Coach Grant already looking to give KC anniversary gift in 2025

KINGSTON COLLEGE’S (KC) head coach Leaford Grant is still celebrating after his team easily held off main rivals Jamaica College (JC) to top the 2024 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics’ Championships at the National Stadium at the weekend.

The win was the third in a row and 35th overall for KC, who tallied 335 points, 57 more than JC, who ended with 278.

“I am feeling happy for the boys as they have worked very hard over the past eight months, and I am glad that their efforts have paid off,” Grant said.

“The victory was a complete team effort, and I would like to thank the boys, coaches, managers, principal Dave Myrie, and all the past students locally and overseas, especially Audley Hewitt, from the Miami Old Boys’ Chapter,” the coach added.

JC outscored KC in the 800 and 1500 metres on Saturday’s final day and cut into the winners’ big lead, but Grant stated that he was unfazed by this.

“We knew about their strength in the middle-distance events, and we were prepared for that surge as we put things into place, and we were always confident of victory,” said Grant, who stated that the aim was to get as many athletes as possible in the respective finals.

Grant also singled out a few athletes for their contributions.

“I would like to to give special praise to Class One athletes Amal Glasgow and Marchino Rose, who both did the 200 and 400m; Taj Oneil Gordon in Class Two, who did both hurdles events; and also Class Two high jumper Tejahni Haynes, who cleared 2.00m for the win,” said Grant.

He also pointed to Class 1 high jumper Aaron McKenzie, the defending champion, who was only seventh this time in the finals.

“Aaron must be applauded for his effort in the high jump. He had a near career-ending injury and did major surgery and to come back and compete this season, it was unbelievable,” said Grant.

Next year will be a significant one for Kingston College as it will be the 100th anniversary for the school, and Grant is already looking forward to this.

“Next year will be a special year for the school, and we are already looking towards victory number 36 as we want to win the title and give the school a special gift for the occasion,” he concluded.