BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - AS the TDC Inter-School Championships approaches and competing schools are preparing for their quest of athletics supremacy in the twin-island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, SKNVibes has decided to highlight the schools and their top athletes who sports enthusiasts should keep their eyes on.
The Championships will be held at the Silver Jubilee Stadium from March 22 to 24 and it is touted that former champions Charles E. Mills Secondary (formerly Sandy Point High School) and Basseterre High School, as well as Verchild’s High School would be looking to upstage defending champions Washington Archibald High School (WAHS).
This media house visited WAHS, popularly known in the athletics arena as ‘Washy Wildcats’, and spoke with the institution’s coach Donnell Esdaille, who, though somewhat reluctant, disclosed the names of those athletes whom he believes would lead the two-time defending champions to victory.
“We have some returning athletes who did well in last year’s competition. We have a very good jumper in Clairvorn Kelly. In the sprinters we have Josiah Oyebefun, Corey Francis and long distance runner Kajon Paris.”
He stated that the school however does not focus on individual athletes but on team effort.
“We believe in more of a team effort, because an individual might be able to do well but we still can lose. But with a team, once you fill all the holes, you are most likely to win.”
Esdaille also commented on his team’s prospects of winning this year’s championships.
“Once we plan and prepare properly, I think that we will be able to become champions. It all depends on our preparation and the readiness of our athletes. Once they are ready, we feel we can compete with anybody in the country.”
He also explained the mood of the school leading up to sports day and the Inter-School Championships.
“They are excited! They are ready, they are anticipating a great performance and they are all ready to return a three peat. They are now anticipating and waiting for sports day and ready to compete.”
Last year, Washy Wildcats retained the Inter-School Championships title, capturing 23 gold medals in the process and a cash prize of EC$5 000.
In second place was Verchild’s High with 17 gold medals and they won a cash prize of EC$3 000, while third place went to Charles E. Mills Secondary with 14 gold medals and EC$2 000.
Basseterre High School placed fourth with 11 gold medals and EC$1 000, while Charlestown Secondary School was fifth with nine gold medals and EC$750, and Cayon High in sixth position with six gold medals and EC$500.
The monetary prize was sponsored by the St. Kitts-Nevis Amateur Athletics Association.
