From April 25-27, the young Fords’ track and field team took their talents to the 128th Penn Relays. Losing their lead runners Chase Knox ’23 and their anchor Amani Brown ’23, questions arose about their performance.
During practice the week prior, second-leg Fifth Former Avery Gordan experienced a small fracture in his femur. This led to Fourth Former Destin Philips filling in his shoes.
“I was super nervous to run, not gonna lie,” Philips said. “I watched a lot of videos on relays, and I didn’t want to be the reason why we didn’t run a fast time.”
In fact, the only leg with any experience was the quirky sprinter Fifth Former Bryce Pitt. He was tentative after dropping the baton during the exchange from Sixth Former Jey Brown. The other two legs, the lead and anchor, were Third Formers Charlie Beifeld and Haven Hoilett.
The day of the meet, Fords were only able to warm up for 20 minutes. Immediately after, they had to rush to Franklin Field to get checked in to run. 40 mins later, it was time for the Fords to shine.
On your marks. Get set. Pow.
Beifeld got out with a decent start. With elbows bent at a 90-degree angle, he was able to maximize his stride pattern with his explosiveness. Then, it was time for the exchange to Philips, who erased all doubt once he got the baton. His yellow hair leaving a blur as he ran, he was able to maintain good form up to the 60-meter mark.
Now came the transition. Philips didn’t let go for a split second after Pitt secured the baton. Once Pitt received it, he immediately got to work.
Pitt’s running mechanics were smooth, gaining more speed with every step. He made up the distance that Philips had lost, and cruised to the anchor leg, working that curve with extreme precision. Hoilett took off when Pitt was about 20 meters next to him.
Hoitlett had one job to do after that, and wasted no time getting it done. His soccer speed translated on the track beautifully, taking off with explosive strides. He maintained the lead, and the Fords caught the victory with a time of 43.61.
“The guys ran hard, man,” Varsity Track and Field Coach James Hawkins said. “I’m proud of them, especially their ability to adapt after losing one of their legs.”
“It sucks not being able to run with the guys,” Avery Gordon ’25 said, “but I’m glad we won our heat.”
The Fords have Inter-Ac championships next Thursday, and PAISAAS the following week, and they hope to end the season on a high note.
