Hydel’s Bennett looks set to take coaching reins at storied Calabar
Vice-president and head coach of Hydel Group of Schools Corey Bennett is expected to be confirmed as head coach of Calabar High School.
Bennett, who has been head coach of Jamaica’s junior teams in recent times, could not comment on the impending appointment, claiming he was in a meeting when reached by the Jamaica Observer on Wednesday.
Telephone calls to Calabar’s Principal Albert Corcho’s cellular phone went unanswered.
But impeccable Observer sources revealed that the board is expected to confirm Bennett’s appointment in a matter of a few weeks, if not days.
Under his tutelage, Bennett has turned Hydel High girls into a force to be reckoned with, finishing second on a number of occasions to the all-conquering Edwin Allen team at Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships.
Calabar High, founded in 1912, is the second most successful school in the history of Boys’ Champs that was started in 1910. They have 28 wins to Kingston College’s 33 triumphs, while Jamaica College are third with 22 titles.
The green-and-black-clad boys from Red Hills Road last won the title in 2018, coming off a seven-year winning streak, but earlier this year, the legendary Michael Clarke resigned as head coach after over 20 years and nine titles.
The Observer understood that after the interviews were conducted to find Clarke’s replacement, Bennett and Omar Hawes were seen to be the top candidates.
It is also said that high school legend Daniel England, who is a United States Track and Field Level II coach, was in the running to return to his alma mater as head coach, but that propsect was short-lived.
Dr Karl Johnson, chairman of the Calabar school board, could not confirm or deny Bennett’s ascension to the head coach position, but said he was awaiting a recommendation from the school which he expects really soon.
“What I can say is that the process is ongoing and I am yet to receive for consideration and the decision, a recommendation,” revealed Dr Johnson.
“I try not to pressure them for anything premature. I am hoping that they will present something to me by early next week the latest,” he added.
Calabar High was third at this year’s Boys’ Championship under interim Head Coach Errol Messias and is currently in a rebuilding phase. The new head coach will certainly have his hands full getting the school back to the top ahead of both Kingston College and Jamaica College.
