Harvey expects exciting Western Relays

Director Ray Harvey says they are all set for today’s 46th staging of the Western Relays at G.C. Foster College. The meet is set to start at 10 a.m.

One of the most popular events on the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association calendar, the Western Relays once again faces venue challenges. The track at the Montego Bay Sports Complex – the only synthetic one in the west – is still under repair despite promises over the past several years that it would be ready.

“For the sixth year in a row, the meet will be held outside of western Jamaica, and I am very disappointed with this, as the fans in the region are being robbed of the opportunity to see some of the best track and field talents on display,” said Harvey. However, he said it should be an exciting day as there are a record number of entries, especially in the field events.

“We are also pleased with the relay entries among high schools and colleges. Defending Inter-Secondary champions Edwin Allen High and Kingston College will be on show, while, as usual, there will be fierce competition among clubs and institutions, with MVP and SprintTec leading the way,” he shared.

This has been one of the most competitive seasons so far among high school teams, making this meet an acid test for both Kingston College and Edwin Allen. Jamaica College have looked like the best team so far on the male side, both on and off the track, and it will be interesting to see how they perform in the relays.

Hydel High will be absent from the meet, but former girls’ Inter-Secondary champions St Jago High and Holmwood Technical have looked ominous over the past two meets, and they could give the Michael Dyke-coached Edwin Allen team a lot to think about.

As usual, there will be cash prizes for high school teams in the 4x100m, 4x400m, and 4x800m relays. The winning team will walk away with $40,000, while second place will receive $20,000, third place $10,000, and fourth place $5,000.

Action will get under way with the women’s 400m hurdles. Flat events, including the 60m, 100m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m, and all sprint hurdles, will continue until 1:30 p.m. before relay action begins at 1:40 p.m. with the prep school boys’ 4x100m. The meet will conclude at 5:45 p.m. with the men’s club/institution 4x400m.