Honouree England looks back on 1990 Penns

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania:

Calabar's 1990 4x400 metres quartet of Everton Rhoden, Chris Gallimore, Daniel England and Hugh Powell will be inducted into the Penn Relays Wall of Fame today in Philadelphia and England is proud that the team's performances are being remembered.

Speaking in Philadelphia yesterday, England said he was shocked when he got news of the induction. He was also full of praise for the school's present record-breaking 4x400 metres team.

Rhoden, Gallimore, England and Powell twice lowered the Penn Relays record with times of 3:11.04 and 3:10.98 in 1990 to run their way into history.

Even so, England was surprised to learn of their induction.

"I was shocked at first when I first got the news", England said. "It's a happy time for me, happy time hopefully for the school and hopefully we continue this journey."

His memories of 1990 are rich.

"Herb McKenley always kept us focussed and regardless; rain, sunshine, we always run", he said of McKenley, who was his coach at Calabar.

The three-time Boys Championships Class One 400 metres champion is pleased that Calabar's prominence in the 4x400 metre relay has continued.

"I'm very proud, the fact that they continue this trend and they dominate the 4x4", he lauded.

In praise of current Calabar coaching leader Michael Clarke, he said,

"We just have a good group of boys trained to take the baton and carry it down the road."

"The seed was planted and I'm happy to be a part of that process," England added.

The boys 4x400m relay has been designated a Wall of Fame event this year dedicated to the 1990 Calabar team. Last year, Calabar set a Penn Relays record of 3:08.59.