Hydel set to win second 4x100m title at Penns

LAST YEAR, led by their superathlete Alana Reid, Hydel High put the brakes on Edwin Allen High’s winning record at the Penn Relays in the Championship of America 4x100 metres at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia. The Corey Bennett-coached team captured their first title, winning in 44.16 seconds.

That win by Hydel denied Edwin Allen title number 10 and eight in a row. The record holders in the event, with their superfast time of 43.18 in 2022, failed to finish the event as there was a botched pass on the first exchange between Serena Cole and Theianna-Lee Terrelonge.

The Michael Dyke-coached Edwin Allen were also second to their rivals in the 4x400m, and they left the carnival without a win after also finishing second in the 4x800m.

When Hydel won the 4x100m last year, they became the sixth Jamaican high school girls’ team to capture the event. Vere Technical lead the way with 15 and are followed by Edwin Allen, nine, Holmwood and St Jago four each, Camperdown three, with Hydel one.

Fastest this season

Hydel have recorded the fastest time so far this season in the event as at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Championships (Champs) their Class One team, which included the outstanding Alliah Baker, clocked 44.71, easily turning back Edwin Allen, second in 45.18 and Wolmer’s Girls, third in 45.83.

At the Gibson McCook Relays, it was Edwin Allen who got the upper hand over their main rivals after winning in 45.68 against a then depleted Hydel team, second in 46.79. A lot has changed since, and it will take something special from Edwin Allen or any other team to deny them an improved Hydel quartet.

Two members of their winning team from a year ago, Baker and Shemonique Hazle, are back and with the likes of Jody Ann Daley, Shannia Myers, and the multitalented Abigail Campbell to choose from, any four will be dangerous and a sub-45 seconds looks likely once again, even in the very cool conditions expected at the Franklin Field Stadium.

Edwin Allen will be hoping that Terrelonge will make a big difference for them. Terrelonge ran exceptional relay legs for their Class Two team in wins at the Gibson McCook Relays and at Champs. She could lead Natasha Fox, Trezuguet Taylor, Jounee Armstrong, and Toniann Beckford, a member of last year’s team, to victory.

Both St Jago High and Wolmer’s Girls, who were third and eighth last year, respectively, will be hoping to spring surprises. Wolmer’s Girls, third at Champs, without an injured Abigail Wolfe, will welcome her return here, and with Natrece East, Tiana Marshall, and Mickayla Gardener, will give them some hope,

Three members of the St Jago team from last year are back, and with Class Two athletes Brianna Campbell and Bryanna Davidson showing improved speed this season, they will be hoping to break their long winning drought at the meet.

However, a very solid Hydel team will be very hard to beat, and like last year, they are expected to leave the relay carnival with two winning plaques as they are a cinch to also take home the 4x400m title.