Seven members of the St. Croix Educational Complex High School boys track team made a good run at the 123 Running of the Penn Relays held in Philadelphia from April 25-29.
According to Coach Devon Peters, the experience was "an invaluable" one for the budding track stars.
"This is the biggest and most competitive high school and college track meet in the world," Mr. Peters explained. "There were schools that attended from as far away as South Africa to participate in this meet. There were over 800 high schools and about the same amount of colleges in attendance."
Approximately 50,000 to 60,000 fans attended the annual event, Mr. Peters pointed out, making it the biggest event the young men have competed in.
"This was the first time for most of the boys competing at the Penn Relays, of which only two participated in the relays last year," he explained. "The boys were quite amazed to be running in front of such a large crowd, and seeing all the college and professional athletes competing inspired them."
The Complex athletes came in 4th place in a closely contested race in the 4 x 100m heats and the team came in 12th place in the 4 x 400m relay.
"This experience gave them memories to cherish for a lifetime," Coach Peters said. "Although they didn’t win, they were all in good spirits and have committed to working harder for a better result next year. The boys' behavior was very good and respectable. The school would have been proud."
The Complex team was one of several teams hailing from the Caribbean, including Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, St. Vincent, Trinidad, and Turks & Caicos.
Boys 4 x 100m 4 x 400m
1. Vernon Clarke 1. Trevon Porter 1. Valence Modest
2. Nakeeme Julian 2. Nakeeme Julian 2. Nakeeme Julian
3. Valence Modest 3. Valence Modest 3. Vernon Clarke
4. Lamar Miller 4. Lamar Miller 4. Lamar Miller
5. Trevon Porter
6. Omari Roberts
7. Christian Rojas
