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Offline Flex

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Secondary Schools Track and Field Thread
« on: March 17, 2006, 03:59:11 AM »
Tobago retain national zonal 'track' title.
By: Kern De Freitas.
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Tobago's young athletes will return to the sister isle a jubilant bunch after defending their zonal Championship title with a hefty victory in the 2006 Guardian General/Ministry of Education National Track and Field Championships.
Well before the final event of the two-day Championships had been run yesterday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Tobago already had an unassailable lead over second place North East, who had put an even more considerable distance between themselves and third-placed St George's West.
The top three zones dominated the relay events, the 4x400 metres yesterday and the 4x100 on Wednesday, first day of competition.
Tobago took the Girls Under-15 4x400m race in 4:27.73 just ahead of North East.
Both the Boys Under-15 and Girls Under-17 4x400 relays were won by St George's Central and North East, respectively. Victoria (Boys Under-17), Caroni (Girls Under-20) and St George'3.s West (Boys Under-20) won yesterday's other 4x400 relays.
St George's West had the best performances in the 200-metre events.
Tranquility Government's Michelle Lee Ahyee streaked to an impressive victory in the Girls Under-15 200m final in 24.60 and Jonathan Holder of QRC (23.86) took the Boys Under-14 version.
Bishop's Anstey High's Sade St Louis took the Under-20 200m title in 24.08.
Over 5000m, Belmont Boys' Neil Francois gave St George's West the win in 16:24.96, and Samantha Shukla (11:25.82) of South East POS was no surprise in snatching the Girls 3000m title ahead of Success/Laventille's Shermin Lasaldo (11:36.34) in the absence of Championships record-holder, the injured Pilar McShine.

Yesterdays Secondary School Championship results:

Girls U-14 200m:

1. Sade Andrews (B/Pore Sec, SE) - 25.91 2. Chelsi Campbell (S/Juan Sec Comp, SGW) - 26. 22 3. (Nephema Callender Bishops Anstey, SGW) - 26.66

Boys U-14 200m:

1. Jonathan Holder (QRC, SGW) - 23.86 2. Shaquille Davidson (Trinity College, SGW) - 25.38 3. Runako Jack (Goodwood High, Tob) - 25.94

Girls U-15 200m:

1. Michelle Lee Ahyee (Tranquility Gov't, SGW) - 24.60 2. Kai Selvon (El Dorado Sec Comp, NE) - 25.69 3. Lisa Bradford (Miracle Ministries, Car) - 26.99

Boys U-15 200m:

1. A Prescott (SGC) - 23.73 2. Kristian Joseph (S/borough Sec, Tob) 3. Elton Julien (Cowen Hamilton, SE) - 24.24

Girls U-17 200m:

1. Cadajah Spencer (SDA, Vic) - 24.24 2. Nyoka Niles (Tranquility Gov't, SGW) - 24.92 3. Cassie Caprietta (St Martin's Girls, SGC) 25.40

Boys U-17 200m:

1. Trevis Frederick (San F'do Gov't, Vic) 2. Jevon Matthews (St Benedict's College, Vic) - 22.66 3. Dwain Warrick (P/Town, SE) - 22.73

Girls U-20 200m:

1. Sade St Louis (Bishop's Anstey, SGW) - 24.08 2. Reyare Thomas (Upper Level Inst, Car) 24.26 3. Semoy Hackett (Bishops High, Tob) - 24.30

Girls U-15 4x400m:

1. Tobago (Tob) - 4:27.73 2. North East (NE) - 4:27.88 3. St George's West (SGW) - 4:39.38

Boys U-15 4x400m:

1. St George's Central (SGC) 2. Tob - 3:52.86 3. NE - 3:57.12

Girls U-17 4x400m

1. SGC - 3:58.79 2. NE - 4:04.34 3.SGW - 4:15.09

Boys U-17 4x400m:

1. Victoria (Vic) - 3:27.41 2. NE - 3:27.52 3. SGC - 3:36.66

Girls U-20 4x400m:

