Jamaicans.com, PHILADELPHIA, PA, Sun. April. 28, 2013: The official inaugural flying of the Jamaica Green, black and gold flag high above Franklin Field, in Philadelphia, the ubiquitous presence Jamaican Food Giant Grace Kennedy Food in a veritable sea of Jamaican flags among the roaring enthusiastic 48,871 paid spectators, the eighth largest third-day crowd in the history of the annual event on April 27th, became the back drop for what has now become routine, Jamaica’s dominance at every level – high school, collegiate and professional, at the annual Penn Relay carnival. More than 15,000 athletes took part in the three day event with an estimated three-day total of 111,284, and the 10th year in a row that the three-day attendance was over 100,000. A large percentage of those in attendance were the dominant Jamaicans and their supporters. If you miss Champs, Penn relays are the next best thing.
In the stands the all too familiar the colors of Jamaican flag was evident in the form of clothing, bandanas, sneakers, jackets, scarves, capes, T-shirts, shades and track gear made for ‘Champs’ like celebration. Not to be outdone USA national pride was equally on display as the American the Red White and Blue flag supporters, in call and response fashion chanted USA! USA! USA! answering arch rival Jamaicans cheers of JA-MAI-CA! JA-MAI-CA! JA-MAI-CA!
In the US vs., the World 4x100m races; both Jamaica and the USA men and women split. The US men’s 4x100m team of Justin Gatlin, Doc Patton, Ryan Bailey and Mike Rodgers, won in a time of 38.26 seconds. Jamaica men hold a considerable advantage against America’s in the100 and 200m sprints and 4x100m relays at the Olympics and World Championships level.
In an on the stadium infield interview with Stan E Smith and Barrington M. Salmon of News America Former 100m world record holder and UCLA track coach Maurice Greene gave candid assessment of the state the Jamaica/USA sprint rivalry. “Jamaica has surpassed America as a sprinting juggernaut” he also noted that Jamaica’ rise to sprinting prominence “didn’t just happen.” Green went on to further state “America is in trouble and it will take some time to come back,” “I’ve always seen the talent Jamaica has. They have really dominated.
In one of the most anticipated relay races of the event, US vs. the World 4x100m women relay, the Jamaican women team comprised of three London Olympic silver medalists, minus Veronica Campbell-Brown, Sherone Simpson, Karron Stewart, Shelly Ann Frazer Pryce, and Anneisha McClaughlin, who replaced VCB, won in 42.42 ended, the USA eight-year dominance in this event. The USA women fielded two teams, the USA Blue team of Mandy White, Alexandria Anderson, Barbara Pierre and Porscha Lucas finished second in 42.65, and the USA Red quartet consisted of two members of the London Olympics world record setting team Alyson Felix, Bianca Knight, alsoTianna Bartoletta, replacing Tianna Madison, and Jeneba Tarmoh, the only newcomer to the team (replacing the injured Carmelita Jeter) had to settle for third in 42.66 seconds.
The Jamaican women had this race won on the first two legs. Sherone Simpson exploded from the blocks with blistering lead leg, the best she has since her 2008 season, opened up the stagger on the field and handing decisive lead over to Karron Stewart as she majestically strode down the back stretch is gazelle-like fashion maintaining her lead over fast-striding American Alyson Felix, as Anneisha McClaughlin held the lead for Shelly Ann Frazer Pryce to bring it home to the finish line in a time of 42.42 seconds, the second fastest time for the track season this year.
After the sprint quartet victory in on the stadium infield interview I asked relay anchor and two-time women’s 100m Olympic gold medal champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, how it felt to finally beat her American rivals and what did it say about the rest of the season. She was happy they were able to end the eight-year drought. Fraser-Pryce said “This was great. Every year, we came 2nd, 2nd, 2nd. This year was special. We came out and decided that we’d do our best to win,” …. “It was a team effort. We had four girls showing grit, determination and good execution. We’re doing well going into the World Championships. This definitely bodes well for the future.”
Both Simpson (two knee surgeries) and Stewart have had to triumph over adversity battled due to injuries in the last couple of years since the Beijing Olympics. Despite the early season, Stewart seems well on her way to returning to her 10.78 form of 2010. Simpson blistering opening leg gives the Jamaicans women reason to be optimistic against the US rivals.
Other noteworthy and historic accomplishment at Franklin Field include : 1-2 wins for Holmwood Technical high school and Edwin Allen’ high school in the girls’ discus. Holmwood’ Genève Grange set her new her personal best and Penn Relay meet record at 54.29m Tara-Sue Barnett of Edwin Allen was second. Grange also won for the High School Girls Athlete for Individual Events.
