Page ready to make his mark as St Jago’s boys’ coach

Former student of St Jago Hugh, Carl Page, will officially take up duties on September 1 as the new head coach of the boys’ programme at the Monk Street-based school in Spanish Town.

Page takes over from Jermaine Phipps, who is a lecturer at the G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport. Page, also a graduate of G.C. Foster where he earned his bachelor’s degree, has served as physical education teacher and head coach of Bridgeport High’s track and field programme for the past 18 years.

Excited about his new role, Page expressed gratitude for the opportunity.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to be back at my alma mater, a school with such a rich sporting history, especially in track and field,” he said.

St Jago’s boys have twice lifted the prestigious ISSA Boys’ Champs title — first in 1987 under Michael Clarke and again in 1993 under John Cente. Over the years, the school has produced several world-class male athletes, including 1983 world 400 metres champion Bertland Cameron, 2011 world 100m champion Yohan Blake, and 2022 Commonwealth Games 110m hurdles champion Rasheed Broadbell.

Page, who represented St Jago in the discus and shot put as a student, is no stranger to the programme. Between 2002 and 2004, he worked as assistant coach with the girls’ team, focusing on the throwers.

After seeing St Jago place fifth in 2024 and fourth this year at Champs, he is aiming for improved performances in the coming years.

“My short-term plan is to get the team finishing in the top three and, hopefully, within four to five years, challenge for the title,” he said. “Based on what I’ve seen over the past two years, they have a very young group with great potential. My task is to ensure we have a well-rounded team, with both sprints and field events stepping up. With what they’re doing in Class Three, the signs are that the future looks bright.”

Among the standout athletes for St Jago this season were sprinters Rajuan Romelly and Jevaney Findlay in Class Three and Class Two, along with 400m runner Rushane Richards.

Page is also keen on building team spirit among his staff.

“First of all, I want my coaches to be united. It’s not about us, it’s about the athletes. If we achieve that, I’m confident the results will come. Team spirit among the coaching staff is the first step.”

Well respected for his expertise in the throws, Page describes himself as an all-round coach.

“At Bridgeport, I didn’t just focus on throws. I also coached the sprints and the jumps,” he noted, pointing to his work with standout sprinter Jazeel Murphy, who came through that programme.

Although he will remains a teacher and part of the track programme at Bridgeport, Page does not believe it will create a conflict of interest.

“No, I have capable assistance at Bridgeport, while some senior members working at Satchell Gym, near St Jago, will join me there after school to help with preparations,” he explained.