Baker hails Bennett, teammates after Hydel success
HYDEL HIGH School captain, Alliah Baker, was the star over the weekend at the Penn Relays in Pennsylvania after leading from the front to bring her team double success after winning the High School Girl’s Championships of America 4x100 and 4x400 metres relays on Friday.
On both occasions, Baker proved to be in terrific form.
Running on the second leg of the 4x100 metres and on anchor in the 4x400 Baker was supreme.
“It was a wonderful feeling to know that I was able to play an important role in my teams winning both titles as we knew we could have done it and for both events we just kept calm,” said Baker.
It was her anchor leg in the 4x400 metres, which showed her full potential. After being passed in the final 40 metres by the Bullis School anchor leg runner, Baker showed great heart to re-take the lead in the final 10 metres.
“I was very determined to make sure that we retained our title as there were doubters saying that we could not have done so this time and I wanted to prove them wrong. I must give credit to coach Corey Bennett, whose instructions helped me a lot to ensure we were victorious. I did not panic when I was passed late, as my coach told me just to keep calm under pressure and that was what I did,” said Baker.
Winning both titles, Baker is pleased with ending her Hydel career on a high.
“I am extremely pleased to know that I was able to take my team to victory in my final year at the Penn Relays and winning twice, backto-back is even more memorable,” said Baker.
“Coach Bennett is the best high school coach in Jamaica and I am going to miss him but I will definitely keep in touch”, said Baker who also hailed her teammates.
Still, nothing compares to your first.
“Last year was more special as it was the first time we were winning the 4x100 metres and this was motivation to come back and do likewise this time around.”