'Jamaica's track and field in good hands'

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

It was a jubilant set of youngsters who touched down yesterday at the Norman Manley International Airport, as Team Jamaica did not only retain the Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT) championship trophy but also established several records in the process.

Team manager Huit Johnson was very proud of the team's performance, with this being their fourth consecutive hold on the Caribbean crown.

"An extremely proud moment, given the fact that the team has done extremely well, they have worked hard and they have responded to the coaching and the management," said Johnson. "It is a team effort; the team spirit was extremely high. The group jelled and performed very well; performed so well in the sense that we won it for the fourth time and we have broken several records," he added.

Coach Auther Edwards was also elated with the team's performance, which saw them finish with 44 medals - 22 gold, 13 silver and nine bronze.

Elated and humbled

"I am very elated but still humbled. Our greatest challenge was the field events because most of these athletes at their age would not be exposed to certain field events," said Edwards. "So that proved a little challenging but the results were quite commendable.

"It was interesting the first day but as the second day went on it was evident that we would have won quite comfortably. It was the usual challenge from the big three, so to speak - Barbados, Trinidad and Bahamas."

The team was, however, very dominant in the field, breaking six records and establishing two. Kevaughn Rattery, who was participating in his fourth championship, set records in the Under-15 100m (10.83) and 200m (21.95); while Saqukine Cameron also took the girls' equivalents in record times; 11.97 in the 100m and 24.01 in the 200m.

Rattery was naturally pleased with his performance.

"I feel very good about my performances because I was not in top form, but I did my best and now I am back home with three gold medals and two records."

Gwayn Porter, who was crowned the overall champion male athlete, shattered the 400m Under-13 record, winning in 55.68 seconds to eclipse the previous mark of 57.46. The girls' medley quartet also registered a new mark.

Edwards believes there is a very bright future for athletics in Jamaica.

"If the performance is anything to go by, then we have nothing to worry about as long as we maintain the discipline, the focus and continue to nurture them," said Edwards. "Jamaica's track and field is in good hands," he exclaimed.