We threw away some serious points, says KC coach after Champs loss

Tears streamed down the faces of some Kingston College (KC) athletes ‎inside the National Stadium Saturday night after Calabar powered to a record-breaking run in the 4X400 relay open to stamp its name on the winning trophy of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships for a fourth straight year.

As the KC athletes and fans sought consolation, head coach Neil Harrison was reflecting on what could have been.

"I think if we did not make so many mistakes the championships would have been ours," said Harrison, who joined the KC camp last year after spending 17 years at Munro College in St Elizabeth.

"We threw away some serious points," he said, but thanked everyone who helped Kingston College.

Meanwhile, the Calabar sprint coach, Omar Hawes was revelling in the success of the 17.5-point win.

He said that there was careful planning and continuous motivation so that his athletes remain focused after several mishaps in the fives days of the championships.

Edwin Allen's head coach, ‎Michael Dyke, was overwhelmed with the back to back win in the girls section.

"It's a great feeling," he said during an interview on Television Jamaica.

There was doubt that Edwin Allen would have retained the title given that it had lost some class athletes who have now graduated.

But Dyke said there was adequate succession planning.

"We have a team that is very young," he said, noting that‎ Edwin Allen will continue to be a force to reckon with.

‎Edwin Allen, the pre-champs favourites, were early winners on the last of the five-day championships which unfolded before some 35,000 people at the National Stadium in Kingston.

But it was down to the wire between Calabar High and rivals, Kingston College with the green and blacks from Red Hills Road in St Andrew eventually inflicting pain to the camp of the purples from North Street.

FINAL POINTS (GIRLS)

1. Edwin Allen 321
2. Hydel 221
3. St Jago 219.33
4. Holmwood 206
5. Vere 136
6. Wolmer's 82.50

FINAL POINTS STANDINGS (BOYS)

1. Calabar 280.50
2. Kingston College 265
3. Jamaica College 200
4. St Jago 183
5. STETHS 132
6. Wolmer's 68