McAnnuff gives Hydel alumnus birthday gift
Published:Saturday | April 1, 2023 | 12:59 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
Hydel’s High Oneika McAnnuff’s successful 400 metres hurdles title defence was not only a satisfying farewell but a birthday gift to their record-holding alumnus Shian Salmon and critical points in their quest for a maiden title.
McAnnuff took the crown in 56.46 seconds on yesterday’s penultimate day of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs) with Edwin Allen’s Tonyan Beckford getting second in 57.14 and McAnnuff’s teammate Alliah Baker finishing third in 58.37. After finishing second in the 400m final on Thursday, McAnnuff pushed home in the final stretch to keep her title.
It was a victory that she dedicated to Salmon who celebrated her birthday and holds the record in the event (55.78).
“I wanted to do this for all of my teammates. I’m just glad I could continue the legacy in my final year. To our record holder Shian Salmon, happy birthday! I did this one for you,” McAnnuff said.
Salmon celebrated her 24th birthday yesterday.
McAnnuff finished second in Thursday’s Class One 400m final, but the Hydel captain was more concerned about winning the event and playing her part in a title race with Edwin Allen that is expected to go down to the wire.
“I had the extra push, especially since it is my last year. Anything is possible (where the girls’ title is concerned). I just tried to give the team maximum points,” McAnnuff said.
In the girls’ 2000 metres steeplechase open final, Hydel’s Kaydeen Johnson recovered from a spill at the final barrier to win the title in seven minutes 15:01 seconds, edging out Holmwood Technical Terrica Clarke who got silver in 7:17.04. Edwin Allen’s Sanyae Gibson came third in 7:27.51.
In the field, Edwin Allen’s Dionjah Shaw captured the Class Two discus title with a 46.27m throw, picking up valuable points in Edwin Allen’s title chase. Her teammate Shamoyea Morris was second with 44.95m and Marla Kay Lambert of Clarendon College, 43.15m, was third. Shaw, who broke the Class Three record last year and is the reigning Carifta Games Under-17, said that while she was pleased with the title, she was disappointed with not getting her desired mark of 50m which would have been a new Champs record.
“I appreciate the performances but wanted to make the 50m mark. But next year, I will go for it,” Shaw said.
Vere Technical’s Torian Caven captured the girls’ Class One high jump title with a mark of 1.82m. Rasheda Samuels of Edwin Allen was second with 1.79m and Richelle Stanley of St Elizabeth Technical High, 1.170m, was third.
The Class Four high jump title was won by St Catherine High’s Gabrilla Treasure with a leap of 1.55m. Stefvanco Henry of Campion College was second also with 1.55m but needed all three attempts to make the height. Adajah Drysdale of Wolmer’s Girls was third with 1.50m.
Meanwhile, Class One girls’ 100m champion Alana Reid is on course for a sprint double after qualifying for this afternoon’s 200m final. Reid clocked 23.87 in her semifinal, the fastest among the finalists.
Lacovia High’s Sabrina Dockery clocked 24.05 to lead the finalists in Class Two.
Defending Class Three champion Theianna-Lee Terrelonge qualified for the 200m final and Clarendon College’s Tresha-Lee Sutherland leads the group of finalists in Class Four.
After 21 finals, the top five were Edwin Allen 147, Hydel High 131.50, Holmwood Technical 92, St Jago High 67 and St Catherine High 47.