Principal needs alumni to bring Champs home for Edwin Allen

Principal of Edwin Allen High School Jermaine Harris is calling on alumni to continue to support the athletes after last year, witnessing their ninth ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships (Champs) girls' title, in his first year at the helm.

Harris is confident that, this year, the Frankfield-based Edwin Allen will win their ninth consecutive and 10th overall title

"This year, Championships will be very close, and I am appealing to alumni both locally and overseas for their moral and financial support," Harris said, while opining that the 12th-man support could play a significant outcome in the final points tally.

"There are a few injury concerns in the team, and the support to ensure that those are taken care of is very important as, with the closeness of the Championships, injury to any of the top athletes could help in determining the outcome of the Championships, and the outside support is important," he continued.

According to Harris, he was placed in a spot of bother to deliver the title for Edwin Allen last year, with individuals questioning his ability to continue the school's track and field legacy.

"It was my first year as principal of the school, and I was under tremendous pressure, as people were wondering if the great support from the top would have continued, seeing that we were aiming for win No. 9, and eighth in a row," he said.

At the recent Central Athletics Championships, Harris celebrated with the athletes when they were first awarded the winning trophy. They learnt a few hours later that the result was reversed after the points were rechecked.

He stated that his support for the track and field programme is unwavering.

"The job was for me to continue with the support given before, and I have continued in that area; and I do have a good relationship with my coaching staff," he stated.

Harris is confident that Edwin Allen will be on the podium as winners on the final day of the Championships.

"Despite the pundits having Hydel and Holmwood ahead of Edwin Allen, rest assured it will be us that will come out on top," said Harris.