We are in the race, says Holmwood’s Anderson

Less than a week before the start of the 2023 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships, most pundits see the battle for the girls' crown as a straight fight between defending champions Edwin Allen High and Central Athletics champions Hydel High.

However, Dave Anderson, head coach of 10-time champions Holmwood Technical High, is not conceding as yet. He strongly believes his team has a glorious chance of getting title number 11.

"Despite many people seeing the championships as a two-way fight between Edwin Allen and Hydel, we are still not conceding. Anything can happen," said Anderson after seeing his team produce impressive performances since the start of the season.

"The vibes and energy are on a high each day as the team fine-tunes for the championships. The discipline and positive approach and more support for the team have created the platform for the athletes to become more confident," said Anderson. "The key objective for the team is for all athletes to bring their best performances to Champs which will eventually put them in points scoring positions that should see an increase in our points tally compared to last year," added Anderson whose team tallied 174 points for a fourth- place finish in 2022, 75 points behind third-place St Jago High on 249 points.

According to Anderson, his girls will be very competitive. "Throughout the championships the girls will be pushing to remain competitive to maximise their chances of winning their events," he said.

Anderson pointed out two areas where his team is strong.

"We do have a fairly strong all-round team but definitely our main strength is in the middle distances and hurdles," stated Anderson who also cited a weakness in his Class Three team.

Their leading light in the middle distances is Ugandan Florence Nafamba. The Class Two athlete will start favourite to win the 2000 metres steeplechase and 3000 metres open events. Also expected to produce quality performances are Jodyann Mitchell in the Class One 800m and 1500m, Rickiann Russell in Class One 200m and 400m, Kiara Meikle in Class Two 100m and 100m hurdles, Moya Oakley in Class Four 100m and 70m hurdles, Annalice Brady in Class One 100m hurdles and 400m hurdles open and Class One thrower Cedricka Williams are expected to garner valuable points for the Christiana-based school.