Despite Clayton twins loss, Edwin Allen coach Dyke bullish on team’s chances
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Having lost the immense talent of the Clayton twins, who signed professional contracts last year, defending girls’ athletics champions Edwin Allen High School will be under the microscope this track and field season. However, head coach Michael Dyke believes that the team is adequately equipped to put up a strong challenge.
Dyke said the programme had been prepared for the departure of the Clayton twins, Tina and Tia, who represented the Clarendon-based school exceptionally well over the years and are currently under the guidance of world-renowned coach, Stephen Francis, at the MVP Track and Field Club, which is based at the University of Technology in St Andrew.
“We knew that was coming, we already had plans for replacements. The succession plan was always in place for the outgoing seniors and them,” Dyke, beaming with confidence, told OBSERVER ONLINE.
“I think as a team, we are strong all around. I don’t want to single out an area to say we are weak or strong. It’s a rounded and balanced team. We are expecting to pick up points from all areas when the Championships come around,” he added.
Edwin Allen claimed their eighth straight ISSA/Grace Kennedy Boys and Girls Championships title last year, topping the points standing with 352 points ahead of Hydel and St Jago High, who finished second and third respectively.
Dyke said experience will be a major factor to secure the team’s overall success this year.
“Well, this season, you have people like Serena Cole, who was a member of the world record breaking U-20 4x100m in Cali, Colombia last year and she was also a silver medallist in the 100m. Then you have double gold medallist, Theianna-Lee Terrelonge, who is coming and Rickeisha Simms, who was a double gold medallist. So, if I start to list them, it will be a lot,” he said.
“…but the younger ones, especially the class threes and some of the class two athletes would’ve gained some experience. So, it is not anything new to them apart from like the class fours, who are coming in for the first time,” he added.
Edwin Allen High athletes are scheduled to compete Saturday at the PureWater/Danny Williams Invitational meet at the Ashenheim Stadium at Jamaica College and the Ted Dwyer Track and Field Classics at the Excelsior High School.
