Anthony Foster, Star Writer

In search of their first title in over a decade, Jamaica College (JC) have sent a stern warning to the 'so-called' favourites for this years Champs. Olympian John Mair, JC's coach, has made it clear that his team is ready for all the challenges ahead.

"We're taking a formidable set of boys, a good size team that will compete against the top schools," said Mair, who ran the 100m and 4x100m for Jamaica at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

Mair believes Calabar, the defending champions, will be just as strong as the pundits expect, but made JC's intention known.

challenging Kc

"Right now, we have a chance of challenging Kingston College (KC) and Calabar. I don't think Calabar is as strong as they were last year, so too KC," Mair said.

Apart from JC, KC, and Calabar, Mair believes Wolmer's and St Jago will also be in the running.

"Any mishap or anything of the sort and the door will be open for us to come through," said Mair.

However, in order for JC to secure their first title since 1992, Classes Two and Three, the team's areas of strength, will have to be up to scratch.

"In Class Three, for the 100m/200m double, I expect Deshawn Jackson who has been running well all year (to win)," Mair said.

Kevin Murphy in the 400m, Romaine Headman, who finished second last year in the 800m, Romario Shaw in the 200m and Nicholas Phynn in the jumps, are the other athletes expected to do well in Class three.

In Class Two, Waquar DaCosta and Earl Grant, in the 800m, 1500 and 400m; Rushane Perkins in the sprints and Shaquille Lewis in throws, are JC's trump cards.

rising above expectation

Wair has admitted that the team is not as strong as they would have liked in Class One, but with Kavean Smith, Layon Folkes and Lushane Murray in the middle distances, along with Shane Dodd, who won the discus last year, and Damion Johnson capable of rising above expectation, things could go JC's way.

According to Wair, another thing which speaks well for the team is its confidence and attitude.

"They are in high spirit and they feel very, very confident that we will do well. I have seen a difference in their attitude this season, compared to past seasons," he added.

In Mair's opinion, even if JC don't win this year, things will only look a lot better for next year.

"We have a very strong class four and they will move up to Class Three, and as I said, Class One is weak, and with the strong Class Two to move up, we should be able to take it next year," he added.