Crucial roles for Edwin’s Stewart, St Catherine’s Headley

Edwin Allen High's Monique Stewart and St Catherine High's Kitania Headley will carry double duties for their teams at the ISSA/Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships (Champs).

Both are head girls and co-captains of their school, and Stewart hopes to return Edwin Allen to the top after losing to Hydel last year, while Headley anticipates another top-five finish for St Catherine.

At the Carifta Trials at the National Stadium on Sunday, both showed their leadership qualities with excellent performances in the Under-20 girls' 800 metres. They were involved in a gigantic clash where Stewart prevailed with a close win after clocking 2:08.86 minutes to outlast Headley, who did 2:08.99.

Both times are the fastest among girls going into Champs and finishing first and second booked their tickets to represent the country at the Carifta Games, to be held on the Easter weekend in St Georges, Grenada.

Going into Champs, Stewart seemed to have the easier task as Edwin Allen's girls have been dominant this season and look set to score an overwhelming victory over their rivals.

On the other hand, it could be difficult for St Catherine to retain their fifth-place finish as Wolmer's Girls' School look a dangerous threat and are waiting to pounce.

However, Headley, after anchoring St. Catherine to victory in the sprint medley at the Gibson/McCook Relays, will be highly motivated by this feat and will be eager to play a vital role in keeping them in the top five once again.