ABOVE: Watch the Full Girl's Distance Medley Relay
On Wednesday - the State College High School girls toed the line in what was the night's first event, poised to throw down one of the quickest times in the nation thus far this year.
The starting gun sent them underway, and it was evident that Natalie Koncoski was chasing a fast time. By the 800m mark, Koncoski had already begun to lap other teams as she rolled through the opening half-mile under 2:30. She split 3:45 through her opening 1200m leg.
Chloe Poindexter took the baton next and threw down a 64-second quarter before handing it off to Grace Morningstar, who ambitiously managed a 2:18 800m.
Marlee Kwasnica received the baton in the anchor slot and brought the team home in a 5:09 last 1600m to put the lid on a new PA No. 1 and US No. 2 12:17.93.
That mark has standalone value - it is the 24th fastest mark in Pennsylvania's illustrious history.
But if you were to take each split alone, it amplifies the impression of that time. Koncoski's time through the first 1k would rank as a PA No. 1. Morningstar, who currently ranks eighth in the 800m, managed a leg that would slot in as a PA No. 11. Kwasnica's 1600m leg would rank 10th in the event.
Granted, we recognize that relay splits aren't incredible indicators of open race times, but you have competition in open races. State College did not. In a bold display - they soloed their 12:17.93 and established themselves as the team to beat heading into championship season.