Edwin Allen sweep medal set at Penn Relays, Dyke salutes resilient quartets

Michael Dyke, who guides the girls' track and field programme at Edwin Allen High, has lavished praise on his athletes after they collected a full medal set at the just-concluded Penn Relays, staged at Franklin Field in Philadelphia.

The Frankfield, Clarendon institution emerged as the standout Jamaican squad at the meet, claiming gold, silver and bronze across the three relay events it contested.

Moesha Gayle, Alexxe Henry, Kellyann Carr and Reneica Edwards combined to retain the Championship of America 4x100 metres title, crossing the line in 44.13 seconds for back-to-back honours in that event.

In the 4x400m, Shanique Cassanova, Carr, Kevongaye Fowler and Marria Crossfield ran a personal-best 3:33.24 to take the runner-up spot behind Hydel High.

The 4x800m unit of Sushsna Johnson, Horecia Love, Crossfield and Fowler then closed out the meet with a third-place run of 8:56.07, finishing behind Florida's IMG Academy and Pennsylvania's William Penn High.

"The Penn Relays was a success for Edwin Allen despite the many challenges we faced as a school and, by extension, within our track and field programme," said Dyke. "Notably, we were the only Jamaican female team to secure podium finishes in all events we participated in. This included first in the 4x100m, second in the 4x400m and third in the 4x800m. Additionally, Dionjah Shaw delivered a commendable performance, placing third in the discus," he shared.

"The girls competed with great determination and pride. However, they were unable to overcome Hydel in the 4x400m, and IMG and William Penn in the 4x800m," said Dyke. "Overall, it was a strong showing that reflected the resilience and competitive spirit of the team," concluded Dyke.

Dyke remains arguably the most decorated high school mentor in Penn Relays history, with 23 Championship of America high school relay titles to his name.