1. Caroni (Car) - 3:58.15 2. Tob - 4:03.74 3. SGW - 4:06.07

Boys U-20 4x400m:

1. SGW - 3:19.00 2. NE - 3:21.81 3. Tob - 3:21.85

Boys 5000m Open:

1. Neil Francois (Belmont Boys, SGC) - 16:24.96 2. Jovaughn Whint (El Dorado Sec Comp, NE) - 17:08.57 3. Clifton Sylvester (Mucurapo Snr Comp, SGW) - 17:15.69)

Girls 300m Open:

1. Samantha Shukla (SEPOS, SGC) - 11:25.82 2. Shermin Lasaldo (S/Laventille SGC) - 11:36.34 3. Kimberley Gibbs (Penal Jr Sec, St Patrick) - 13:33.57
« Last Edit: March 17, 2006, 04:01:09 AM by Flex »
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Offline Socapro

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Secondary Schools Track and Field Thread
« Reply #1 on: August 31, 2014, 10:57:56 AM »
Forty graduate from Memphis Strength, Condition Programme
Sunday, August 31 2014 (T&T Newsday)

Forty students from Belmont Secondary and East Mucurapo Secondary School graduated from the 2014 edition of the Memphis Pioneers Athletic Club Strength and Conditioning Training Programme.


The graduation ceremony was held recently, at the Memphis Pioneers Athletic Club Gymnasium, Fitzblackman Drive, Woodbrook, after the students underwent six weeks of rigorous training sessions.

The students were endorsed by their respective Principal for having good character qualities. The programme, which kicked off in July, was aimed at establishing a high performance training centre for the development of elite athletes. It was targetted to young people, between the ages of 13-16 to help increase their flexibility, speed, muscular strength and power. It was also used as a means of redirecting the nation’s youth from negative influences in their communities.

In congratulating the youngsters, Republic Bank’s Manager, Market Intelligence and Segmentation, Shazard Mohammed, said the success of the programme was a sign of a promising future for our local athletic talent.

He urged them to use what they learnt to help cultivate their talents and abilities.

“I am sure that your journey over the last six weeks has you hungry for more and I hope to read positive and successful news about you in the future,” he said. He added that the sponsorship was more than a financial investment; it was an investment in our communities and nation. The Bank sponsored $106,000 to the project.

“We are well aware of the benefits of an initiative like this, both to young people and to the nation as a whole, having immersed ourselves for a number of years in youth empowerment sporting programmes and initiatives — particularly with regards to football, golf, netball and swimming,” he shared.

Republic Bank’s support of the Memphis Pioneers Athletic Club, was through its corporate social responsibility initiative, the Power to Make a Difference programme — committed to fostering youth empowerment through sport and education.

In attendance were coaches, administrators, trainers, officials and parents. Dr Ian Hypolite, coach of World 400m hurdles champion Jehue Gordon, was also present to assist in the distribution of prizes and awards.

Republic Bank congratulated the students who participated in the programme and wished them all the best in their future endeavours.
De higher a monkey climbs is de less his ass is on de line, if he works for FIFA that is! ;-)

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Secondary Schools Track and Field Thread
« Reply #2 on: April 15, 2015, 05:04:50 AM »
National Secondary Schools’
Track and Field Championship 2015



Date (Open): Wednesday 15 April 2015
Date (Close): Thursday 16 April 2015
Time: 9:00 am to to 5:00 pm (each day)

Price: Students in Uniform: $10; Students not in Uniform: $20;
         Groups of 20 Students in district colours: $15; General Public: $20;

Schedule/Startlists/Results: Will post link when available
________________________________________________________________________________________

Venue: Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port-of-Spain


The Athletics Season in T&T continues with the National Secondary Schools’ Track and Field Championship, which starts today at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad.
« Last Edit: April 17, 2015, 04:19:14 PM by Socapro »
De higher a monkey climbs is de less his ass is on de line, if he works for FIFA that is! ;-)

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Schools’ Track and Field Championships run off today
« Reply #3 on: April 15, 2015, 05:07:45 AM »
Schools’ Track and Field Championships run off today
Published: Wednesday, April 15, 2015 (T&T Guardian)


A number of national athletes who participated at the recently concluded Carifta Games, including Tobago’s Akanni Hislop, are expected to feature at the National Secondary Schools’ Track and Field Championship, which starts today at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port-of-Spain.

