Girls' Distance Medley Relay
How about this for a storyline: The last two years, the DMR at indoor states have been super close. This year, the two teams on the losing end of those thrilling finishes will meet for a crack at the top spot. Expect a third close finish in as many years.
The two top seeds are PA#1 Friends' Central and PA#2 Strath Haven. FCS dropped a 12:15.30 at the VA Showcase to take over the top spot. Haven clocked a 12:20.35 at a DVGTCA meet in early January. The two will battle for the top spot on Sunday. For Friends' Central, a lot depends on Gabrielle Wilkinson, the talented anchor leg, who is entered in the mile and 800 before the DMR. As for Strath Haven, they are entered in the 4x800 at the beginning of the meet and will come back later for the second relay.
Wilkinson has done this triple before. Two years ago, she won the mile and took second in the 800 before leading a seemingly improbable comeback to the front, only to be edged out at the finish by Pennsbury's Olivia Sargent. This year could be a rewrite, only Friends' Central is hoping the result is different.
Last year, Grace Forbes of Strath Haven battled with Perkiomen Valley's Annie Glodek. Ultimately, Glodek and Perk Valley won the race, barely beating out Strath Haven. Forbes may be tasked with fending off a determined Wilkinson. In short, don't miss this race.
Carlisle emerged onto the scene with a big PA#3 to win at the PTFCA Carnival in 12:32.75. Look for the Herd, with a talented anchor in Meg Lebo to make moves for a high finish. PA#4 North Penn, third a year ago, will look for a strong effort after capturing Meet of Champs win. Saint Joseph's Catholic Academy has been a pleasant surprise coming in at PA#5, despite being one of the smaller schools in the state. SJCA is a definite contender in this field.
State College Area, Spring Ford, Owen J. Roberts, and Episcopal Academy are also very solid relays in this field that will be shooting for the top eight on Sunday.
Girls' DMR Entries
Event 19 Girls Distance Medley (12)
===============================================================================
Meet Record: 12:04.79 2/25/2012 Academy of Notre Dame, Notre Dame Acade
C Powers, M Seykora, B Hanna, M Abate
School
===============================================================================
1 Carlisle
2 Downingtown West
3 Episcopal Academy
4 Friends' Central
5 Manheim Township
6 North Penn
7 Owen J. Roberts
8 Saint Joseph's Catholic Academ
9 Spring Ford
10 State College Area High School
11 Strath Haven
12 Villa Joseph Marie