By Duane Coombs| Saturday |May 3, 2014
 |
Excelsior's
4x100 team winning its heat at
Penn Relays on Friday
|
"The athletes are still on
cloud nine expressing their gratitude for the kindness shown to them"
said Vice Principal Mrs.
Allison Peart, who acted as chaperone to the XLCR contingent.
"On behalf of the team,
athletes, coaches, and the school's administration I wish to say how grateful
we are to the past students who feted us in Philly".
On the cusp of the 50th
anniversary of Excelsior's first participation at Penn Relays in 1965, the team
had entered the 120th staging of the annual Penn Relays Carnival determined to
give a good account of itself. The intention was to build on the momentum from
last year.
But dogged by biting cold and blustery weather
conditions, the team had not managed to hit its straps in a number of earlier
events on the first two days. However, by last Saturday-the third and final
day- there was good reason for optimism.
A day earlier the XLCR 4x100 quartet had qualified for
the sprint relays(small school) finals by winning Heat # 9 of the
preliminaries. It, therefore, entered Saturday's festivities with a chance of
copping one of the top 3 places in the finals.
Saturday is traditionally the biggest day of the Penn
Relays Carnival, and by plane, train and automobile, scores of alumni and other
supporters had made the annual pilgrimage to give their full-throated support
to their team.
An Excelsior team had reached a Penn Relays final for the
first time in more than a decade, so anticipation was at fever pitch in the
stands at Franklin Field. Alumni greeted the team with robust cheers. And but
for a little hiccup on the first baton
exchange which eliminated the team from contention, alumni would have left
Franklin Field with even more reason to cheer.
Afterward, alumna Donna Myrie who hosted a post-Penn Relays
reception for the team in Philadelphia, was philosophical. She echoed the
sentiments of a cross section of the alumni.
 |
Team waits in the bullpen for the finals
on Saturday April 26, 2014 |
"We are on a journey and
with hard work and God's help, I am confident we will return to the top,"
she said. "We continue to be proud
of our students-athletes, coaches and members of the DASH organization for their
hard work toward rebuilding our program".
Discus thrower Shanice Love had in fact made the longest
throw in her competition but the windy condition had unfortunately rendered it
foul. Nonetheless, she has reportedly caught the eyes of a number of USA
college recruiters who were impressed with her form. Much is expected of her in
the future.
Ever mindful of their role as
custodians of
Excelsior's track and field legacy,the team has resolved to continue its hard
work toward success. Speaking on behalf of the team, assistant coach Michael
Vassell pledged an even better showing at next year's Penn Relays.
"There was so much genuine
pride and joy that we are encouraged to work even harder to ensure that there
is a lot more to cheer about and support," Vassell promised.
Success at Penn Relays 2015
would be a fitting tribute to next year's Golden Anniversary of Excelsior's
first visit to the world renown track meet.
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