Top finishes for GC Foster College, Dacres at Penn Relays

After knocking on the door for several years, GC Foster College of Physical Education and Sport had their greatest moment at the 122nd staging of the Penn Relays last week with a win and several top-three finishes, ending as the most successful Jamaican college team in Philadelphia.

The Maurice Wilson-coached team had its biggest moment in the Championship of America men's college 4x100 metres.

Entering the meet as the second ranked team, the team of Colin King, Chadic Hinds, Everton Clarke, and Brandon Tomlinson clocked 39.31 seconds to defeat the University of Houston, who finished second in 39.49 seconds.

Defending champions University of Technology were fifth in 39.73 seconds.

Meanwhile, Andre Clarke was second in the collegiate 400 metres hurdles while Aubrey Allen, Orrin Powell and the men's 4x400 metres team all finished third.

Powell threw 70.35 metres in the javelin; Allen cleared 15.83 metres in the triple jump; while the 4x 400 metres team clocked 3:08.19.

Wilson was pleased with the team's achievement.

"We have worked hard all year and we are extremely thankful to God who played a pivotal role in our success," said Wilson, who is also the technical leader of Jamaica's senior athletics team.

Meanwhile, the University of West Indies duo of Fedrick Dacres (65.19) and Traves Smikle (63.42) finished one-two in the college men's discus.

The University of Technology had two individual second places. Megan Simmonds was second in the college women's 100-metre hurdles in 13.24 seconds, the same time done by winner, Sasha Wallace of the University of Oregon.

Shimarya Williams clocked 11.54 seconds in the women's 100 metres, behind winner Gabrielle Farquharson of Rutgers in 11.36 seconds.

UTech's 4x200 metres female team anchored by Shericka Jackson finished second in 1:32.69, behind Tennessee in 1:31.84.