New York: Yet again a number of top Jamaican high school boy & girl athletes will line up on the brand new Icahn Stadium track dubbed "The Blue Speedway" on Randall’s Island this Memorial Day weekend Saturday, May 25, 2013 for what should be another impressive outing.
Given the smashing successes at the recent Boys & Girls championships in Jamaica and their harvest of medals at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia, this year's adidas Grand Prix is expected to be a monster magnet of superlative performances. Confirmed teams include: Vere Tech High School, St. Jago High, Manchester High and Monro College. The Jamaicans will test skills against some of the Tri-state's best!
"We are very excited to once again have some of the top high school athletes out of Jamaica compete at this year's Diamond League adidas Grand Prix staging here in New York" Louie Grant, Exec. VP of Irie Jam Radio said. "Fact is, the Grand Prix has over the years been a springboard for many of Jamaica's elites like Yohan Blake, Warren Weir, Nick Ashmeade, Andrew Riley, Oshane Bailey, Riker Hilton and others who all competed at the Grand Prix while they were enrolled at their respective high schools. The Jamaican diaspora in particular, as well as area track & field fans really enjoy the kids being here."
Coached by Neil Harrison, Munro College has had a stellar 2013 season that included a record-breaking mile relay performance at the National Boys & Girls Championships (Champs) 2013. Their 3:09.21 record was preceded by a 3:11.45 at Gibson Relays that featured a 44.8 anchor by World Junior 200m Champion Delano Williams.
To put the magnificence of Williams' performance at Champs in perspective, consider that he became the first athlete since 1986 to win the class one sprint double after clocking a Turks and Caicos junior record as well as a world leading 20.27 to win the class one 200m. His performance ranks as one of the best by any high school athlete, anywhere! Munro will send a team comprising Angelo Garland, Senoj-Jay Givans, Kaneil Harrison, Herbert Thomas and Williams to the 2013 adidas Grand Prix.
The Manchester High School boys 4x400m relay team are beaming with confidence. The team placed a credible 3rd behind Calabar and Munro at Penn Relays, posting an impressive 3.10.2sec, the fifth fastest time in the history of the Championship of America 4x400m relay! The team started their quest for the 2012-2013 season at the adidas Camperdown Classic on February 9, 2013 sending a clear message that they were true contenders when they posted a new meet record of 3.11.64.
Injuries plagued the team shortly after, however they regrouped and posted a new school and meet record at the UTech Classic with a time of 3.10.46sec. On May 4, 2013 they improved that school record posting 3.10.17sec. The team is looking forward to compete at this year's adidas Grand Prix, and to entertain the throngs of fans in attendance. Manchester High is coached by Carlos Samuels.
The John Mair coached Vere Technical female 4x400 relay team earlier this year posted 3:30:00 at the Boys & Girls Championships and ran an impressive 3:36.72 to take home the Championship of America title at Penn Relays. Shericka Jackson, who was victorious in the girl's Class One 200 (22.98sec) and 400 metres (51.6sec) at Champs and who also ran an outstanding leg on the record-breaking 4x400m relay team, will be a member of Vere's 4x400 quartet at the adidas Grand Prix. She will be joined by Yannick McNeil who retained the class two 400m title at Champs in 53.40, Olivia James and Andrennette Knight.
St Jago High Girls finished a respectable 3rd in the Jamaica National Boys & Girls championships for the second consecutive year. Coached by Keilando Goburn, the team boasts eleven national representatives, including Nattaliah Whyte who won the U17 sprint double at the Carifta Games in Bahamas and was a member of the winning 4x100 team. Safiyah Thompson was also a member of the 4x100 team while Tatiana Wolfe finished second in the U20 girls 400m hurdles.
The St. Jago team cannot be taken lightly as demonstrated by their thrilling 4th place finish in the 4x400 m relay at Penns this year. The excitement in this event is expected to reach fever pitch as Vere and St Jago - who ironically both wear the green & gold colors of Jamaica - are two strong ambassador contenders who will battle for bragging rights and who no doubt plan to challenge the top NY area high school teams at the adidas Grand Prix on May 25.
Grant disclosed that seven-time Olympian and Jamaica track legend Merlene Ottey - former track star at Vere Technical - will be an honorary guest at the 2013 adidas Grand Prix and will be presented with an award of merit by Irie Jam Media in celebration of 20 years of tri-state broadcasting.
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