It was a record-breaking few days for EA student-athletes at the Penn Relays.
The varsity boys competed in the 4x100m, 4x400m, and Distance Medley Relays, along with the Triple Jump, while the varsity girls ran the 4x100m, 4x400m relays, and 3000m. The Middle School boys' and girls' 4x100m relays also clocked in with impressive results.
On Thursday, April 24, the 4x400m relay (Kaleb Young '28, Eli Engelman '25, Curtis Conner '26, Abaas Hunter '26) ran a memorable race to win bronze in the Inter-Ac division (3:21.37). "This is the best we've ever run in this event," said Coach Zach Richards, Hon. "Abaas Hunter ran a very fast split of 46.9 seconds."
Senior Yaya Johnson finished 2nd overall and was the top American with a jump of 48-7 1/2. "Yaya earned the coveted Penn Relays gold watch!" said Coach Richards. "He was spectacular and finished as the top American, which is a huge honor in this competitive event."
The Middle School boys' and girls' 4x100m relays competed on Thursday. The boys (Brock Newcomb '29, Michael Stewart '29, George Hampel '29, Elijah Henderson '29) ran to silver (47.91), the girls (Mia Rothman '30, Alma Vennera '30, Katelyn Bradica '30, Paige Hayne '29) clocked in at 4th place (54.15).
On Friday, the boys' DMR hit the track in the Championships of America division. (Curtis Conner, Abaas Hunter, Kaleb Young, Eli Engelman) and finished 3rd, overall. "We ran our best DMR time ever (10:01.23). The time is the second fastest DMR for a Pennsylvania school," shared Coach Richards. "The DMR was so much fun to watch. All four runners ran their best, and we were in contention for the whole race. This competition definitely helped push our boys to a strong finish."
"I'm so proud of the way our student-athletes handled the pressure of Penn Relays and responded to the competition," reflected Coach Richards. "It was an exciting couple of days, and I think this positive energy will fuel our last few weeks of the season!"
The girls' 4x100m (Stevie Combs '25, Ryann Newcomb '26, Mia Ganzhorn '26, Maya Bright '25) clocked a season-best time of 49.24, finishing 4th in their heat.
The 4x400m (Ryann Newcomb, Stevie Combs, Morgan Lohr, '26 Ava Cavanaugh '27) ran 3:55.67 to win silver in the Philadelphia Academic division. "This group tallied impressive splits and posted the fastest time by EA girls in the 4x400m in the last ten years," said Coach John Goens. The relay has qualified for New Balance Nationals in June.
Sophomore distance runner Kendra Williamson ran an outstanding 3000m race (9:39.71), setting another school record. Kendra finished in 6th place.
The Penn Relays took place April 24-26 at Franklin Field.