Dyke, Grant cautious despite Gibson McCook dominance
AS WAS the case a year ago, Kingston College and Edwin Allen ended February on a high after dominant displays at the Gibson McCook Relays, but with the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships just around the corner, the teams’ coaches are not counting their eggs before they hatch.
There were 10 wins between both teams at the National Stadium on Saturday, with Kingston College pocketing six wins to Edwin Allen’s four as they ended the relay carnival as the top male and female teams, respectively.
Kingston College had four Championship wins, while Edwin Allen’s four successes all came in Championship event. Kingston College also had two second, as well as two third-place finishes, while Edwin Allen finished as runners-up in four events.
Despite their impressive performances, both head coaches, Leford Grant of Kingston College and Michael Dyke of Edwin Allen, are cautious going into Champs where they will both be looking to successfully defend their male and female titles.
“Saturday’s performances by the team was a good overall one and this is good preparation in the relays for us going into Champs,” said Grant . “I was particularly pleased with our two guys in the pole vault where one won with 4.10m and the other second with 3.60m, as this shows that we do have depth.”
Kingston College’s four championship wins came in the Class One 4x100m in 40.44 seconds; Class Two 4x100m in 41.06; Sprint Medley Open in 3:32.58 and 4x400m Open in
‘Saturday’s performances by the team was a good overall one and this is good preparation in the relays for us going into Champs.’
3:09.70. Their other wins were picked up in 4x200m Class Four in 1:39.55 minutes and Class Three 4x200m in 1:31.75 minute.
SURPRISE WIN
Grant was particularly pleased that his Class One 4x100m team secured the win without two of their top sprinters, Wayne Pinnock and Oshane Peart.
“This is good for us as we can give other guys doing technical events a chance to run on the team and still perform well,” said Grant, who also spoke highly of their 4x400m team that closed out the meet with a big win.
“The guys ran fast here and I think they can go much faster as our anchor leg runner, Michael Josephs, was ill and is just back in training after missing some six weeks. We are very optimistic going into Champs, but I don’t like to predict anything as I leave this to those who are analysts. We are just hoping that all the boys remain healthy and stay injury free as we are in a good position to retain our title,” Grant stated.
Earlier in the season, there were talks that defending champions Edwin Allen would surrender their female team title this year, but after a slow start, they have gone into third gear, led by their brilliant Class Two group with the Clayton twins – Tia and Tina leading the way.
The girls from Frankfield in Clarendon turned in a good all round performance leaving Dyke in an upbeat mood.
“It was a very good day for the team and we are right where we want to be at this moment. I am extremely pleased despite being a bit disappointed in not winning the Sprint medley relay, but winning four and finishing four seconds, it was great work done by the athletes,” Dyke said.
Dyke singled out his Class Two quartet for another big performance after their record run of 43.73 seconds in the 4x100m relay but warned that their performance will be difficult to repeat or better at Champs.
“Another big performance as their hands off were much better than when they won at Central Championships. It is going to be a bit difficult (to run a similar time at Champs), as they will have to do their individual events and it is a matter here on how they recover after that.”
He was just as cautious when examining his team’s chances at Champs.
“We are very confident but very cautious going into the Championships despite our good performances so far as it is the days between March 24-28 which will matter at the end of the day,” said Dyke.