Kingston College leaned on a clutch anchor leg from Marchino Rose to secure the 4x400m Championship of America title at the Penn Relays on Friday, fending off a breathtaking final charge from Bullis School's Quincy Wilson to win in 3:05.93.
In a dramatic race full of twists and lead changes, it was Rose’s composed 45.04-second anchor leg that ultimately sealed victory for Kingston College, even as Wilson produced a stunning 43.99 split in a desperate attempt to pull Bullis School to the line first.
The race was wide open from the start, with Excelsior High leading after the opening exchanges. But Calabar surged into contention by halfway, with Diwayne Sharpe’s 45.70 and Nickeloy Bramwell’s 45.90 on the second and third legs giving them a slight advantage.
At the 1200m mark, Calabar led narrowly, clocking 2:20.83, with Kingston College and Bullis close behind. Kingston College’s third-leg runner, Roshawn Lee, ran a crucial 46.69 to position the team perfectly for the anchor exchange.
Handing the baton to Rose, Kingston College faced the challenge of Bullis' Wilson, one of the most electrifying young talents in American high school track and field. Wilson unleashed an astonishing 43.99 split, storming from fourth position into second and hunting Rose down in the home stretch. But the Jamaican anchor stayed composed, holding form under pressure to deliver Kingston College’s victory.
Bullis finished second in 3:06.31, a brilliant run highlighted by Wilson’s heroics but ultimately falling just short. Calabar, despite their strong middle legs, finished third in 3:06.52 after being overtaken late.
Excelsior High, who had led early behind a strong first 800m, finished fourth in 3:07.98. Jamaica College secured fifth in 3:08.06, while Toms River North of New Jersey placed sixth in 3:11.95. Downingtown West (PA) finished seventh in 3:12.69, Archbishop John Carroll (DC) was eighth in 3:14.38, and St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS), who had crossed the line in 3:12.39, were disqualified.
Kingston College’s victory continued Jamaica’s proud tradition of relay dominance at the Penn Relays, delivered through grit, execution, and the nerve of their anchor man, Marchino Rose, when it mattered most.