Track and Field Competes at Penn Relays

CELINE CHANG

Associate Editor

Deerfield Track and Field athletes traveled to Philadelphia over the weekend of April 25 to compete in the Penn Relays, where the girls team delivered strong performances, winning their heat in the 4x400 meter relay and earning silver in the 4x100 meter relay.

Head Track Coach and History Teacher Tara Keegan described the event as “a true celebration of track,” drawing high school, collegiate, and professional athletes from across the country. Despite logistical challenges, which included getting two vans from campus to Philadelphia, Keegan said that the trip is “a big labor of love,” something made possible by many faculty and staff supporting the team both on and off campus. “We don’t go [to Penn] every year, so when we do, it’s really special,” she added.

“Winning our heat in the 4x4 was such a surreal feeling,” said Senior Captain Alex Hermsdorf ’25. “We were all exhausted but so proud. It was just joy.”

Hermsdorf also reflected on the unique energy of the meet: “When I stepped on the track and looked up at the stands, it was packed. It kind of hits you how huge this is,” she said.

The boys team faced challenges with dropped batons in both the 4x100 and 4x400 meter relays. Senior Captain Cai Harrison ’25 acknowledged the tough results. “We dropped the baton in the first race… and then [in] the second race, I dropped the baton in the four by four… we definitely lost a couple of seconds. So it wasn’t what we had hoped for, but, you know, things happen.”

Still, Harrison showed positivity towards the experience. “It can be really stressful… but once you’re in there, you feel so small. And because there’s so many people… I think it actually makes it easier to run once you’re there. Because you feel less significant, but not really in a bad way.”

Coach Keegan echoed this, as she expressed how proud she was of the way the boys handled their disappointment. “Sports are mostly disappointing, but we stay in it for what comes out of that and the growth that happens,” she said.

Both Hermsdorf and Harrison reflected on the van rides, hotel stays, and other bonding experiences. The captains mentioned that sharing meals, cracking jokes, and simply spending time together away from school created a tight knit environment. “It’s really rare to get that much time with your teammates outside of practice,” said Hermsdorf. “You laugh a lot, you eat together, and you make those silly memories that last.”

Harrison agreed, noting that his favorite moments were the off-track ones. For him, competing at Penn was “less about nerves and more about taking it all in… Be more excited than nervous,” he advised future relay athletes.

In terms of preparation, Hermsdorf admitted it had been a rough start to the season. “We’d had a few meets canceled because of the weather, and I didn’t feel super prepared,” she explained. “But we had a lot of short, sharp sprint workouts and worked hard on our handoffs. The coaches were really supportive as well.”

Coach Keegan highlighted the significance of the Penn Relays beyond just competition. “The Penn experience does not center on winning. It is so much bigger than that,” she said. “It’s about exposure to a level of competition and excitement that you don’t get at a normal meet.” Still, she acknowledged that the team’s strong finishes were “nice to bring home.”

The event left a great impression on both captains, as they walked away feeling grateful for the experience. Hermsdorf expressed hope that others would get the chance to participate. “Relays are really stressful… but I think it’s a great experience for everyone,” she said.

As championships approach, Deerfield Track and Field is determined and ready to finish the season strong.