Calabar's O'Hara, KC's Crooks impress

Calabar High's Michael O'Hara and Kingston College's Twayne Crooks were impressive winners in their events at yesterday G.C. Foster Classic, the final leg of the Digicel Grand Prix series inside the National Stadium.

The in-form Crooks, competing in the second Grand Prix final of the day, the Under-19 boys 400 metres, stopped the clock at an impressive 45.93 seconds in very windy conditions.

He finished ahead of Shawn-dail McLaren of Jamaica College, who was second in 47.77 seconds, with third going to Rogan Cranston of Holmwood Technical in 47.99 seconds.

Crooks' time was the fastest on the day. Earlier Usain Bolt, running his first individual event of the season, clocked 46.38 seconds to win the overall senior men's 400m.

bad start

O'Hara warmed up for the March 24-28 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Championships in impressive style. He stole the show in the boys Under-20

100 metres with a fast 10.23 seconds. O'Hara was slow out of the blocks as his teammate, Edward Clarke Jr, took charge early. The powerfully built O'Hara, however, found his best stride 15 metres from the tape for a good win.

"I was not pleased with my start but I am happy for the win. I will have to do some more work on the start," said O'Hara. His teammate Clarke clocked a personal best 10.33 for the runner-up spot.

Earlier, Christopher Taylor of Calabar maintained his winning form this season. Taylor took it easy yesterday in taking the boys' Grand Prix Under-16 400 metres in 49.61 seconds, getting the better of Leonardo Ledgister of St Elizabeth Technical. Ledgister clocked 50.10 seconds with third going to Achebe Thomp-son of Excelsior in 50.12

seconds.