Principal Ankle lifts Jonathan Grant with pot covers

Principal Dr O'Neil Ankle has taken on the additional mantle of leading Jonathan Grant High's cheer-leading during each home game of the ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup schoolboy football competition.

Ankle, regarded as a strict disciplinarian who over the years has changed the fortunes and image of the institution, patrols the sidelines of home matches clanging two pot covers, willing Jonathan Grant's players on to greater performances as they tackle opponents.

According to Ankle, while he cheers on the team every year, this year the pot covers became his preferred choice and it has made a difference in the performance of the players.

"This season I started with the pot covers, but I cheer on my side every year and I am behind them 100 per cent. (It is a) regular thing. I am the principal, I have to lead from the front. I know my guys are doing well, so I have to be a part of that 13-man team that propels the guys, sends them along and pushes them along," Ankle said.

"Whenever we have a home game, I am there, so I have my drums and I come out with my pot cover so I am going to beat this pot cover until they win.

"If you ask them (players), they will tell you that the support of the principal goes a far way. It helps to motivate these guys. So when I meet with them and talk with them, there is an energy, there is a flow and to see the principal out here, gives them an extra push, an extra level of energy," he continued.

On Friday, in their battle with Norman Manley High, Jonathan Grant were trailing 1-0 after a ninth minute-strike by Chevaughn Rennie had silenced the partisan crowd. Approximately six minutes later, a rapturous roar erupted at the sound of banging pot covers.

Ankle then took up his position on the sidelines and it spurred the players into action, as they controlled most of the remainder of the match as they were lifted by the beating of drums and the loud cheering of students of the institution.

He opined that the students, who mostly have vuvuzelas, now expect his pot cover cheering at matches with the players responding and Jonathan Grant eventually pulled level with Norman Manley through a Victor-Steele goal in the 41st minute of last Friday's game.

The scoreline remained 1-1 to the end and the point earned carried Jonathan Grant to 24 points, the same as St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS). The latter topped Group D of the preliminary round on goal difference with Jonathan Grant finishing second and Norman Manley third on 17 points.

All three progressed to the second stage of the competition and Ankle, who is chairman of the competition, was pleased that Jonathan Grant were able to advance.

"I am happy that the team is going to the second round. Anything can happen once we get to the second round," said Ankle while adding that he would still be a strong supporter even if his team was not doing well.