Roselle Park HS Track & Field Excels at 130th Penn Relays

ROSELLE PARK, NJ - Last week, Roselle Park High School Track & Field made history by competing in the 130th Penn Relays at Franklin Field on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, marking the program’s first appearance at the prestigious event in more than 40 years.Widely recognized as the largest relay carnival in the world, the Penn Relays brings together elite high school teams from across the United States and the Caribbean, along with collegiate programs, professional track and field athletes, and coaches from every level of the sport. For Roselle Park, simply qualifying for the meet was a major accomplishment. By the end of the weekend, the Panthers had even more to celebrate.Head Coach Shannon Martinez, along with assistant coaches Pete Pascarella, Yolanda Pascarella, and Elanah Pugh, brought two relay teams to compete on one of the sport’s biggest stages: the Boys 4x100-meter relay and the Girls 4x100-meter relay.The girls were first to compete on Thursday in Event 105. Representing Roselle Park were Brendali Garcia, Keyana Howell, Juliana Vivas, and Skyler Boyd. Running against some of the top programs in the region, the quartet rose to the occasion and delivered a personal record time of 54.12 seconds, a strong performance under the bright lights of Franklin Field.On Friday, the boys took the track for Event 325. Javien Ruiz, Jordan Stoddart, Josiah Boyd, and Nasir Cheston entered the race determined to make their mark-and they did just that. The team not only ran a new personal record of 44.94 seconds, but also captured first place in their heat, an impressive achievement at such a nationally recognized meet.While the performances on the track were outstanding, coaches and athletes alike agreed that the Penn Relays experience goes far beyond the stopwatch.From the moment teams arrive, the atmosphere is unlike any other. Thousands of spectators fill the historic stadium with nonstop energy as music echoes through Franklin Field, fans cheer from every section, and athletes from all over the world share the same competitive space. Food trucks, merchandise vendors, college recruiters, and professional athletes all add to the excitement of the event.For Roselle Park’s athletes, it was an opportunity to compete on a stage many dream about, while also seeing firsthand what high-level track and field looks like. For the coaching staff, it was a proud moment to watch their athletes represent the school and community among some of the best competition in the nation.The long days, early mornings, and demanding preparation were all worth it.For Roselle Park Track & Field, the return to the Penn Relays was more than just a trip-it was a statement. With personal records, a heat victory, and unforgettable memories, the Panthers proved they belong on one of track and field’s biggest stages.