Since 1895, the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia has hosted one of the largest track and field competitions in the United States. This year, the meet ran from Thursday, April 28th to Saturday, April 30th. 

Athletes in high school, college, and even Olympians compete at the Penn Relays. People from all across the country come to Franklin Field to showcase their talent. 

Since there are so many athletes, Senior Bree Boyle believes this meet is important because “it gives us the opportunity to race teams from different states which we don’t normally get to do.” 

After two years of not being able to attend the annual Penn Relays from COVID-19, the NPHS Pioneers were very excited to get back out there.

For Boyle, it was her first time competing at the Penn Relay:  “It’s a huge meet and a super cool facility to run at so it’s exciting to be going.”

Since this meet is so large, the qualifications for certain relays and races is very hard, therefore NPHS was only entered in a small number of races. Overall, the Pioneers performed well, with the 4×100 winning their heat and the 4×400 placing fifth in their heat. 

Boyle explained: “I think the coaches only bring certain relays because it is difficult to qualify, so the relays they bring are the ones that will race well against other competition.”