Jamaicans enter as high school favorites

From North Dakota to Jamaica, runners are flocking from 33 states and six countries to participate in one of history's most acclaimed running events.

With over 100,000 athletes, the Penn Relays boast 33 hours of competition in over 425 races.

In the presence of some of track and field's greats -- Dennis Mitchell, Carl Lewis and Gail Devers -- it is easy for the the newly rising high school stars to fall into the shadow while others take the spotlight.

American high schools make up the majority of the record number of schools represented at this year's Penn Relays. Given the selectivity of the entry process -- and that there are over 200 high schools representing New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania -- the Relays stand as an indicator of the omnipresence and popularity of high school track today.

One of Pennsylvania's own exalted coaches and chairman of the High School Committee for the Penn Relays is Tim Hickey of William Penn High School.

Hickey plans to retire from William Penn at the conclusion of this season, having devoted 38 years to the growth and development of his team. He has seen many talented athletes throughout his tenure with the program, as well as more than his share of Penn Relays.

"As in previous years, the Jamaicans will likely dominate the sprints," Hickey said. "The West Coast is also putting out many strong runners, some of which are record-holders."

The Jamaicans are sending 35 high schools north from the tropics to compete this year. With only seven teams in a field of over 250 in the 4x100m competition, the Jamaicans will undoubtedly face some tough teams. However, they still hope to maintain and surpass their current record of 47.09 seconds set by Meadowbrook in 1998.

Over 300 squads competing in the boys 4x100 relay, teams will be will be shooting for the Jamaican-held record of 41.40 seconds.

In the girls 400m hurdles race, Pennsylvania boasts three of the top five competitors -- Tiffany Abney, Christina Smith and Nicole Leach Smith. Smith, a William Penn High School product, is the top competitor from this area with a personal best of 59.15.

However, the local products will be hard-pressed to compete with Jamaican phenom Sheryl Morgan. She currently dominates the field with an astounding time of 52.3 seconds, more than six seconds ahead of her competitors.

"Sheryl could take her time, stop and hop over a few hurdles and still win.... She's amazing," Hickey said.

The boys 400m hurdles is led by Kimani Williams and Isa Phillips, both Jamaicans. It will be up to the New Jersey natives and New Yorkers to challenge this dominating power, as there are no Pennsylvania representatives.

Hickey attributes Pennsylvania's lack of representation to outside interests and obligations that former competitors now have.

"Many boys in the city are spending their free time working... some at multiple jobs. Others are playing basketball instead," Hickey said.

In terms of girls track, "it's really sad. We used to have 30-40 competitors. Now, we're down to 15... it's pathetic, the representation is really down."

In the field events, the Jamaicans still make up a significant part of the competition. However, they do not hold records in these events.

The boys long jump record of 8.16m is held by Dion Bentley of Penn Hills. The long jump field is a diverse one with competitors not only from Philadelphia, but also from Maryland, New York, Virginia, the Bahamas and Puerto Rico.

The girls triple jump record belongs to Texan Ychilindria Spears at 13.46 meters. A pair from Virginia -- the most widely represented state in the event -- Yvette Lewis and Adrienne Mayo will look to top that mark.

High school athletes from all over the world will seek to light up Franklin Field impressive times and distances -- both this season and in the years to come when they own the stage.

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