With just over two weeks to go before the Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships, Hydel High School Head Coach Corey Bennett admits that preparations have not gone as smoothly as he would have liked. However, he insists that his athletes are determined to give their best effort at the five-day event.

After winning their first-ever Girls’ Championships title in 2023, Hydel finished second in 2024, scoring 326 points behind Edwin Allen High, who took the top prize with 335.5 points.

As Hydel gear up for the 2025 championships, to be held March 25-29 at the National Stadium, Bennett believes that a lack of support from the school has made things even more challenging for his team.

“Things are not as good as we would have liked. The general support is not there from the school and that is hampering us a whole lot. It has been a rough road and we have to do a lot on our own,” he stated.

With the transition from a private to a public school, Bennett believes the change has impacted the programme negatively.

“I just don’t think we are getting the support from the school and that is hampering our preparations and the things we used to do when we were a private school. Things have changed a lot now,” he added.

Bennett said financial constraints have affected key areas, including feeding the athletes, attending track meets, and accessing physiotherapy services.

Despite these struggles, Bennett remains optimistic and believes his athletes will give their best.

“We have had a few minor injuries here and there, so we are being cautious, but the girls are upbeat for the most part, and I think they are ready to go no matter the circumstances,” he noted.

He remains hopeful that his athletes will put on a strong performance. “We are hoping for a top-three finish this year and hopefully, we can press the reset button for next season,” Bennett said.

Hydel will be led by their captain and middle-distance runner Taiefa Gowe, along with Abigail Campbell and Jodiann Daley.