Robert Bailey, Star Writer

John Mills' Jashua Darby and Sts Peter and Paul's Sean Wilson are among several of Jamaica's promising junior athletes who will be on show on today's opening day of the three-day Northwest Track and Field Classic, which will be held at the Traz Powell Stadium in Miami, Florida, starting at 4 p.m.

Darby, who was the joint overall champion boy at the National Junior Championships last month, is expected to compete in the boys 13-14 200m. Darby will be joined in the event by his teammate Jhavon Hylton. On the girls side, Tanika Williams and Jhoneka Williams are also down to contest the 200m for John Mills.

Ransford Spaulding, coach of John Mills, says he is expecting a good showing from his athletes on today's opening day.

"My athletes are ready for today because they have trained really hard for this, and so I am expecting some good performances from them tomorrow (today)," said Spaulding, whose team won 15 medals at last year's championships.

"I am expecting Jashua Darby, Jhavon Hylton, Tanika Williams and Jhoneka Williams to all win medals in their respective events," he said.

Very optimistic

Wilson, who will run in the 200m in the 13-14 category, has a personal best time of 27.21 over the distance and his coach Javaun Moore says he is also very optimistic that his charge can take home the gold.

"I definitely think that Sean can win the gold for us," said Moore. He has been working really hard in training, and once he goes out and executes his race, he will win. Wilson will be joined in the event by Jada Newell and Rheana Mills who participate in the 11-12 category. Sts Peter and Paul won 11 medals in last year's championships.

"I am expecting all my other athletes to reach the final of the 200m because of the hard work and dedication that they have put in. I think that they are really looking to go out there and perform well for the school," Moore added.

St Benedict's Primary, Spanish Town Primary and St Richard's Primary are scheduled to arrive today for the championships.