Having clinched their maiden Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Championships title last year, Dr Walton Small, principal of Hydel, remains cautiously optimistic about the school’s chances of successfully defending its crown at this year’s staging of the event.

The championships, one of the world’s most prestigious high school track and field meets, is scheduled for the National Stadium from March 19-23.

Under the guidance of Coach Corey Bennett, Hydel delivered an impressive performance to secure their first title in 2023, edging out many-time champions Edwin Allen by a mere two points. The Ferry-based institution tallied 279 points to finish ahead of Edwin Allen’s 277.

Despite the loss of their outstanding sprinter Alana Reid, who set a remarkable time of 10.92 to break the girls’ Class One 100m record at last year’s championships, Dr Small said he is confident in his team’s readiness following a solid preseason.

“We are very comfortable with them at this stage. They are fit and they are ready and they are ready to go out there and get some serious personal best times at this championship,” said Dr Small.

“Our aim — and this is the mantra of the coach — is that we are going out there to do our best, and if we win the title then we win the title,” he said. “Our students are extremely confident and they are ready, because this is Hydel and I know they are going to do well, and if they are to win it, then they are going to win it.”

Highlighting the competitive spirit of his athletes showcased during development meets, Dr Small anticipates pulsating performances from Hydel both on and off the track, particularly from star athletes Abigail Campbell in the 400m and Alliyah Baker in the 100m and 200m.

“Hydel is in there, so the championships must be competitive, because overall we have good athletes in all the different areas, as we can’t say that we are just strong in the 100 or the 200 metres, but what I know is that in the long-distance races, we should do very well,” he asserted.

Dr Small also emphasised that the team is very focused on securing spots on Jamaica’s Carifta Games and World Under-20 teams because this is very important for each individual on the Hydel team, as there is success beyond the championships.

“Our primary focus is on ensuring our athletes earn spots on the Carifta and Under-20 World Championships teams. While defending the title is a bonus, our priority is their overall success,” Dr Small explained.