William Knibb ready to deliver at Champs this year

William Knibb Memorial High in Trelawny is one of the many schools in western Jamaica still picking up the pieces following the devastation by the Category 5 Hurricane Melissa on October 28 last year.

The school's preparations for the upcoming ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships (Champs) were severely disrupted by the strong hurricane. Despite the major setback, however, the school's track and field team has shown tremendous resilience, a fact reflected in their athletes' performances at last Saturday's Central Hurdles, Relays and Field Events Meet at GC Foster College.

William Knibb picked up four solid wins. They were led by Jabari Matheson in the Class One boys' 400 metres with an impressive 47.40 seconds clocking. Also registering victories were Jamarie Laing in the Class Three boys' 100m hurdles in 13.88 seconds, Rae'Jheon Riley in the Class Two boys' 110m hurdles in 14.19, Khartnie Eccleston in the Class Three girls' 400m in 57.13, and Danielle Dixon in the Class Two girls' 400m in 56.24.

Third-year head coach of the track and field programme, Rodrick Myles, expressed pride in his athletes' performances.

"We have been planning for the past three years and now these athletes are showing maturity. Melissa affected our preparation big time for nearly a month, but three weeks after the hurricane we met with principal Linvern Wright, as we didn't want our efforts over the years to go to waste, and we were encouraged to work with a smaller group," said Myles.

"Most of our athletes are from deep rural Trelawny and were affected badly. We had to find clothing for them, and the team was reduced to about one-third of its original number," he shared. "We got a house nearby for the older boys, who we see as having scholarship potential, likely to do well at Champs, and making national teams."

Myles also gave credit to past students Usain Bolt and Marvin Anderson, who made significant financial contributions to the programme. "Both Marvin and Usain contributed big time with resources for the team, including taking care of the house where the athletes are staying. They have been the main sponsors of the programme," he said.

He also had high praise for the principal. "When you have a principal who shows a lot of interest in the sport, it makes a big difference. We didn't want to see what we planned for the past three years go up in smoke."

Myles pointed out that attending development meets can be very costly, forcing the team to compete closer to home.

"Normally we would have gone to the McKenley/Wint meet at Calabar, but we went to the Central Hurdles meet at G.C. Foster College for the first time, to ensure the athletes got home early," he said, noting that each athlete competed in only one event.

Despite the setback caused by the hurricane, Myles believes his group is ready to deliver this season.

"Some serious background work was done before the hurricane and it's now paying dividends. Expectations are high for great performances this time around. They are highly motivated and they watch videos with Bolt regularly. Our guys have no fear and are ready to compete with anyone."

Last year, Sanjay Seymour won the Class One 200 metres for William Knibb, while Matheson was primed to go all the way in the Class One 400m after winning his semi-final in 46.54 but failed to face the stater in the final due to injury.

Myles, who previously enjoyed a successful stint at Rusea's High, is now anticipating a strong showing from his team at Champs.

"We were ready to dominate Western Championships this year, but with the team reduced in numbers because of Melissa, we now have to put our focus on the Boys and Girls' Championships. We expect some special performances, as our three-year plan will definitely bear fruit," he concluded.