Coach Dyke hails Edwin Allen’s girls after ‘strong showing’ at Penn Relays

Head coach of Edwin Allen High's girls' track and field team, Michael Dyke, has hailed the performance of his team after they picked up a complete set of medals at the recently concluded Penn Relays at Franklin Field, Philadelphia.

The Frankfield, Clarendon-based school was the most successful Jamaican team in the relays, with gold, silver and bronze medals in the three events they entered.

The quartet of Moesha Gayle, Alexxe Henry, Kellyann Carr and Reneica Edwards made it back-to-back wins in the Championship of America 4x100 metres relay, stopping the clock at 44.13 seconds.

In the 4x400m, the quartet of Shanique Cassanova, Carr, Kevongaye Fowler and Marria Crossfield clocked a personal-best 3:33.24 to finish second behind Hydel High. Then their 4x800m foursome of Sushsna Johnson, Horecia Love, Crossfield and Fowler ended third in 8:56.07, behind IMG Academy of Florida and William Penn High of Pennsylvania.

"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, undoubtedly the most successful high school coach at the Penn Relays, with an overall 23 Championship of America high school relay titles.