Camperdown Classics previews Gibson-McCook fireworks

The staging of the 2026 Gibson McCook Relays is days away, and at last Saturday’s Camperdown Classics at the Ashenheim Stadium, fans got a taste of what is to come from high school teams, especially in the 4x400m relays.

In the boys’ event, Kingston College (KC) and Jamaica College (JC) gave the fans a teaser in an epic battle to close out the meet.

Both schools are expected to fight for top honours at this year’s ISSA Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships, and the relays could play a crucial role. On Saturday, both teams came out firing.

KC have been the most dominant team in the event for the past three seasons at various meets, including the Penn Relays, but the Old Hope Road-based team is determined to put a stop to the North Street dominance and gave signs of that at the meet.

In what was an exciting finish, JC, who led the majority of the way, had to hold on for dear life as a brilliant final leg from their rivals saw them just managing to secure the win in 3:10.50, with KC second in 3:10.60 and Excelsior, third in 3:11.12.

All three teams are expected to clash again this Saturday at the Corporate Area Championships at the same venue, and another battle royal is anticipated.

A new kid could be on the blocks among the females in the event, as Alphansus Davis High School have shown good form all season and look ready to challenge the likes of Edwin Allen, Holmwood, and Hydel in particular. Hydel are the most dominant high school female team for the past three seasons in the event.

On Saturday, Alphansus Davis led the way, winning in 3:42.88. The vastly improved Immaculate Conception, who surprised Hydel in their heat, clocked 3:43.86 for the win in their final, for second overall. St Jago were third in 3:46.67.

Like the males, the stage is set for a thriller among the females, with the Central Athletics Championships set for next Tuesday and Wednesday, three days before the Gibson McCook Relays, Alphansus Davis will be hoping for another big win to prove that Saturday’s performance was no fluke.

However, with their pride dented last Saturday, Hydel will definitely be gunning to get back on top, and with Edwin Allen expected to join the party, an intriguing contest is anticipated as teams seek to seize the initiative going into the Gibson McCook Relays.