Coach foresees Hydel placing among top five

Hydel High School's head coach, Corey Bennett, said they are hoping to finish in the top five of this year's Inter-Secondary Schools' Sports Association (ISSA) Boys and Girls' Athletic Championships, which enters its third day at the National Stadium today.

The Ferry-based institution had an excellent showing last year, placing third among the girls behind champions Edwin Allen and runners-up Holmwood Technical.

However, Bennett said it will be very difficult to repeat that feat, as injuries to a number of top athletes and the transfer of a few have put a dent in their quest to surpass last year's accomplishment.

"I think we have a good chance of finishing in the top five," said Bennett. "Finishing in the top three is going to be very hard for us this year.

"We have a few major injuries in our team and a lot of other schools have prepped up their squad and we have also lost a number of athletes, who have moved on to other schools," Bennett pointed out.

Bennett added that their preparations have been severely hampered by the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus (chik- V), which took a toll on a number of his top athletes.

"I believe that some of our injuries came into play midway the season and most persons were thrown off by the chik-V," he said.

STAY COMPETITIVE

Continuing, Bennett said: "I just want us to remain competitive because I believe that unless certain things are in place, like a major sponsor for our team, then we will not mount a serious challenge (this year)."

Despite the concerns, Bennett expects big performances from some his charges.

"I think we will have a few surprises at Championships," said Bennett.

"I think we are going to be a lot more competitive than some persons think and I expect that some persons that have been performing at a lower level will reach a higher level at Champs," Bennett said.

"I saw some persons stepping up at the G.C. Foster Classic and so I am expecting our athletes to really go out there and give their best."