Kingston College Celebrates a Centenary Triumph at Champs
Kingston College (KC) has wrapped up its centenary celebrations in style, clinching the prestigious Mortimer Geddes Trophy at the ISSA GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships. This year’s event was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing the incredible talent and determination of young athletes across Jamaica.
In a thrilling turn of events, Hydel High School emerged as the surprise champions in the girls’ category, dethroning the defending champions, Edwin Allen. With a total of 277 points, Hydel edged out Edwin Allen, who finished with 266 points, while Holmwood Technical secured third place with 230.5 points. The competition was fierce, and the 11-point margin highlighted just how close the race was. Had a few events gone differently, the title could have easily shifted in favor of Edwin Allen, but the drama was largely absent in the boys’ competition.
For the boys, Kingston College dominated the track and field scene, amassing an impressive 266 points, far ahead of their closest rivals, Calabar, who scored 214.25 points, and Jamaica College, with 196 points. St Jago and Excelsior rounded out the top five, finishing with 129 and 67 points, respectively. KC’s performance was a testament to their preparation and talent, as they scored in 40 of the 42 events held.
One of the standout performances came from Hydel’s Class One athlete, Jody-Ann Daley. She was a force to be reckoned with, racking up a whopping 18 points for her team. Daley first made headlines by winning the 100-metre hurdles in a record-breaking time of 13.40 seconds, leaving her competitors in the dust. She then faced off against the unbeaten Sabrina Dockery of Lacovia High in the 200 metres. In a nail-biting finish, Daley showcased her remarkable speed, overtaking Dockery in the final stretch to win with a time of 23.53 seconds. Dockery finished just behind her at 23.63 seconds, while Hydel’s Shemonique Hazle took third place in 24.01 seconds.
Kingston College also had its share of record-breaking moments. Adami Phillips emerged as a key player for KC, winning both the boys’ Class Two long jump and triple jump. His performances not only contributed to KC’s overall points but also added to the excitement of the championships.
Another highlight of the day was Calabar’s Kamari Kennedy, who shattered the boys’ Class Two discus record with a remarkable throw of 61.46 metres. His achievement was celebrated by fans and fellow athletes alike, as he outperformed Munro’s Javontae Smith, who finished second with 56.01 metres, and Adrian Daley of St Catherine, who took third place with 52.84 metres.
The atmosphere at the championships was electric, with fans cheering passionately for their schools. “It’s more than just a competition; it’s about pride and tradition,” said a proud KC supporter. The camaraderie among schools and the spirit of competition made this year’s Champs a memorable one.
As the dust settles on this year’s championships, one can’t help but wonder what next year will bring. Will Kingston College continue its reign, or will Hydel solidify their status as a powerhouse in Jamaican athletics? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the future of track and field in Jamaica is bright, and the young athletes are ready to shine.