The University of the West Indies, Mona, (UWI) won their first ever relay title in the College Men’s Sprint Medley Championship of America (200m x 200m x 400m x 800m) in 3:17.81. The UWI created history by being the first Jamaican college team to win this event.
The University of Technology, (Utech) men’s 4x100m relay team of Nicholas Watson, Andrew Fisher, Adolphus Nevers, and Julian Forte created history by winning the men’s 4x100m title in the time 38.92. Jevon Francis of Calabar High School was named the Penn Relays High School Boy Athlete for Relay Events after his amazing 44.9 seconds anchor. It was one of the tightest finishes ever, as two hundredths of a second separated Calabar High and Munro College, who claimed the second and third-best times ever at the meet.
Calabar High school won the Championships of Americas 4x400m relays in 3:09.22, the second best time ever. They beat two time defending champions Munro College.
Woolmer’s Boys‘ Christoffe Bryan defended his high jump title, clearing 2.15m to win. Calabar High’s Sadiki Eddie pulled off an upset win the long jump. Ashani Wright of Jamaica College was third with 2.06m. The win extended Jamaica’s dominance in the event to a fourth straight year, as Jamaicans filled the top five positions.
Calabar High School’ claimed the top two spots in the High School Boys’ discus throws. IAAF World Youth and World Junior champion Fedrick Dacres won the high school boys event with 68.73m throw, the second best ever at Penn Relays. Teammate Basil Bingham was second with 59.69 meters.
Vere Technical won its 11th title in the Girls’ Mile Relay in 3:36:72 the fifth-fastest ever at the Penn Relays. Edwin Allen was second in 3:37:55 and Holmwood third in 3:38:09.
First time participant Hydel High School, St. Catherine Jamaica competing in the High School Boys’ 4×100 Small Schools won in 41.22. In the High School Boys 4x100m division, five teams from Jamaica – Kingston College, Wolmers, Munro, Green Island and Calabar finished in the top five spots.
Jamaicans Make Their Mark Competing for USA Teams
Devenne Brown, (St Hugh’s high school) won the college women’s discus throw with 53.97m, a school record for Central Michigan, American university, Louisiana State University (LSU) won the sprint medley. The women’s team made up of Jamaicans Latoya McDermott, Nikita Tracey, Natoya Goule and American Kimberlyn Duncan took the event in 3:44:26 seconds to regain their title lost last year to Tennessee State.
LSU Jamaican Two-time national long jump champion Damar Forbes competing for Louisiana State University won the event in 7.90 meters. San Diego State College triple jumper, Shanieka Thomas, (Vere Technical high school) won the women’s triple jump with 13.61m. Damar Forbes won the college men’s long jump with 7.90m, while Johnson C Smith’s Danniel Williams, formerly of Alpha Academy, was second in the college women’s 100m hurdles in 13.15 seconds,
Drake Relay
Jamaican 20011 World Championship semi-finalists and the 2012 NCAA champion Andrew Riley beat American Olympic champion and 110 M sprint hurdles World Record holder, Aries Merritt at the Drake Relays in at Drake Stadium in a time of 13.43. The London Games gold medalist Merritt was second in 13.48.
