Four Brothers: The North Penn 4x800 Relay Patrick Donnelly Jun 02, 2008

Alone in their thoughts but surrounded by other runners, the North Penn 4x800m relay team waits anxiously in the paddock area of Franklin Field at the 2008 Penn Relays. A gun sharply cracks and a swarm of professional runners charge out of the starting line just a few feet away from them. The overwhelming cheering and shouting from the crowd interrupts the four high schooler’s ability to think clearly about the monumental task ahead. Nervous glances at the competition, quick leg shake-outs, and swigs of cold water pass the time as the runners wait anxiously for the Championship of America 4x800m Relay to be called.

Just as thunder breaks the silence before a storm, a screeching microphone finally calls for the athletes: “Would the lead-off legs of the Championship of America 4x800 Relay please step forward.” North Penn junior Brian Quintrell moves to the front of the paddock area, taking the time to look back at his teammates. Reassuring glances from seniors Steve Franks, Justin Bookheimer, and Zach Montijo will be the last thing that Quintrell sees before he steps onto the track and begins the much-anticipated 2008 Outdoor track.