UWI cut contracts
THERE WERE mixed reactions from track and field coaches Okeile Stewart and Kerrylee Ricketts after their contracts were not renewed by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona recently.
Stewart, who coached Rushell Clayton to a World Championships bronze medal in the 400m hurdles last year, said that the decision was made because of the Coronavirus pandemic and that consideration could be given for him to return next year.
“I am now longer with UWI,” Stewart confirmed. “I was told that (the decision was made) based on the COVID-19 situation. After that for 2021, we would revisit the situation,” Stewart told The Sunday Gleaner.
While disappointed with the decision, Stewart said he has no problems going back if the situation allows.
“Everyone always wants to maintain an income but what is good is that UWI and I, we have a very good relationship,” Stewart said. “Wherever I can give, I’ll continue to give in terms of assisting the programme. If they need my assistance, then for sure I will be there to assist.”
Stewart is the founder of Swept Track Club which also includes athletes such as Ristananna Tracey and Jaheel Hyde.
Meanwhile, Rickets said that the decision to not renew his contract not only affected him but other coaches in different sports.
“We basically received a phone call to pick up a letter and when I got up there, it was saying that they were not renewing the contract. I have heard that other coaches prior to that also received a letter saying the same,” Ricketts said.
Ricketts, who coaches his wife, World Championship long jump silver medallist Shanieka Ricketts, said that in a coaches’ Zoom meeting in June, there was speculation as to the situation because of the absence of collegiate sports due to the pandemic.
The contracts are one year deals with renewals done every September.
“We were kind of put on our guard. We were not sure which direction the university would go based on the pandemic,” Ricketts said.
While unsure if he would be asked back to the institution next year, Ricketts says that his focus now is to continue preparations with the athletes under his care for the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics, which begin in July 2021.
Stewart is also geared towards preparing for the next opportunity that comes in the meantime.
“There is nothing that is cast in stone but [I] continue to take it a day at a time and whatever opportunities present themselves, then [I] would assess and try to capitalise on them,” Stewart said.