THOUGH its home field has been closed for repairs, Holmwood Technical High School still thinks that this is the year for a ninth title.

“Ultimately, our goal this year is to retain the championships,” said assistant coach Kirk Brown when TEENage stopped at the school last Friday. “Training has been challenging, we don’t get enough time with the girls… but the girls are inspired by challenge,” Brown continued.

After retaining its eighth hold on the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ & Girls’ Athletics Championships in 2010, the Holmwood coach said there is no way his team will be giving up the trophy.

“We are the ones with the title, if they want it they have to come really good, because we will not be making any mistakes. We are confident in the depth of the team,” Brown said.

However, he also said that Champs will be spread beyond the top five, as they cannot afford to perform below par.

“If any of us make mistakes — meaning, not performing as expected and dropping points in the field — there might be teams that break into the pack.”

Though Holmwood lost approximately 10 girls after the 2010 season, Brown said the young girls will definitely account. In fact, Janieve Russell, a Class Two athlete, has been named team captain due to her performance and attitude.

The pre-season preparation is not where he wants to be, but, Brown said, the last few days past students and sponsors have stepped up their support.

“Lloyd Dennis, Lascelles Harvey, BH Mighty, Carimed, Tropical Blue Spring Water, Grace and Wisynco have been assisting in the preparation for Champs,” team manager Chester McCarthy interjected.

The preparation for the field events, overseen by “The Great” Dwight Jones, has also improved as they approach competition day tomorrow.

“We expect to improve and get better points (over 300)… getting the ninth title will be challenging, but pressure for the girls is welcome. They will thrive,” Brown said.

— Photos: Gregory Bennett