Powerhouse Kingston College (KC) has positioned themselves firmly on track for a historic fourth consecutive title in the High School Boys’ Championship of America 4x400m relay, as they lead a formidable Jamaican contingent into the final after contrasting performances in the heats on Thursday’s opening day of the 129th Penn Relays at Franklin Field in Philadelphia.

Five Jamaican schools, each steeped in relay tradition and hungry for Penn Relays glory, will line up in Saturday’s final, ensuring yet another thrilling showdown between Caribbean sprint artistry and American depth.

KC was not the quickest of the qualifiers but did enough to book their spot, clocking 3:13.22, the sixth-fastest time of the day. Though not their most blistering run, the North Street stalwarts are known to save their best for finals, and with the weight of a three-year reign on their backs, they remain a potent force.

They will be joined by Calabar High, who were the fastest Jamaican team in the heats with an impressive 3:11.58, signaling a serious intent to reclaim the title they last won in 2018. Known for their deep sprint arsenal and strong anchors, the Red Hills Road outfit looked smooth and composed in their heat and will likely relish the clash with their old Kingston rivals.

Also returning from last year’s final are Excelsior High (3:12.52) and St Elizabeth Technical (STETHS) (3:12.76), both of whom delivered gritty performances to ensure their places in the top eight. Excelsior, who finished second in 2024, have been building momentum all season, while STETHS will also be eyeing a podium finish.

Rounding out the Jamaican contingent is Jamaica College, who grabbed the final qualifying spot with 3:14.96. Though their time ranked eighth, JC, like the others, has pedigree on their side.

However, standing in the way of Jamaican dominance is Bullis School of Potomac, Maryland, the top overall qualifiers. With teenage Olympic gold medalist Quincy Wilson anchoring, Bullis laid down a marker with a blistering 3:11.04, the fastest time of the day. After finishing third in 2024 and sixth in 2023, the Americans are hungry to go all the way and will start Saturday’s final as narrow favourites.

Also in the mix are Toms River (3:13.16) from New Jersey, Archbishop John Carroll (3:14.55) from Washington, DC, and Downingtown West (3:15.18) of Pennsylvania.