"All four of us will be there, and we're just going to try, and everybody run a PR. Try to run as low 7:40s as possible. Our momentum is super strong with the 4x8, so we're super siked."
Those were the words of Michael Woolery in the days leading up to the Millrose Games, making the actuality of the Episcopal Boys' 7:45.78 4x800m relay ever more impressive.
They called their shot. And though this isn't a game seven moment, they ran a US leading time on one of the sport's biggest stages, the Millrose Games.
That 7:45.78 will go down in Pennsylvania History as the fourth fastest mark All-Time, mere tenths off the 7:45.06 state record set by Central Bucks West at the 2011 PTFCA State Championship.
Above: CB West set the State Record in 2011
To run the Nation's leading mark - Episcopal employed four legs of 1:57 or faster.
Aidan McHugh opened with a 1:57.91 before handing off to Eli Engelman, who matched his effort with a 1:57.41 of his own. However, a 1:55.74 leg from Toms River North's (NJ) Taysaun Wilson displaced Episcopal from the lead.
Dakin Ebmeyer quickly regained the lead in his leg and threw down a 1:56.12 before handing it to Woolery, who would split a 1:54.28.
Their respective splits would all rank inside the PA Top 15.
Penncrest finished fifth in the same field. Though they won't get the attention and glamour that the Episcopal contingent will receive, they too ran a stellar race, finishing in 7:56.02. They are currently ranked seventh in the Nation with that time, and they ran the fourth fastest time in the program's storied history.
Their team comprised of Ben Holst-Rightley, Brendan Hefferan, Rory McAfee, and Kadin Salaria.