It is set to run off at 9 am, both today and tomorrow, the closing day.

The event is being hosted by the Secondary Schools’ Track and Field Association, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Sport Company of T&T (SporTT).

Over 400 athletes from eight zones are expected to convene, with the athletes vying for individual accolades as well as glory for their respective districts.

Hislop and Tobago will be seeking to take home the title for the 25th time. Hislop was a standout at the Carifta Games in St Kitts, earning three medals, gold in the Boys’ Under-18 200m, silver in the 100m and another silver with the Boys’ U-18 4x100m relay team that finished second to Jamaica.

Tobago’s athletes will sport the colour green, while last year’s runner-up, North Eastern, will wear gold/purple. Port-of-Spain, the 2014 third-placed finisher wears light blue. The other zones are Victoria (red), South Eastern (yellow/black), St Patrick (royal blue), Caroni (maroon) and St George (orange).

Also carded to feature are Tobago’s standout field athletes, Tyrik Horsford and Andwuelle Wright. Horsford recently brough home the Carifta javelin gold in the Boys’ U-18 (700g) with a 70.83m throw, for a Carifta record in the division, while Wright saw success in the Boys’ U-20 long jump with a 7.44m (+2.1m/s) leap.

This year’s championship will close tomorrow after an intense series of finals.
« Last Edit: April 15, 2015, 05:27:29 AM by Socapro »
De higher a monkey climbs is de less his ass is on de line, if he works for FIFA that is! ;-)

Offline Socapro

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Carifta champs at Schools meet today
« Reply #4 on: April 15, 2015, 05:23:52 AM »
Carifta champs at Schools meet today
Wednesday, April 15 2015 (T&T Newsday)


A TRIO of Trinidad and Tobago gold medallists at the recently-held CARIFTA Track and Field Championships — javelin thrower Tyriq Horsford, long jumper Andwuelle Wright and sprinter Akanni Hislop, are expected to participate in the two-day National Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships, which will be contested today and tomorrow.

The National Championships, under the theme “Stars of tomorrow...Shining Today”, will be staged at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo from 9 am to 5 pm each day.

Fans will have to pay $20 to witness the action live, while students in uniform will only have to pay $10 each day.

However, persons who are unable to attend the Stadium can log on to www.ttssfa.com to get a live stream of the events.
« Last Edit: April 15, 2015, 05:26:13 AM by Socapro »
De higher a monkey climbs is de less his ass is on de line, if he works for FIFA that is! ;-)

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Tobago bags nine gold medals on first day
« Reply #5 on: April 15, 2015, 11:59:45 PM »
National Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships
Tobago bags nine gold medals on first day

Published: Thursday, April 16, 2015 (T&T Guardian)


Ten of the 16 Tobago athletes, along with coaches who competed at the 2015 Carifta Games in St Kitts Nevis on April 4-6 paid a courtesy call on THA’s Secretary of Education, Youth Affairs and Sport (DEYAS) Huey Cadette at his office at Dutch Fort Plaza, Dutch Fort, Scarborough on April 10. THA’s Secretary of Education, Youth Affairs and Sport Huey Cadette (fourth from left) with Tobago Carifta athletes and officials, from left; Wade Franklyn (coach), Gerard Franklyn (coach), Safiya John, Tyriq Horsford, Akanni Hislop, Franklyn Stanisclaus, Aaron Lewis, Ako Hislop, Vandel Joseph, Chervelle McPherson, Khemani Roberts and Peaches Stewart. Missing are Andwuelle Wright, Kenejah Williams, Chelsea James, Asha James, Anya Akili and Omari Benoit. Horsford, Wright and Akanni won gold. Akanni also collected two silver medals. Roberts, Asha, also won silver with Joseph and Chelsea earning bronze.

