Jamaica Gleaner

Wolmer’s Girls aiming to top Corporate Area

- Raymond Graham/ Gleaner Writer

AFTER HER move from Holy Childhood High to Wolmer’s Girls’ sixth form at the start of the 2023-24 academic school year, Abigail Wolfe was expected to play a key role in her team’s performanc­es in Class One at the ISSA/GraceKenne­dy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championsh­ips (Champs), which begins today.

However, last year’s Class Two 100 metres champion and fourth-place finisher in the 200m has been ruled out of the championsh­ips with a hamstring injury. Wolmer’s Girls finished sixth at the championsh­ips last year with 111 points, five behind fifth-place finishers St Catherine High (116) and head coach Michael Carr is confident that his team will retain their Corporate Area title at the championsh­ips despite Wolfe ‘s absence.

“It is very unfortunat­e for us not to have Abigail competing at the championsh­ips, but the show has to go on, and this will not stop us from being number-one female team in the Corporate Area,” said Carr.

Wolmer’s lost by two points to girls’ winners Excelsior High at the the recent Corporate Area championsh­ips but Carr says that his quality athletes will show up at Champs.

“The showing by the team then was a good one, but now it will be quality performanc­es that will count as the Corporate Area meet was about numbers and getting athletes in individual events for points,” said the veteran coach, who has been with the team for 35 years.

Led by Natrece East, who is expected to win the sprint double in Class Three coach Carr is eyeing a top-five overall finish among the girls at the meet.

“The team is peaking at the right time, and I am expecting us to do much better than last year as a top-five finish is in the making, and we could even finish higher,” said Carr, whose team could surprise former champions Holmwood Technical, who have been struggling this season.

He is, however, showing a lot of respect to his Corporate Area counterpar­ts.

“I think Immaculate Conception and Excelsior are quality teams, especially Immaculate, who are very strong in the field events. They have points here which are more certain, but my team is up to the task,” Carr said.

While East will be their team leader, as far as points are concerned, there are others who are expected to contribute significan­tly for Wolmer’s Girls.

They include Mick-Kayla Gardener in Class Four 100 and 200m, Ackeelah Bell and Jadea Harris in Class Two 80m hurdles, Kariecia Morrison in Class Three high jump, Tiana Marshall in Class Two 100m hurdles and 100m, Shaniqua Williams and Danielle Noble in Class Two high jump, Mickayla Gardener in Class One 100 and 200m, and Jeneail Henry in Class Two 1500m and 3000m open.

 ?? FILE ?? Natrece East
FILE Natrece East
 ?? FILE ?? Wolmer’s Girls’ coach Michael Carr
FILE Wolmer’s Girls’ coach Michael Carr

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