The 2015 Penn Relays Race Home
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer
It just happened to be another successful year at the longest-running traditional sports event of the Northeast and quite possibly, the nation. It all began back in 1895 and has continued to become legendary as time goes on. This is the Penn Relays (also commonly called Penn Relays Carnival)which took to Franklin Field again in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for three action-packed days, April 23rd through April 25th, 2015, and hosted by the University of Pennsylvania.
This Olympic size track and field event is one of the most momentous ways for an athlete to make history, while proving that dedication and hard work really do pay off in the end and the confidence that ensues can help to conquer all odds. Participating in the Penn Relays is certainly an honor, but winning the trophy is a gift that gives the greatest satisfaction of all.
This year brought with it three days of nail-biting suspense as athletes ran neck in neck to race to the finish line. Each day has its chapters of highlights as the racing got into full swing. On Thursday, April 23, 2015, the “Power 99” School of the Day was Edwin Allen, succeeding to the top in discus, long jump, fastest 4×100 and 4×400 qualifiers. Villanova University won the College Distance Medley for the 4th consecutive year in a row. Sophia Rivera of Brentwood, Tennessee, won the High School girls Javelin competition, not only making #1 but setting a U.S. record in the process.
As the second day began, participants became even more competitive, with the ambition that winning was within close reach. Brandon Kidder of Penn State proudly led his team to victory in the Sprint Medley. Edwin Allen of Jamaica was the “Power 99” School of the Day, the triumphant winner of the HS 4×100 and 4×400. The “Independence Blue Cross” Memorable Moment of the Day for the Friday session of the 2015 Penn Relays was Andrew Hunter, winning the HS mile in 4:07.15, #3 all-time (US #2). Last year, Hunter won the 3000, #2 all-time. “Grace Foods” Participant of the Day was awarded to Trevor Detillion of Unioto (OH), who threw 203” 6″ to win the HS boys Discus, #4 all-time at Penn Relays.
Penn Relays Facebook page
These exuberant young athletes train all year long to attain a championship status, but possessing the stamina to race and sprint is not limited to age. Champ Goldy, at 98 years young, along with Elizabeth Leander (85 years old), George Scott (94 years old) proved to their cheering fans in the stands that age is simply just a number. “You are as young as you feel.” The excitement of their relay was felt all across the venue.
Penn Relays Facebook Page
The final day, Saturday, April 25th, brought with it a whole new slate of champions, making their schools and universities proud.
The “PECO” Fast Finish of the Day for the Saturday session of the 2015 Penn Relays was Jordyn Williamz, Villanova, who anchored the 4x Mile Relay with 53.8 on the last lap. The “Power 99” School of the Day for the Saturday session of the 2015 Penn Relays was UTech winning the College Men’s 4×100, 4×200 College Women’s 4×200. The most “Independence Blue Cross” Memorable Moment for Saturday had to be the 2015 Penn Relays Georgia Tech champions who won the College Men’s 4×800 for the very first time. “Grace Foods” Participant of the Day was Collegiate Men’s Discus winner Rodney Brown, LSU, 213′ 5″, Penn Relays record.
The year 2015 proved to be a record-breaking year, not just down on the field but with the cheering fans as well. A record-breaking number of attendees at a grand count of 110,587 made for some very successful attendance records at the 2015 Penn Relays. This is always an exciting time of the year in the world of track and field, not just for the fans, but the athletes as well, giving them a chance to put their skills to work in amazing ways. All the 2015 Penn Relay results can be found at www.pennrelaysonline.com.
