Girls 4x400m Relay
PA State Rankings: 4x400m
The State Favorites: Coatesville; Neumann Goretti
Top Medal Contenders: Central Bucks East; Central Bucks West; Friends' Central; Garnet Valley; J.P McCaskey; North Penn; Penn Wood; Strath Haven; Warwick
Dark Horses: Bensalem; Butler; Conestoga Valley; Downingtown West; Penn Hills; Radnor
Sizing It Up: The reigning AAA outdoor champs from Coatesville are an experienced crew that will look to convert that spring gold into winter gold in the 4x4. They have run 3:54.86 this season, winning at Ocean Breeze, a nice improvement over what they clocked at Kevin Dare.
Neumann Goretti, though, will aim to retain their title in the event with their wealth of quarter mile speed. Their 3:52 from the Bullis Speed Invite shows they are possibly just as powerful as a year ago. They're on a collision course with Coatesville and we could get an excited pre-states matchup at the DVGTCA Meet of Champs next week.
Friends' Central and Penn Wood are on the cusp of the 4-minute barrier. FCS has made plenty of noise in the distance relays, but also have quite the 4x4, as evidenced by their VA Showcase win. Penn Wood was second a year ago and is always strong in the 4x4; don't count the Patriots ever.