Watch Seton Hall Prep run the second fastest qualifier behind Jamaica College.
PHILADELPHIA - New Jersey wasted no time making its presence felt on the opening day of the 127th Penn Relays presented by Toyota on Thursday morning at historic Franklin Field.
In the first event of the meet, Seton Hall Prep, Chatham and Toms River North all charged into the Championship of America 4x800 final during the qualifying heats.
The 12 fastest teams in the four heats advanced to the C of A race, scheduled for Friday at 5:50 p.m.
Seton Hall Prep got its triple attempt off to a fast start by blasting a 7:49.99 to place second in its heat with the second fastest qualifying time. Jamaica College won the heat with the top qualifying time of 7:49.29. (UPDATE: Jamaica College was eventually DQ'd, Seton Hall Prep moved up to the overall prelims lead.)
Chatham won its heat in 7:51.26, the third fastest time of the day. Toms River North earned a spot in the C of A 4x800 for the first time ever by running 7:56.02 to place third in the same heat as Seton Hall Prep.
Seton Hall, who will try to make the 4x100 and 4x400 C of A race later today in what would be an epic trifecta, will be making its first C of A appearance in the 4x800 since it made the 4x400 and 4x800 finals in 2005.
Seton Hall Prep will attempt to become the first U.S. team to win the 4x800 since Pleasantville captured the title in 2013.
Seton Hall Prep used a lineup that consisted of Russell Webb (1:59.15), Ryan Matulonis, who dropped a red hot 1:53.72, the fastest of the day, Nick DeVita (1:55.86), and Brandon Williams (2:01.27)
Chatham, who won the NJ Meet of Champions title in the 4x800 indoors and finished finished 9th in the C of A 4x800 last year, used Charles Henne (1;58.71), Adam Petitjean (2:00.21), Leo Valenzuela (1:57.22), and Ryan Beegle
Toms River North's quartet was Camryn Thomas (1:59.46), Taysaun Wilson (1:57.08), Wlliam Broomeland (2:02.50), and Teddy Wilson (1:56.99).
Toms River North coach Michael Barrett was ecstatic to see his team earn a berth in the C of A race.
"To come here with a group of guys who have worked so hard and see them advance to the Championship of America race means so much to us and the program,'' said Barrett. "They have been building for this moment for a long time, and I couldnn't be happier to see them reach a big like this goal.''
