Eddie Hector was a total human being – Wilson

EDUCATOR AND coach Edward Hector has been described as a total human being. The tribute comes days after Hector’s death from Maurice Wilson, the principal of the G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport.

Hector and Wilson worked side by side for more than a decade at Holmwood Technical High School and Hector’s passing this week, due to a heart-related problem, has left the G.C. Foster principal distraught.

“It is surreal. I am so sad in my heart. Words cannot express,” Wilson said in measured tones.

“I am just so sad. I cannot express, but the sadness is so deep,” he said.

Wilson joined the Holmwood coaching staff in 2000 and got to see Hector at work. “Edward Hector is what you would call a total human being. He was someone who not only brought to the table his ability to utilise mathematics in getting performances, especially in the middle distances and the throws, but he was also an excellent teacher and someone who looked out for persons,” Wilson reflected. “He was one of those of the old school who understood what volunteerism was about and contributed to humanity,” he added.

As is known throughout the local athletics community, the 69-year-old Hector was generous and warm-hearted.

“Edward Hector was one of the kindest souls, one of the most jovial, one of the most knowledgeable, one of the most down-to-earth persons you could ever find,” Wilson praised.

“Just as how you see him, as real as they come. Loving guy, loving guy, jovial guy, happy guy, that was Edward Hector,’’ the grief-stricken Wilson offered.

At Holmwood, Hector directed his boys to Penn Relays victories in the 4x100, 4x400 and 4x800. In addition, he served his country as a member of coaching teams to the World Under-20 Championships, the World Championships and the Olympic Games.

His stable of notables included Jermaine Myers, who ran 1 minute 48.89 seconds (1:48.89) while at Holmwood, Ryan Butler, Kirk Wint, Rodney Henry, and Davian Parker.

Wilson said Hector took great pride in his work in the 400, the 4x400, and the discus, an event in which he participated at Kingston College and Church Teachers’ College.

“What gave Edward Hector the most joy was to either coach a 400-metre athlete to take out a rival that thought they had it together, or a 4x4 team, whether it be male or female, and last, but not least, to get a discus thrower to really excel,” the G.C. Foster principal evaluated.