With a contingent of just over 40 girls poised to represent St Jago High School at this year’s ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs), Head Coach Keilando Goburn is determined to captivate supporters with spectacular performances over the five-day event.

St Jago secured fourth place in last year’s championships with 187 points. Hydel claimed the championship with 279 points, followed by Edwin Allen in second with 277 points, and Holmwood in third with 202 points.

Based in Spanish Town, St Jago last clinched the title in 1999, boasting five consecutive Girls’ Championships victories from 1996 to 1999. Goburn says he is confident about the team’s preparations this season.

“The preparations so far this season have been positive, it is far more positive than negative,” he said. “This is still a relatively young team, meaning the strength of the team is at the bottom meaning in Class Three and a first-year Class Twos.

“Compared to this time last year, our performances at the development meets indicate progress. We have seen many positives this season, with several athletes stepping up.”

While acknowledging some minor injuries within the team, Goburn says the overall atmosphere and spirits among the athletes is positive.

“Our team may be small, but it possesses quality,” he said. “We are working to overcome any niggling issues before Champs. The atmosphere is upbeat, and there is a palpable sense of positivity.”

Goburn says that one of his primary goals at this year’s championships is to secure a top-three finish over the five-day event.

“Our aim this year is to reclaim a top-three position,” he said. “Last year was challenging as we essentially competed with only one Class One girl, Abigail Martin, in the throws, facing fierce competition across three classes. We finished fourth.

“This year, our team is more balanced, and we anticipate a stronger performance at Champs.”

The team will be led by team captain Jada Ann Dawkins, a Class One long and triple jumper, alongside Kimeka Smith.

Goburn says that he is optimistic about the team’s prospects because he believes that they will deliver commendable performances at the championships.

“All in all, we have been to a lot of meets, we have done a lot of trial and error and troubleshooting, so we are just trying to put the pieces together for the Champs next week,” he said. “Overall, I am feeling very good at the moment and I am pretty confident that we can go out there and give a good account of ourselves.”