GC Foster Carifta Trials still expected to sizzle

FOR THE first time in recent memory, the CARIFTA Trials will be held away from the National Stadium.

Still, that fact, should not impact the competition for spots on the team to the age-group Caribbean competition set for Trinidad and Tobago from April 19–23.

The three-day trials get under way tomorrow at G. C. Foster College, starting at 1:30 p.m. with the preliminary round of the girls’ under-17 100 metres.

The trials, originally slated for the National Stadium, were relocated due to the scheduled resurfacing of the stadium track, which was set to begin on Sunday, a day after the Gibson McCook Relays.

Competition for places should be intense as many athletes are rounding into top form ahead of the Inter-Secondary Schools Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships, set for March 25–29.

The Gibson McCook Relays showcased many of these athletes, whose performances have set the stage for three days of thrilling and closely contested battles.

Many will also be looking to gain a psychological edge ahead of Champs.

Tomorrow’s opening day of competition will feature a total of 12 finals — eight in field and four on the track.

On the track, the 100m races for both males and females in both age groups mark the four finals down to be contested.

Among the contenders in the girls’ under-17 100m, St Jago High’s Adora Campbell, with a season-best 11.52 seconds, and her teammate, Malayia Duncan (11.84), are favourites to take their places on the team. Edwin Allen’s duo of Daniela Clarke (11.99) and Tashana Godfrey, along with Ferncourt High’s Rhianna Scott, are expected to be in the mix for top honours as well.

The girls’ under-20 100m looks to be a straight showdown between Lacovia High’s Sabrina Dockery and Shanoya Douglas of Muschett High. Dockery leads the pack with a season-best 11.21, just ahead of Douglas (11.34), the World Under-20 200m bronze medallist. Hydel’s Shemonique Hazle (11.55) and St Jago’s Bryana Davidson (11.67) will also be aiming to shake things up.

In the Boys’ under-20 100, Wolmer’s Gary Card is in a league of his own. With a season-best 10.07 seconds, he is the clear favourite. The battle for second place is expected to be fierce, with Excelsior’s Riquelme Reid (10.31), Kingston College’s Nyrone Wade (10.33), Calabar’s Shaquane Gordon (10.34), and Khamane Gordon (10.37) all displaying similar season’s bests.

Calabar’s Bryon Walker, with a season-best 10.65, is the favourite in the Boys’ under-17 100. Holmwood Technical’s Jaydon Collins (10.69), Excelsior’s Michael Graham (10.75), and Walker’s teammate Ched Brown (10.82) should make it an exciting race.

In the field, all eyes will be on the Girls’ under-20 shot put, starting at 1:30 p.m., featuring new national junior record holder Maria Kay Lampart of Clarendon College, with a best of 15.98 metres. St. Catherine’s Able Mills (14.64) and Excelsior’s Kimeka Smith (14.59) will be hoping to cause an upset.

In the Boys’ under-20 shot put, Kingston College’s Despiro Wray (18.31) and Munro College’s Davont Edwards (18.22) are expected to battle for top honours.

Track Events

2:00 p.m. - Under-17 Girls’ 100m Preliminary

2:15 p.m. - Under-17 Boys’ 100m Preliminary

2:45 p.m. - Under-20 Girls’ 100m Preliminary

3:00 p.m. - Under-20 Boys’ 100m Preliminary

3:30 p.m. - Under-17 Girls’ 400m Preliminary

3:45 p.m. - Under-17 Boys’ 400m Preliminary

4:00 p.m. - Under-20 Girls’ 400m Preliminary

4:15 p.m. - Under-20 Boys’ 400m Preliminary

4:30 p.m. - Under-17 Girls’ 1500m Preliminary

4:45 p.m. - Under-17 Boys’ 1500m Preliminary

5:00 p.m. - Under-20 Girls’ 1500m Preliminary

5:15 p.m. - Under-17 Girls’ 100m Final

5:35 p.m. - Under-17 Boys’ 100m Final

5:45 p.m. - Under-20 Girls’ 100m Final

5:55 p.m. - Under-20 Boys’ 100m Final

Field Events

1:30 p.m. - Under-17 Girls’ Shot Put Final

- Under 20 Girls’ Shot Put Final

2 p.m. - Under 20 Girls’ Long jump Final

- Under 17 Boys’ High jump Final

2:05 p.m. - Under 17 Boys ‘ Shot put Final

3:15 p.m. - Under 20 Boys’ Shot put Final

3:30 p.m. - Under 17 Boys’ High jump Final

- Under 20 Boys’ Long jump Final