This past weekend, the Blue Devils traveled all the way up to the University of Pennsylvania’s Franklin Field to compete in one of the most prestigious meets that this country has to offer. The Penn Relays is a combination of high school, collegiate and professional running.
The competition ranges from Olympians, like junior Quincy Wilson, splitting the fastest 400 meter time ever run by a highschooler, to our very own Blue Devils, who competed in the 4×100 the 4×400 as well as the distance medley relay.
Interestingly, Westfield has a very rich history in this meet. “It’s very rare for a public school to be competing in the championship of America in the DMR three years in a row. Something our guys should be very proud of. The time they ran was the fourth fastest in WHS history,” said head coach Chris Tafelski.
Despite running the fourth fastest time in WHS history, the Blue Devils were only able to grab eighth place in the meet. A step back from last year’s squad which were able to get second place behind their New Jersey rival, Christian Brothers Academy.
But, looking at this year’s team, senior Ryan Daly said, “To deal with the nerves of this race, I just reminded myself that it is still a DMR. Yes it’s a glorified meet that is prestigious to win, but when I’m racing it’s still me versus whoever is in front of me for my leg.”
Looking back on the first day of the meet is where we see all of the sprinters compete. The 4×100 relay composed of seniors, Charlie Prieto and Tyler Pietrewicz, as well as sophomores Sizwe Ndlovu and Shaquann McKenith, had one goal in mind: “break 44 seconds. But, in order to do it, they had to put all of their trust in the training that they do everyday and not pay attention to anyone else,” said senior Charlie Vanecek.
And although they came through the line in a heartbreaking 44.19, Tafelski said, “Although we are still making adjustments to the lineup, I am excited to see what these guys can do come championship season.”
Finishing off the first day for the Blue Devils would be the 4×400 with Prieto, Vanecek, Ndlovu and junior Griffin Bach. The squad won their heat in a time of 3:34, including a personal best time from Ndlovu.
Looking forward, on May 1 and 2, the Blue Devils will begin the championship season, traveling to Governor Livingston to compete in the Union County Conference Championship.
