A painful five-point loss last year has made Edwin Allen High School even more hungry for success at this year’s edition of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships.

For a number of years the Michael Dyke-coached Edwin Allen girls have flattered to deceive and have played second fiddle to Holmwood Technical. But in 2012 they finally got it right and won their first title.

However, with the core of the winning team still around, Edwin Allen surprisingly lost to their great rivals Holmwood 310.5 to 305.5 points last year. Yet, once again they are overwhelming favourites to regain the title.

“I think we are very hungry for the title because we were disappointed last year, and based on that it has motivated them (athletes) tremendously to work hard to reclaim it, based on the sort of excitement and the way how they were treated when they won in 2012,” said Dyke.

The Light Blues from Frankfield, Clarendon, are raring to go and based on their easy win at the Central Championships, should be hard to deny this time around.

“In terms of this year, we started much earlier than last year, in terms of training and stuff like that, the team has been working hard, steadily preparing for the championships,” noted Dyke.

He continued: “Presently, we are not plagued with injuries which is a plus for us, and I think the girls are in good spirits and getting ready to reclaim the girls’ championship title.”

According to Dyke, Edwin Allen are strong in all classes and doing well in the jumps and they won’t be depending on any individuals, but instead on total team effort.

But he admitted that their preparations were hampered by rain.

“We are always affected by rainy conditions which really affect our preparation tremendously. So if by any chance we could acquire one of those Mondo tracks, it would be excellent for us. But I do not see that forthcoming right now.

“I think if we could get a proper gym, that would really help enhance our programme going forward. So I am throwing this out to LIME, and since you (LIME) are here I am hoping someone from the company will hear and oblige in assisting us along that line,” he pleaded.

Meanwhile, Shellece Clark, the Class Three sprinting sensation, said she has recovered well from an earlier injury.

“At the start of the season I had a shoulder injury, and so I had to leave out training for quite a while, but now I am back and doing my best to get fully fit,” said Clark.

She will renew her battle with St Jago’s Kimone Shaw, as she tries to defend her title against last year’s Class Four champion.

But all in all, it will take a brave punter to bet against Edwin Allen securing their second title in three years.