The Downswell factor in STETHS’s D’Cup triumph
MONTEGO BAY, St James — St Elizabeth Technical High (STETHS) won their third daCosta Cup title on Saturday, beating first-time finalists Manchester High 1-0 in the final played at Jarrett Park.
Wendell Downswell, who played on the victorious team back in 1974 and was head coach of another championship team in 1999, was on the bench as a “special assistant” to coach Andrew Edwards on Saturday.
Downswell joined the coaching staff at the start of the Inter-zone round after STETHS finished second in Zone E to Munro College and his inclusion was welcomed by Edwards.
Minutes after Saturday’s game, Edwards who is in his second season as the STETHS coach, heaped praise on the veteran coach.
“Coach Downswell has been tremendous; his experience and knowledge cannot be discounted,” he said, adding “he has been a big impact on the team and has always been a mentor to me”.
Downswell, who Edwards also described as “helpful and supportive” since the Interzone round started, said it was a great feeling that his alma mater was able to pull off the victory.
Asked what did he bring to the team, he said “experience and just helping Andrew with the organisation”.
Downswell, a former national coach at several levels, elected Edwards as one for the future. “Andrew is a bright prospect and a good young coach and he will go far.”