Champs Champions — Calabar

Calabar High looks set to defend their title against main rivals Jamaica College and Kingston College. The boys from Red Hills Road surely have fond memories of their blistering performance last year which was unmatched by any other.

Adrian Riley consistently topped his opponents in the decathlon to run away with the gold. His teammate Frederick Dacres won both the shot put — where he shattered the record — and the discus.

More greatness was to come from the boys clad in green and black as the youth standout Javon ‘Donkey Man’ Francis fought to grab the 400m just ahead of Manchester’s Lennox Williams. Champion Boy, Michael O’Hara captured 3 gold medals in the 100m, 200m and 110m hurdles to contribute to Calabar’s exploits. The boys from Red Hills Road decimated their opponents in the midst of arguably their most spectacular championships, with their nearest rivals (JC) over 40 points behinds.

Heading into this year’s championships, the boys affectionately called ‘Rabalac’ have lost inspirational teammates such as thrower Frederick Dacres, and former team Captain Demar Robinson. Still, they boast a superb Class One contingent, a high-flying Class Three, and a Class Two that’s not very far behind. Basil Bingham and Stefan McDonald will look maintain to Calabar’s dominance in the throws, while Class One rookie Michael O’Hara has put in some veteran performances to indicate that he is picking up right where he left off in Class Two. The young speedster will be tough to beat in the sprint double, while he will look to ward off Jaheel Hyde of Wolmer’s in the 110m hurdles. Javon Francis is now a household name after the quarter-miler ran a blistering final leg at the World Championships in Moscow to give the Jamaicans a spot on the medal podium. Francis has proved to be a step above his peers by consistently winning the 400m with considerable ease at various meets. Thrower James Gordon and half-miler Rajay Hamilton are also expected to make significant contributions to their title defence from Class One.

There are those who have stated that their Class Two is noticeably weaker than that of rivals KC, but whatever they miss in Class Two, Class Three is sure to recoup. Christopher Taylor and Tyreke Wilson pose a dominant force in the sprints. The distance pair of Anthony Danvern and Andrew Ashby will certainly make an impression on the point standings. Dejour Russell is a main contender in the sprint hurdles and dash, while Jumper Ricardo Clarke will carry the charge from the field.

In totality, Calabar will look to turn in a performance reflective of their motto “Utmost to the Highest,” as they seek to defend the highly coveted Mortimer Geddes Trophy at the 104th staging of the ISSA Boys’ and Girls’ Athletic Championships.