Washington Sweeps the Distance Relay Championships. Villanova and Penn Get an Individual Title
PHILADELPHIA, PA. 4/26/2025 –
The Villanova Wildcats men’s track team entered Franklin Field in the 2025 Penn Relay Carnival. On the previous day the Washington Huskies won their first Relays Wheel ever in the Men’s Distance Medley Relay. Villanova would seek redemption at the 4 x Mile Relay, a race where the Wildcats won the last two, last year setting the Collegiate and Meet Record.
This year it was not to be in rainy and windy conditions at Franklin Field. Washington completed the sweep winning this race in 16:24.61 over Villanova (16:24.92) in a highly competitive contest. Huskies anchor Nathan Green came from the outside to win over Wildcats anchor Liam Murphy, who led for most of the last leg.
“Obviously, it’s tough to lose,” said Murphy. “We came in with the expectation to win. A lot of history here. It’s either you win or you don’t, the only prize.”
How the Race Unfolded
During the first leg of the race Nova ran fifth. Devon Comber ran a split of 4:09.36. Second runner Bailey Habler turned in a time of 4:06.16, going to the outside to put his team in contention. Marco Langon took the baton next for the Wildcats and got into first place with a time of 4:00.44.
But the final part of the race was taking shape as Washington, Villanova, North Carolina, and Virginia ran in front of the pack. It would be one of these schools that would get the Wheel.
The bell sounded for the final lap with North Carolina in front. Murphy, usually the chaser, took the lead, then the Tar Heels Ethan Strand went in front. Green and Gary Martin of Virginia lurked just behind. Murphy does not usually run in front, and this time had two runners pass him. In the last 300 meters Washington went to the outside and the lead. Strand stumbled slightly which allowed Murphy to solely take aim aim on Green. He had the effort, but could not overtake him.
“You know it’s going to come down to the last 200 meters,” Murphy said about the last lap. “When you can’t see the guys in front of you, they’re just looking at you, and chasing you down a lot harder. Just anticipate what’s coming. The second they make that jump, you don’t see it, and before you know it, they are two steps ahead of you.”
North Carolina finished third running a time of 16:25.19. Virginia covered the distance in 16:25.40.
A Streak Snapped
Villanova comes home without a Wheel signifying a Championship of America, something they have done 22 times in this event, and have 26 in the DMR, also a race where Nova was the defending titlist. Washington earned their first titles in each. The expectation and pressure of winning a Wheel at the Penn Relays is something the Wildcats contend with each season.
“Having that much pressure, it’s a blessing and a curse. Marcus (Coach Marcus O’Sullivan) is the first one to say that this is his favorite and least favorite meet of the year, because you have so much expectation and pressure,” said Langon. “When you can perform at a level that you need to bring home some Wheels, it’s an unbelievable feeling.”
Other Big Five Champions at the Carnival
On Distance Thursday night Sadie Sigfstead won the Women’s 10,000m Championship hitting the tape in 32:39.54, nearly a minute faster than second place finisher Fatima Alanis of North Carolina. Sigfstead recorded the fourth fastest time in the event in the meet and second best in program history. Carol Zajac holds the Nova record. Penn runner Lily Murphy competed in this event covering the distance in 34:53.14 to place thirteenth.
The University of Pennsylvania had an individual champion in the men’s high jump when Hampton Kim cleared the bar at 2.2m. He won the event on fewer misses at the winning height.
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
Villanova’s Liam Murphy at the Penn Relays. Photo Courtesy of Villanova Media Relations
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