Rhodes Hall drawing inspiration from their best year
Head coach of Hanover-based Rhodes Hall High School, Rhoando Parchment, is hoping for good results from his athletes at the upcoming ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs) in a bid to reproduce their best-ever showing in 2018.
That year, led by a gold medal in the Open boys’ 400 metres hurdles from Rovane Williams and a thirdplace finish in the Open boys’ 4x400 metres relay, Rhodes Hall ended on 20 points for 13th overall. Parchment, who is in charge of the girls and boys’ teams, guided the girls to 12 points and 22nd position last year as the boys failed to score a point.
Two athletes, Rhianna Lewis and Richard Farrier, had good results at the recent Youngster Goldsmith Classics at the National Stadium.
Both athletes posted personal bests twice after Lewis was fourth overall in the Class Two girls’ 400 metres in 56.33 seconds and the Open girls’ 400 metres hurdles in 1:01.60. Farrier was fifth overall in the Class Two boys’ 400 metres hurdles in 56.86 and eighth in the Class Two 400 metres in 51.23 seconds.
“Much is expected from both Rhianna and Richard this year in their respective events as I expect them to be in the finals, and anything can happen from there. There are a few others I expect to do well, and as the season goes on, I know they will improve,” Parchment said.
OPTIMISTIC
He was optimistic for a good season, although having setbacks during their preparations.
“Preparation for both teams have been going on steadily despite being affected a little by financial support as getting proper equipment and other resources are limited,” said Parchment.
“The Youngster Goldsmith meet was our fourth meet for the season, and in two of the meets so far, the coaching staff have to fund the team as funds are tight at the school. We have to meet the school halfway with the funding, but despite this, we are doing our best to ensure that the athletes get the chance to compete regularly.
“We do not get transfer athletes into our programme as all the athletes we have come from the parish after passing their exams for the school,” he said, adding that the athletes stay in the programme because of the excellent relationship between the coaching staff and the parents.