JC makes plans to spoil KC anniversary party

HEAD COACH of Jamaica College’s (JC) track and field team, Dwayne Johnson, is extremely confident just ahead of the start of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletic Championships (Champs).

He believes that his team will improve on last year’s performance, surpass defending champions Kingston College (KC), and capture the Mortimer Geddes Trophy.

Johnson, who served as an assistant coach for several years before being promoted to the top position last August following the departure of former head coach Neil Harrison, stated that he feels no pressure for his team to deliver just after his team’s final workout before the Championships on Saturday.

“At the moment, there are no jitters for me, and there is no pressure to deliver because the guys have put in the work, and they are ready to perform,” he shared.

Though JC have finished second behind KC for the past three years, the points gap has been significant enough to call the challenges minor. However, Johnson believes that things will be different this time around.

“We have strategies in place to change this. Usually, Kingston College pulls away early on Saturday’s final day, separating themselves from the pack in a few events. We have ensured that we put bodies in those events, particularly the 200 metres and sprint hurdles, where we will have two athletes in the finals to secure valuable points.”

Johnson also believes that his middle-distance squad is stronger than their main rivals’ this time.

“Over the years, they have outscored us in the 5000 metres and steeplechase despite both teams being evenly matched in the 800 metres. However, this time, I think we have the superior middle-distance group, and this will also be a key factor in our bid for the title,” he said.

Johnson has very few injury concerns, unlike his main rivals.

“At this moment, we have no injury concerns. Over the past few years, this is the healthiest group we’ve had going into the Championships,” he noted.

With Kingston College celebrating its 100th anniversary, Johnson was asked if he was ready to spoil the celebration by taking home the trophy.

“It’s going to be a close Championships. For us, we don’t need external motivation — we always strive for excellence, and the opportunity to win the Championships is our biggest motivation. However, I would love to call my Kingston College friends on Saturday night, with the Mortimer Geddes Trophy in my hands, to wish them a happy anniversary,” he said with a chuckle.