PHILADELPHIA – New York Post track and field beat writer Joseph Staszewski gives you an inside look at what New York City boys athletes will be competing in the weekend’s Penn Relays.
Penn Relays
When: April 22 to April 24
Where: Pennsylvania University, Franklin Field
Runners to watch: Sean Collins (Molloy), Corey Duggan (Farrell), Kareem Crawford (Curtis), Danny Zaccariello (St. Joseph by the Sea) and Andre Jordan (Medgar Evers)
Outlook: While New York City always produces fine relay teams, the five boroughs’ best shot to make some noise at the Penn Relays could come in the individual events.
The 400 hurdlers will certainly be a race to watch. Molloy senior Sean Collins posted the fourth fastest time in the country of 54.46 at least weekend’s New York Relays. He will be joined by Curtis’ Kareem Crawford. The junior holds the nation’s ninth best time at 55.04, which he ran at the Mayor’s Cup in early April. Trinidad’s Jehue Gordon is the front runner.
Farrell pole vaulting star Corey Duggan, who cleared 16 feet for the first time at the state indoor championships, is one of the favorites in the event. Robeson’s O’Neil Sandiford will compete in the high jump and Olukayode Owolabi of Midwood and St. Francis Prep’s Jason Matthews will take their shot in the triple jump.
Superb distance runner Danny Zaccariello will try to lead the St. Joseph by the Sea 4 x 800 relay team. The Vikings have the best team in the state and fifth best in the country in the event at 7:49.15, which it ran at the Arcadia Invitational on April 9. Sheepshead Bay, (without Richmond Ahadzi because of a hamstring injury), Medgar Evers and Midwood will be the city’s top three hopes in the 4 x 100 relay.
Boys & Girls will also compete in the 4 x 100, but its best chance will likely be in the loaded 4 x 400 field that includes St. Anthony’s and Newburgh. Medgar Evers will also compete.