg from Green, sealing their long-awaited triumph.
In a historic day at the 128th staging of the Penn Relays in Philadelphia, on Saturday, Excelsior, Kingston College (KC), and Jamaica College (JC) each claimed victory in their respective events, showcasing Jamaican excellence on the international stage.
Excelsior made headlines by breaking a 57-year drought in the Championships of America 4x100m boys' relay. The quartet of Ryeem Walker, Damor Miller, Malike Nugent, and Lennon Green secured the school’s second title, clocking a winning time of 40.45 seconds.
KC finished closely behind in second place with 40.53 seconds, while Herbert Morrison Technical took third in 40.58 seconds. Excelsior's victory was marked by flawless baton changes and a determined anchor leg from Green, sealing their long-awaited triumph.
Coach David Riley expressed his joy at Excelsior's success
Coach David Riley expressed his joy at Excelsior's success, highlighting the team's resilience and potential for future achievements. Riley praised his athletes for overcoming past setbacks and delivering a memorable victory that bodes well for the program's future.
In another thrilling race, JC emerged victorious in the Championships of America high-school boys’ 4x800 meters relay. Led by Kemarrio Bygrave's exceptional anchor leg, JC crossed the finish line in 7:42.37 minutes, securing a narrow victory over St John’s College from Washington DC in 7:44.66 minutes and Central Bucks West out of Pennsylvania finished third in 7:45.99 minutes.
KC was fifth in 7:49.65 minutes.
Bygrave's remarkable performance on the anchor leg where he received the baton in third place and made up about 30 meters on the St. John’s College rival with less than 10 meters from the finish, coupled with his determination and strategic mindset, propelled JC to victory and capped off a successful season for the team, which also included Nellie Ambriton, Samuel Creary and Rasheed Pryce.
Third consecutive title
“It was very close and I just did enough to catch him, as I had the belief and mindset that I could have, said Bygrave.
“My coach always tells me that the race is not over until you cross the finish line, and that motivated me. It has been a good season for me following performances at Champs and Carifta Games and, being a member of the winning team at Penns in 2022, this win is more special as it is my final year in high school,” he added.
KC continued their dominance in the Championships of America 4x400 meters relay, securing their third consecutive title in dramatic fashion. Despite a mishap on the final-leg exchange for favorites Bullis High School, KC capitalized on the opportunity and clinched victory in 3:11.86 minutes. Excelsior finished closely behind in second place in 3:12.96 minutes, with Bullis settling for third after an unsuccessful appeal in 3:13.10 minutes.
The achievements of Excelsior, JC, and KC at the Penn Relays underscored the talent and determination of Jamaican athletes on the global stage. As the celebrations ensued and the medals were presented, it was a proud moment for Jamaican track and field, highlighting the island's continued excellence in relay events.
