Fletcher up for the challenge against dangerous Bygrave

CALABAR’S KEWARNY Fletcher’s performance at the Corporate Area Championships was not just a statement of the belief he has in his quest for the Class I boys’ 800-metre title at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs) in two weeks, but is also a representation of a change in mindset that has Calabar on the road back to their title-chasing best.

Fletcher took the Corporate title on March 4, clocking one minute, 53.83 seconds, a performance he is grateful for given the injuries he has suffered this year. Overcoming those injuries has motivated him to give a good account of himself at the Corporate Area Champs.

“My season has been up and down because of injuries but I am back. My plan was to leave it all on the track,” Fletcher told The Gleaner.

“I just had to believe in my coach’s instructions and execute the race properly.”

While Jamaica College’s Kemarrio Bygrave has set the pace, with the season’s quickest, 1:50.90, along with the top three fastest times, Fletcher has held his own.

CONFIDENCE

Bygrave was coy in his response to an impending battle with Fletcher for the 800m title at Champs, but still expressed confidence that his form this year could cause a surprise.

“We will see. I feel more confident now than I have been before this season,” Fletcher said.

It is not just confidence in his abilities, but confidence in the team which, he says, has evolved this season with head coach Corey Bennett leading the charge in his first season at Red Hills Road.

“A lot of things have changed in the camp. But the best thing in the camp now is belief and that is what we are working on right now,” Fletcher said.

Calabar were third behind Jamaica College and champions, Kingston College, last year but were well off the pace with 170 points. Compared to seasons pasts, Fletcher feels that even though a title charge still may be premature, they have the belief that they can give it a real go.

“That has been the difference because we have a game plan now. We might not feel like we are championship contenders but we feel that we can do it.”

daniel.wheeler@gleanerjm.com