Riley: Excelsior were well prepared for glory at Penns

WHEN EXCELSIOR High broke a 57-year drought last Saturday at the 128th staging of the Penn Relays to win the high school boys’ Championship of America 4x100 metres, it was a result head coach David Riley expected.

The quartet of Ryeem Walker, Damor Miller, Malike Nugent and Lennon Green stopped the clock at 40.45 seconds to turn back Kingston College, 40.53, and Herbert Morrison Technical, who were third in 40.56.

“Our team was well prepared for Penn Relays. We considered all aspects of the competition and the weather. We simulated a lot of things and we planned,” said Riley.

“The issue is usually how well the athletes execute. We know for sure that we have enough speed to win, and so there was no concern there . We were also mentally prepared . Historically we usually perform better at Penn Relays than we do in Kingston in comparison to the other teams,” said Riley.

The Excelsior head coach stated that the athletes are aware of the big investment in the programme and are always motivated to do well.

“Our athletes also understand the huge investment to visit the Penn Relays and they are committed to give a great performance in return,” he added.

Riley said the school has had a good season.

The season has gone well so far, as our operation has matured, the athletes are committed, and the sport is growing,” he said.

He spoke about the new developments at the school in the area of sports.

“We are happy to be a part of this era, the resurgence of Excelsior in track and field. A whole generation didn’t know about the glory days of the 1960s, but now they are living it, losing their voices and feeling very proud to be an Excelsior Eagle,” said Riley.