Tobago athletes began their quest for a 25th straight zonal national title by capturing nine gold medals yesterday, the first day of action at the 2015 National Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

Leading the way for Tobago were Safiya John (Scarborough Secondary) and Asha James (Signal Hill Secondary) both of whom won two gold medals each. John captured the girls under 16 80m hurdles in 12.87 seconds ahead her Tobago team-mate Schrese Trim (Signal Hill Secondary) 14.46.

John, last year’s top female athlete of the meet, then secured the high jump crown with a distance of 1.55. Carifta girls under 18 javelin silver medallist James completed a throws double with victories in the girls under 18 discus (24.40m) and javelin (43.40). Anson Moses (boys under 16 100m hurdles-15.95), Anya Akili (girls under 16 100m hurdles-15.45), Aaron Lewis (boys under 20 110m hurdles-14.71), Tehealia Kennedy (girls under 14 shot put-9.61), Kimoi Noray (girls under 16 javelin-31.41), Chevelle McPherson (girls under 18 long jump-4.99) and Omari Benoit (boys over 18 high jump-2.00) were all winners for Tobago.

The defending champions also won four silver and six gold medals to total 18 medals before the start of the 100m, 400m and 1500m which are set for later in the day. Port-Of-Spain led the charge among the other zones with wins by Jeminise Parris (St Francois Girls), Clement Campbell (QRC), Kobe John (St Anthony’s), Shaquille Singuineau (QRC).

Carifta bronze medallist Parris ran away with the girls under 20 100m hurdles (14.55) while Clement was crowned the boys under 18 long jump champ (6.48) to add to Carifta bronze medal. John took the boys under 18 110m hurdles (14.90) with Singuineau landing the boys over 18 shot put-15.02).

The meet got off to a late start as the officials waited for the sound system to get the opening ceremony underway.

The 100m, 400m, 1500m 4x100m finals as well as the boys under 18 javelin and boys under 20 long jump, girls under 20 shot put were all due to completed on the first day.

Action continues today, from 9:00am with the 200m, 800m, 400m, 4x400m, 1500m walk, 3000m, 500m, long jump (G & B U14), Javelin (G O18), Long jump (G U16), Long jump (B U16), Discus (B O18), Shot (G U18), Triple jump (B U18).

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Several of this country's CARIFTA athletes were on show at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in the Annual Secondary School's Track & Field competition.

SPORT: SECONDARY SCHOOLS TRACK & FIELD:
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/LVME4YRqMog" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/LVME4YRqMog</a>
« Last Edit: April 22, 2015, 01:44:19 PM by Socapro »
De higher a monkey climbs is de less his ass is on de line, if he works for FIFA that is! ;-)

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Tobagonians dominate at Schools Athletics
« Reply #6 on: April 16, 2015, 12:47:37 AM »
Tobagonians dominate at Schools Athletics
Thursday, April 16 2015 (T&T Newsday)


Fifteen-year-old Tariq Horsford winds up for a massive 66.04m heave in the Boys Under-16 javelin at the Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships, Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, yesterday. Author: ALLAN V CRANE

Tobago athletes made tremendous strides towards recording a 25th successive zonal title at the National Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships, on opening day at the Hasely Crawford Stadium yesterday.

By late afternoon, students from the sister isle were already leading the other zones, having seized a large haul that included 12 gold medals.

Day one started one-and-a-half hours late (10.30 am), due to problems with the sound system. Signal Hill’s Tariq Horsford was among the first to stamp his mark for Tobago. Competing in the Under-16 Boys division, the 15-year-old who just recently broke the Under-18 Boys Javelin record at the Carifta Games sent down a couple of huge throws to win gold by some distance, his best effort going a distance of 66.04 metres.

Another leading Tobagonian was Safiya John, last year’s top female athlete. The Scarborough Secondary student won the Under-16 Girls 80m Hurdles in 12.87 seconds, ahead of Schrese Trim (Signal Hill); later, Safiya added the High Jump with a leap of 1.55m.

