New States Standards- The Relays

Last year I didn't think they should have added anyone to the 4x8 field (and maybe even the DMR field, I'd have to check exactly how many teams had hit the standard) but someone must have done a great job complaining to the ptfca, as two full heats of the 4x8 were granted. This may mean we can expect the same thing this year. I hope not, I'm hoping we will see a field of around 12 and 10 for the 4x8 and DMR respectively, but the way things were last year I can make no guarentees.

So let's assume that they end up doing something similar to last year when a whopping 23 teams were in the 4x8 (out of which 8 teams were added who did not actually hit the standard) and the DMR had 13 teams (out of which roughly 4 didn't hit the time? I don't know the standard off the top of my head with the flat to bank conversion, but the point is a decent amount didn't hit the standard). This makes me thing they will probably fill a field to about 20 in the 4x8 and 12 in the DMR this year. There is a still chance we will see the 12 and 10 of olden times, but don't get your hopes up.

So what does that mean?

Well first off we have to estimate who is running which relay, which does make things a bit tricky. Let's go down the list of top ranked teams who have so far qualified in both and have a decision on their hands. Here's how I think it ends up.

Strath Haven- 4x8, would have really liked to have seen a DMR, but in a team title race the smart move is to double back in the 4x8 with tired legs and try to pull out the win (they are seeded first admittedly) rather than battle some hungry DMR squads

Great Valley- DMR, I said before that they may have a better shot to win the 4x8 than the DMR depending on how the races play out, but this team has been about the DMR since last indoors. They will definitely go for Gold here.

Henderson- DMR, distance powerhouse with distance oriented legs, have to imagine they will go DMR.

North Penn- DMR, may even have all fresh legs. Trimble not running recently is still scary in my head, but I think this team has had DMR state gold on their mind for a while as well.

LaSalle- 4x8, it pains my heart, but the potential DMR showdown won't happen between all the top teams. LaSalle will most likely double their guys, they are very talented and ultimately individual chances at the medals usually prevail over a team record attempt. Especially when these guys still have a shot at gold on the way back in the 4x8.

When all is said and done out of teams who have hit the standard in each relay, here is who I think wil enter:
4x8
1. Strath Haven
2. Penncrest
3. Cardinal O'Hara
4. Penn Hills
5. Bensalem
6. Pennridge
7. Robeson
8. Chambersburg
9. CB East**
10. Cumberland Valley
11. CB West**
12. LaSalle (obviously have to improve this seed time this weekend and I expect they will)
13. Spring Ford
14. Upper Darby

The two teams marked with ** I think would opt for the DMR if they got in, they just don't have the standard yet. I expect both relays to go for it at MoC this coming weekend. If the two CB squads do not hit the standard 14 entries in the 4x8 SHOULD be enough to have one heat of the 4x8 decide the whole thing. Will the PTFCA have it this way? If last year was any indication as said above NO. But we will get to the extra teams later.

The teams who have hit the standard in the DMR that I expect to enter are:
1. Great Valley
2. HG Prep
3. Henderson
4. North Penn
5. GFS
6. North Allegheny
7. DT West
8. CR North
9. Hatboro Horsham

Now this field is at 9 which in theory should also be good enough to cap the field here and have one race out of only teams that have hit the standard. Altoona and CB East have the next two fastest times, and plenty of teams will probably seize this weekend as their big chance to go after the standards.

Overall the PTFCA will most likely add to both races if teams do not hit the SQS this weekend. In both races, I think there are teams who can hit the standard that have not before.

Here's the performance list for the relays at Lehigh at the Meet of Champs:

http://www.tfcaofgp.org/performancelist.html

A few teams like Lower Moreland and Bonner will probably shoot for the states time in the 4x8. In a packed DMR race of 19 teams CHA with Wilson on the anchor, CB East, CB West, Penncrest and Pennridge will probably all be hovering around the standard in a potentially very fast race. The DMR comes at the beginning of this meet.

Over on the west coast, Altoona, Baldwin, Trinity, and Penn Hills will most likely all aim for the standard.

My hope is enough teams hit botht that they don't have to add teams to the field. It should be an interesting weekend. I think enough teams will hit the standard in both the PTFCA will have enough reason to not add teams. So if you are on the cusp, you gotta seize the day this weekend boys.

Good luck gentlemen.

-train