Penn Relay Results
Penn Relay Result 2013 Friday April 26th , 2013
College Men’s 400m Hurdles Championship
2 Nicholas Maitland UWI Mona 51.26 4
High School Boys’ 4×800 Small Schools
2 Jamaica College (Kingston, JAM) 8:02.95-Dirk Williamson, Kadar Bryan, E-Jay Hylton, Kandy Blake
College Women’s 4×100 Championship of America
2 UTech -43.32,-Elaine Thompson, Carrie Russell, Natasha Morrison, Stephanie McPherson
6 G.C. Foster 44.64 Audra Segree, Anastasia LeRoy, Ronda Whyte, Samantha Curtis
High School Girls’ 4×800 Championship of America
Presented by Grace Foods
2 Edwin Allen (Clarendon, JAM)-8:56.86 Atara Segree (2:15.4), Santikee Gardner (2:17.0), Marleena Eubanks (2:07.4), Asshanni Robb (2:17.1)
High School Girls’ 4×100 Small Schools
1 (Manchester, JAM)-47.09,-Areka Hanson, Recalia Maitland, Anna-Kay West, Sidney Marshall
2 St. Elizabeth Tech (Santa Cruz, JAM) 47.53 Cherifa Bartlett, Opal James, Christine Moss, Kimone Green
High School Girls’ 4×100 Championship of America
Presented by Grace Foods
Wall of Fame Event in Honor of the 2004 Vere Tech girls’ 4×100-meter relay (Indira Spence, Maris Wisdom, Sharneter Stewart, Simone Facey)
1 - Holmwood Tech (Christiana, JAM)-44.82, Chanice Bonner, Younique Thompson, Kedisha Devilds, Dianna Johnson B
2 – Edwin Allen (Clarendon, JAM)-45.15, Ranee Ricketts, Saqukine Cameron, Monique Spencer, Claudette Allen
5 - Vere Technical (Clarendon, JAM), 46.19,-Satima Chambers, Olivia James, Chantal Pennie, René Medley G
6 - St. Jago (St. Catherine, JAM) 46.19 Oshin Brooks-Crillings, Lexanna Morgan, Sharice Reid, Georgianna Cramden E
7 - St. Augustine’s (Nassau, BAH) 47.58,
St. Andrew Girls ( JAM) DQ (46.80) Stacy-Ann Rowe, Mayah Edwards, Annastacia Scott, Rushelle Burton
Masters Men’s 100m dash 40 and older
1 - Christopher Williams Jamaica Masters 10.58
High School Girls’ 4×400 Championship of America
Event 362, Presented by Grace Foods
1 - Vere Technical (Clarendon, JAM), 3:36.72, Olivia James (52.9), Andrennette Knight (55.3), Derri-Ann Hill (55.6), Yanique McNeil (52.9) C
2 - Edwin Allen (Clarendon, JAM) 3:37.55-Monique Spencer (53.8), Camira Haughton (54.2), Davia Smith (55.6), Marleena Eubanks (54.0) D
3- Holmwood Tech (Christiana, JAM), 3:38.09 Shadae Hylton (55.6), Kedisha Dallas (54.3), Chanice Bonner (56.7), Chrisann Gordon (51.5)
4 - Columbia (Maplewood, NJ) 3:42.49, Kenya Gaston (56.0), Cheyenne Trigg (56.9), Shanika Dessein (56.1), Olivia Baker (53.5) B
5 - St. Jago (St. Catherine, JAM).3:42.52 -Genekee Keith (55.6), Tatiana Wolfe (54.3), Yvonna Grant (57.1), Shanice Roinl (55.5)
8 - St. Elizabeth Tech (Santa Cruz, JAM)3:45.59,Junelle Bromfield (57.2), Chantai Smith (56.4), Christine Moss (55.6), Satanya Wright (56.4)
Most Victories-10 Vere Technical (JAM)-5 Holmwood Tech-(JAM)
Masters Men’s 4×100 40 and older
1 -Jamaica Masters, 43.58, Leroy Gray, Christopher Williams, Daniel England, Christopher Faulkner
College Men’s Sprint Medley Championship of America-Event 377
1 - UWI Mona-3:17.81, Kavean Smith, Duwayne Ferguson, Nicholas Maitland (46.2), Jowayne Hibbert (1:48.4)
Field Events
High School Boys’ Discus Throw Championship
Event 706
1 Fedrick Dacres Calabar (Kingston, JAM) 68.73m (225-5)
2 Basil Bingham Calabar (Kingston, JAM) 59.69m (195-10)
College Men’s Discus Throw Championship
3 -Travis Smikle, UWI Mona 58.26m (191-1
College Women’s High Jump Championship
2 Kimberley Williamson UWI Mona 1.84m (6-0.5)
High School Boys’ Shot Put Championship
2 Chadrick DaCosta Kingston College (East Kingston, JAM) 19.23m (63-1.25)
Penn Relay Result 2013 Saturday April 27th, 2013
High School Boys’ 400m Hurdles Championship
Presented by Grace Food
1 Omar McLeod Kingston College (East Kingston, JAM) 51.62 1
