Throwback: Truman's Big Comeback In The District 1 4x1



The Harry S. Truman girls were in an undesirable position midway through the final of the girls' 4x100 meter relay at the 2019 PIAA District 1 Championships.

Back in about seventh place after the first two exchanges, the Tigers had some work to do if it wanted to get itself into states qualification, let along compete for the district title.

But after a strong third leg to get them closer, things were looking better heading into the final 100 meters. The last exchange was a good one and the baton was in the hands of Jaleezia Gibson, who was ready for something big.

Gibson took off and made a run at the top two squads -- Cheltenham and Coatesville -- who had a big advantage on the rest of the field. The stadium announcer saw Gibson was picking up steam: "big push from Harry S. Truman," he called out.

Then just before the line, Gibson made the pass and Truman picked up the victory and, with it, the District 1 AAA crown in the 4x100 meter relay. Truman clocked a time of 47.74 for the win, just ahead of Coatesville (second in 47.81) and Cheltenham (third in 47.87).

Event 305  Girls 4x100 Meter Relay AAA
=======================================================================================
  District I: * 46.70  5/20/2016   Cheltenham, Cheltenham                      
                       B Barnes, B Lewis, A Crosby, C Brissett           
                49.75  SQS
    School                                         Finals                        Points
=======================================================================================
Finals
  1 Harry S Truman                                  47.74 SQS               10   
  2 Coatesville                                     47.81 SQS                8   
  3 Cheltenham                                      47.87 SQS                6   
  4 North Penn                                      48.06 SQS                5   
  5 Downingtown West                                48.41 SQS                4   
  6 Penn Wood                                       48.87 SQS                3   
  7 Upper Darby                                     49.33 SQS                2   
  8 Norristown                                      49.44 SQS                1   

A week later it would get even better for the Truman girls. Possibly riding the momentum of their district title, at the PIAA State Championship at Shippensburg the relay one-upped themselves.

In another close race, Truman pulled out the AAA state title, running a time of 47.09 for the title over a strong Warwick squad that was a close second in 47.18. That time for Truman was the fastest time in Pennsylvania on the season.

Truman had some quality returners and likely could have been in the mix for another strong season in 2020. Unfortunately, with the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Tigers won't get that shot at a repeat. Instead, we look back on that race today.

Watch a clip of the final 150 meters of the race, as well as the full race below and check out an interview with the Truman girls after taking home the state title.