PHILADELPHIA, USA – Petersfield High school is the latest school from western Jamaica to make the first appearance at the prestigious Penn Relays carnival in Philadelphia.

The Westmoreland- based school which has one of the most improved track and field programmes in the country, will be among the 37 Jamaican high schools — seven from western Jamaica-participating in the three day carnival.

St Elizabeth Technical High (STETHS), Munro College, Cornwall College, Herbert Morrison Technical, Rusea’s High and Green Island are the other western-based schools that will be taking part.

Petersfield will be represented by a 13-member team including CARIFTA Games medalist Shyledeen Smith in the girls’ discus throw that will be contested this morning 11:15am EST.

The team, which coach Machel Wollery hopes will have “an immediate impact,” will also contest three boys’ relays, the 4x100m, 4x400m and 4x800m. CARIFTA Games silver medalist Sanjay Lawrence will take part in the shot put, while Stevon Crooks is entered in the discus throw.

Cornwall College’s Emmanuel Campbell will also contest the shot put event, while Munro College’s Kino Dunkley will take part in the discus throw where he is ranked number three.

St Elizabeth Technical’s Marvin Williams- the World Youth Championships gold medalist is the top ranked runner in the 400m hurdles after the disqualification of defending champion Jaheel Hyde of Wolmers Boys and Munro College’s Duran Crooks -is also entered.

CARIFTA Games bronze medalist Odaine Lewis of Cornwall College is ranked number three in the triple jump behind two other Jamaican athletes, while his teammate Alrick Ottey is ranked number four in the long jump- both events will be contested simultaneously on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Teddale Simpson of Cornwall College will compete in the long jump, while Orelle Bulgin is entered in the triple jump.

Herbert Morrison’s Devonne Beckford is the only western-based athlete entered in the high jump event.