4 Divontte Dennis Kingston College (East Kingston, JAM) 53.30
College Men’s 4×100 Championship of America
1 -UTech-38.92,-Nicholas Watson, Andrew Fisher, Adolphus Nevers, Julian Forte
USA vs. the World Men 4×100
2 - Jamaica,-38.65-Nesta Carter, Dexter Lee, Rasheed Dwyer, Jason Young
USA vs. the World Women 4×100
1 Jamaica-42.42, Sharone Simpson, Kerron Stewart, Anneisha McLaughlin, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
High School Boys’ 4×100 Championship of America
1 Kingston College (East Kingston, JAM) 40.44 Keniel Grant, Omar McLead, Antonio Henry, Tevin-LLoyd Thompson A
2 Wolmer’s Boys (Kingston, JAM) 40.66 Yanick Hart, Raheem Robinson, Karey Kelly, Jaheel Hyde C
3 Munro College (St. Elizabeth, JAM), 40.70,-Kaneil Harrison, Senoj-Jay Givans, Delano Williams, Hakeem Wood E
4 Calabar (Kingston, JAM), 40.76 Jason Hylton, Jovan Francis, Akeem McClean, Michael O’Hara D
5 Green Island (Hanover, JAM) 40.78, Chadwayne Vidal, Odail Todd, Kevarie Andrews, Glemeiko Whitelocke
High School Boys’ 4×100 Small Schools
1 Hydel (St. Catherine, JAM) 41.22-Romario Clarke, Hakeem Francis, Aubrey Allen, Omari McDonald B
2 St. Jago (St. Catherine, JAM) 41.39-Travis Henry, Martin Manley, Raheem Chambers, Ivan Henry F
3 St. Michael (St. Michael, BAR) 41.56,-Raedon Benn, Deon Hope, Daley Carter, Levi Cadogan D
4 Ardenne (Kingston, JAM) 41.61 Brian McKoy, Dudly Boeldak, Xandre Blake, Beresford Sweeney C
5 Garvey Maceo (Clarendon, JAM) 42.04 Thorne Fearon, Orane Thompson, Mazinho Barrett, Karayme Bartley
USA vs. the World Women 4×400
3 Jamaica -3:24.11,Sherika Williams (51.9), Novlene Williams Mills (50.0), Christine Day (51.0), Kaliese Spencer (51.2)
College Women’s 100m Hurdles Championship
7- Megan Simmonds UTech 13.48
College Women’s 100m dash Championship
2 Elaine Thompson UTech 11.54
College Men’s 100m dash Championship
2 Andrew Fisher UTech 10.28
Masters Men’s 4×400 40 and older
2 Jamaica Masters, 3:25.60 Daniel England, Christopher Williams, Chris Grant, Danny McFarlane
High School Boys’ 4×400 Championship of America
1 - Calabar (Kingston, JAM) 3:09.22,-Kemar Williams (49.2), Jason Hylton (48.1), Michael O’Hara (47.1), Jovan Francis (44.8) B
2 - Munro College (St. Elizabeth, JAM)-3:09.24,-Senoj-Jay Givans (47.9), Kaneil Harrison (49.4), Herbert Thomas (47.0), Delano Williams (44.9) A
3 - Manchester (Manchester, JAM) ,3:10.21,-Derron Wright (48.8), Gawayne Stephenson (48.7), Lennox Williams (46.3), Oshane Burrell (46.4)
College Women’s 4×400 Championship of America
2 – Utech-3:27.85,Venicha Baker (54.0), Janieve Russell (51.9), Simoya Campbell (52.4), Stephanie McPherson (49.6)
Field Events
High School Boys’ High Jump Championship
1 - Christoff Bryan Woolmer’s Boys (Kingston, JAM) 2.15m (7-0.5)
3 - Ashani Wright Jamaica College (Kingston, JAM) 2.06m (6-9)
4 - Matthew Campbell Ardenne (Kingston, JAM) 2.03m (6-7.75)
6 - Javon Swaby Calabar (Kingston, JAM) 2.03m (6-7.75)
High School Boys’ Long Jump Championship
1- Sadiki Eddie Calabar (Kingston, JAM) 7.28m (23-10.75)
2- Nicolaus Phynn Jamaica College (Kingston, JAM) 7.28m (23-10.75)
3 - Jullanie Walker Calabar (Kingston, JAM) 7.14m (23-5.25)
4 - Adrian Riley Calabar (Kingston, JAM) 7.11m (23-4)
5 - Gavin Gibson Jamaica College (Kingston, JAM) 7.10m (23-3.5)
High School Boys’ Triple Jump Championship
1 Clive Pullen Kingston College (East Kingston, JAM) 15.20m (49-10.5)
2 Clayton Brown Jamaica College (Kingston, JAM) 14.92m w (48-11.5)
3 Aaron Worrell Woodside (Newport News, VA) 14.85m (48-8.75)
4 O’Brien Waysome Jamaica College (Kingston, JAM) 14.85m (48-8.75)
5 Christian Rodgers Manchester (Midlothian, VA) 14.45m (47-5)
6 Kimani Hoffman Knightdale (Knightdale, NC) 14.21m w (46-7.5)
7 Aubrey Allen Hydel (St. Catherine, JAM) 14.16m (46-5.5)
