Carr feels honoured at recognition by alma mater
Published:Tuesday | February 21, 2023 | 12:44 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
While he has been moulding and shaping athletes at Wolmer’s Girls for years, track and field coach Michael Carr did not rule out a return to his alma mater, St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS), but was humbled by the recognition given by his old school.
Carr was honoured at Saturday’s S. W. Isaac-Henry Invitational meet at the National Stadium for his years of service to his profession. Carr, who has been coaching at Wolmer’s Girls for more than 30 years, said that the motivation for finding and nurturing athletes has been the sole purpose for sticking to the profession
“I think that is what is helping me to go along. If it was for the money I would have left it a long time. But it’s just to help and mould another life. That is what I am here for. I wouldn’t believe that when I entered St Andrew Technical a day like this would be here,” Carr told The Gleaner.
Carr has guided the likes of five-time World 100 metres champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce as well as World Championships 100m finalists Nikole Mitchell and Jonielle Smith through their high school journeys. And while he says he would not rule out a return to coach STATHS, he says that he is committed to helping develop young athletes as much as he can, wherever he is.
“I was pinched, I was poked (into coming to STATHS),’ joked Carr. “I am not throwing (the idea) away, but who’s to tell,” Carr said. “I think that I have made an impression there (at Wolmer’s), and I am happy for what I did. From what I saw when I went there to what it is now, I am quite happy. I’m honoured and I accept the award diligently. I will continue to serve as much as I can.”
While finding another gem such as Fraser-Pryce may be a tall order, Carr said that he is committed to guiding an athlete that will be able to, in their own right, become a pioneer similar to what Fraser-Pryce has become.
“It may not be another Shelly-Ann, but I will try and find somebody that can replicate her. To be the first of themselves. You won’t find another Shelly, but I hope I can find another person that can step in those shoes,” Carr said.