Corey Bennett has joined Duane Johnson’s coaching staff at Jamaica College and will lead the school’s sprints programme.

Johnson, a successful middle and long-distance coach, was appointed JC’s head coach last year after Neil Harrison’s contract ended at the end of the 2024 season. He led his alma mater to a third place finish at the boys athletics championships in 2025.

Bennett led Hydel to the 2025 girls’ athletics title and simultaneously took Calabar to second place in the boys championships, but his contract was not renewed by the latter.

In May, after rumours began to spread that Bennett was joining JC as head coach, Johnson clarified with the Jamaica Observer that the whispers had been triggered by him approaching Bennett to take charge of the sprints programme.

“When I heard he was available, I knew I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. I approached him with the idea and although he initially said he’d have to think about it, I’m grateful he decided to join us here at JC. His presence will be a game-changer for our athletes,” Johnson told the Observer on Friday.

“Coach Corey Bennett brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, and I truly believe his addition will energise and transform our sprints programme,” he pointed out.

“We were underperforming and I knew it was an area that needs to improve and so yes, it was the motivation,” he noted.

Jamaica College last won the boys athletics championships in 2021, and like Calabar, which last won in 2018, are playing catch-up to Kingston College (KC) who have won the last four championships.

JC, who finished second behind KC in 2022, 2023 and 2024, slipped to third in 2025 and head coach Johnson is expecting an improved performance.

“We went to Champs this year with a very young team that, in hindsight, wasn’t quite mature or ready for the level of competition,” he pointed out.

“Naturally, when you drop a place and underperform, it becomes clear that there are areas that need improvement. You have to take a hard look at what can be done better and how best to assemble a team that truly represents the standard we set for ourselves,” Johnson pointed out.

“The goal is always growth — to identify the gaps and work consistently to close them. It’s still early to predict what 2026 will look like, but we’re committed to making the necessary adjustments and continuing to build.

“The aim is always to improve and ensure that each year we represent Jamaica College at the highest level possible,” said Johnson.

The year 2026 will particularly be an interesting one with Johnson heading into his second season as head coach, while both KC and Calabar will have new head coaches promoted from within.

Quarter-miler coach Richard Smith has taken over at KC from Leaford Grant, who won five of the last six Champs.

Up at Red Hills Road, Calabar appointed throwing coach Julian Robinson as head coach to end their seven-year drought, having last won in 2018 under the legendary Michael Clarke.