IRWIN, St James - FOR the first time in its six-year history, competitors in several events at this Saturday's Custom Marbles-sponsored COMETS Classic at the Irwin High School can qualify for the 2013 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls National high school track and field championships to be held in March.

Competitors in the 800m and 1500m for boys and girls classes one, two and three as well as the 3,000m and 5,000m Open will be able to qualify for the five-day Champs if they can post the required standards on Saturday. The meet is scheduled to start at 10:00 am.

Meet Director Linden Thompson told Observer West earlier this week that the development was a "big step up" for the event as it will provide "more visibility".

Field events will be contested at the meet for the first time with discus throw and shot put open for both male and female competitors.

Other events to be contested are the 150m, 300m, 600m as well as the 4x400m and medley relays.

Deadline for entries is Friday afternoon at 5:00 pm and up to Tuesday afternoon. Thompson said organisers had received confirmation from 16 high schools and four clubs.

So far the schools confirmed are Irwin High, Muschett High, Cornwall College, Spot Valley High, Albert Town, Cambridge High, Mannings School, Petersfield High, Frome Technical, Grange Hill, Green Island, Rusea's High, St Elizabeth Technical, BB Coke, and Lewisville High.

The clubs that have confirmed are Comets, Upcomers, Atletico Union, and TAPS.