‘Dedicated to Gayle’ - Edwin Allen celebrates 11th Girls Champs title in honour of fallen teammate

Edwin Allen High School celebrated winning their 11th ISSA GraceKennedy Girls' Champs title in fine style, as students and supporters turned out in large numbers to recognise the team at the school in Frankfield, Clarendon, yesterday.

The more than three-hour celebration started on the school campus, then ended with a march to the town of Frankfield, which was highlighted by the blare of loud music and the blowing of whistles and vuvuzuelas.

Principal of the institution, Jermaine Harris, got things under way. Clad in his Edwin Allen High outfit and waving his blue flag, he was introduced with the playing of the Vybz Kartel song, We Nuh Fraid A Nobody, to vociferous cheers from students.

RESILIENCE

Harris thanked the athletes for their resilience, despite setbacks earlier in the season.

"I must commend you all for the victory despite the many problems faced, which caused the preparation a major setback. The death of Taneisha Gayle set back training by some six weeks, as all athletes had to go through vigorous medical tests before the restart of training.

"Immediately after that came Hurricane Melissa, which partially destroyed the dormitories, then later on we lost former hurdles coach Kirk Douglas, who spent some 20 years with us," he said.

He dedicated the win to Gayle.

"This win is dedicated to Gayle and may her soul rest in peace," said Harris, who also recognised the boys' team for finishing seventh.

"It is very expensive to maintain a big boys' and girls' team, but nothing will stop us from doing this, and I am calling on all past students locally and overseas, along with the business community, to continue their support."

HIGH PRAISE

Head coach Michael Dyke, the man behind all 11 successes, had high praise for the team.

"Indeed it was a marvellous feeling by the girls in winning the title, as at one stage we thought we would not have been at the championships based on the several mishaps we had," he said.

"However, a big thanks to all those who made this possible, including the principal, coaching staff and all the girls."

Dyke highlighted athletes from the four classes and made special mention of Kevongaye Fowler and Brittany Baron.

"Fowler was a very close friend of Gayle and was determined to do something special for her. Kevongaye was a different athlete after the death of her close friend and was the first to be at training and the last to leave, and in the end it showed in the results, where she won the Class Two 800m and 1500m."

"Baron must be commended for her win in the heptathlon. One day before the closing of entries, we found out that the athlete preparing for the event could not do it, and when she was asked to do so she readily agreed, and with only one week of preparation for the event she is now the gold medallist, which I think is a miracle," said Dyke.

Team captain Briana Morris gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the athletes.

"A big thanks to all those who made this win possible, especially to the coaching staff, teachers and supporters, and we would like to dedicate this win to Taneisha," she said.

Marion Stephenson, acting general manager of GraceKennedy, saluted the team and their success.

"You girls did an excellent job despite challenges earlier in your preparation. This shows dedication and resilience, and you are real champions."