Meadowbrook back at Penns after 26-year wait

Following four years of steady work, Meadowbrook High School’s track and field team is set to make a long-awaited return to the Penn Relays for the first time since 2000.

The revival has been led by the school’s young head coach Dino Rochester who has guided the programme’s growth since taking charge in 2022.

“I’ve been here four years, and we’ve seen steady improvement. The athletes are getting better, more competitive and believing in themselves,” said Rochester, a former Edwin Allen High and Kingston College middle-distance athlete.

The year before his arrival only one athlete represented the school at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs). Since then, Meadowbrook have consistently sent 15 or more athletes, with several reaching the semifinals of their events in recent years.

This season marked their best showing yet at the Corporate Area Championships as they gained 20 points. At Champs the standout performer was Jahmilia Humes who reached the Class Two 100 metres and 200m semifinals. Allyson McFarlane also ran in the Class Two 200m semifinals.

A team of five girls will compete in the 4x100m and 4x400m at the Penn Relays.

“It’s a proud moment for all of us,” coach Rochester said. “It means a lot for the athletes to get this opportunity and for the school to be back on this stage,” the Mico University College graduate added.

He also praised the support from the school community and alumni, noting that while progress has been made, the programme is still growing.

“Our aim is to represent the school well and use this experience to keep building,” he said.

For Meadowbrook, the trip to the Penn Relays is more than just competition – it’s a sign of how far the programme has come in a short time.