Exciting new challenge for jumps coach Ricketts

WHEN THE 2024-25 track and field season started in September there was a major change at one of the country’s teachers’ colleges. Kerry-Lee Ricketts started a new job as the new head coach of Bethlehem Moravian College’s track and field programme.

Ricketts is known for his expertise in coaching the horizontal and vertical jumps. He has coached his wife to win several medals at the international level. She is the current Olympic silver medallist in the triple jump and has also won medals at the World Championships, Commonwealth Games and Pan American Games.

The jumps coach is excited about his new role and firmly believes that with his experience he can make a difference at the Malvern, St Elizabeth-based institution.

“I am really excited about this new challenge, but this is not something new for me, as in the past I have coached at The University of West Indies (UWI),” said Ricketts, who studied in England for 14 years before returning home in 2007.

“I gained a lot of experience in England under the guidance of the late Lloyd Cowan, as he was one of my mentors,” Ricketts said. “When I returned to Jamaica I also worked at St Elizabeth Technical, where Milton Brown was the head coach. And while at UWI, I learnt a lot from Fitz Coleman and Glen Mills, who were also coaches there.

“I know it will be a challenge with my new post and I will have to start from scratch, but I am positive I will help to change the culture at the college. The aim is to give talented high school athletes scholarships to attend the institution, as most of our athletes tend to go overseas; but we have the coaches here who can turn them into world beaters,” said Ricketts, who is also the man in charge of the Ricketts Performance Group and still coaches the jumpers at St Elizabeth Technical High School.

According to Ricketts, the new role should not negatively affect his other positions.

“Bethlehem is just a few miles from St Elizabeth Technical, and there is not an issue here. My professional athletes, including Shanieka, train in the mornings, while the hours at St Elizabeth Technical and Bethlehem are flexible,” he said.

Ricketts was also excited about the arrival of 2019 World Championships long jump gold medallist Tajay Gayle in his camp. Gayle joined his club after leaving MVP Track Club.

“ I am very excited that Gayle is now a member of my training group, as he is an exceptional talent in the long jump. He also has speed, as he is a power jumper, and he will fit in well,” concluded Ricketts, adding that his wife Shanieka, who is now 32, has several more years left in the sport.