Signal Hill’s Asha James also completed a first-day double, though in field action. James won the Girls U-18 Discus with a 24.40m throw, and followed with gold in the Javelin (43.40m).


POWER THROW: This athlete heaves the metal ball in shot putt action yesterday

Other gold medallists for Tobago were Tehealia Kennedy (Girls U-14 Shot Putt), Anya Akili (Girls U-16 100m Hurdles), Kimoi Noray (Girls Under-16 Javelin), Chevelle Mc Pherson (Girls Under-18 Long Jump), Anson Moses (Boys Under-16 100m Hurdles), Omari Benoit (Boys Under-18 High Jump) and Aaron Lewis (Boys under–20 110m Hurdles).


It's all focus for this trio as they compete at the Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, yesterday. Author: ALLAN V CRANE

Chasing Tobago were Port-of-Spain and Environs, for whom another Carifta standout, Jeminise Parris (St Francois Girls) easily claimed the U-20 Girls 100m Hurdles in 14.55 seconds. Clement Campbell won the Under-18 Boys Long Jump, his QRC schoolmate Shaquille Singuineau added gold in the Under-18 Boys Shot Putt, and Kobe John (St. Anthony’s) claimed the Boys Under-18 110m Hurdles. The 100-metre finals were run off late yesterday. At the end of a long opening day, Tobago were comfortably ahead with 531.50 points; though Port-of-Spain won more gold medals, North-East were second on 326, six points more than Port of Spain.


100m Winners (Zones):

U-16 Girls: Ayla Stanisclaus (Tobago) 12.10.

U-16 Boys: Sylvan Sylvon (South-East) 11.29.

U-18 Girls: Shikyla Walcott (Victoria) 12.37.

U-18 Boys: Akanni Hislop (Tobago) 10.62.

U-20 Girls: Zakiya De Noon (Tobago) 12.10.

U-20 Boys: Xavier Mulugata (POS) 10.87.
« Last Edit: April 16, 2015, 11:48:32 AM by Socapro »
De higher a monkey climbs is de less his ass is on de line, if he works for FIFA that is! ;-)

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Tobago athletes shine at Track Champs
« Reply #7 on: April 16, 2015, 12:58:20 AM »
Tobago athletes shine at Track Champs
Story Created: Apr 16, 2015 at 12:09 AM ECT (T&T Express)


Holding ‘em off: Xavier Mulgata, left wins the 18 plus 100 metres dash in 10.87 on the first day of the Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships yesterday. —Photo: Anisto Alves

Tobago athletes began their quest for a 25th straight zonal national title by capturing nine gold medals during the first day of action at the 2015 National Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo yesterday.

Leading the way for Tobago were Safiya John (Scarborough Secondary) and Asha James (Signal Hill Secondary) who won two gold medals each.

John captured the Girls Under-16 80m hurdles in 12.87 seconds ahead her Tobago teammate Schrese Trim (Signal Hill Secondary), 14.46.
John, last year’s top female athlete of the meet, then secured the high jump crown with a distance of 1.55 metres. Carifta Girls Under-18 javelin silver medallist James completed a throws double with victories in the Girls Under-18 discus (24.40m) and javelin (43.40).

Anson Moses (Boys U-16 100m hurdles-15.95), Anya Akili (Girls U-16 100m hurdles-15.45), Aaron Lewis (Boys U-20 110m hurdles-14.71), Tehealia Kennedy (Girls U-14 shot put-9.61), Kimoi Noray (Girls U-16 javelin-31.41), Chevelle McPherson (Girls U-18 long jump-4.99) and Omari Benoit (Boys Over-18 high jump-2.00) were all winners for Tobsgo.

The defending champions also won four silver and six gold medals to total 18 before the start of the 100m, 400m and 1500m events.

Port-Of-Spain led the charge among the other zones with wins for Jeminise Parris (St. Francois Girls), Clement Campbell (QRC), Kobe John (St. Anthony’s), Shaquille Singuineau (QRC). Carifta bronze medallist Parris ran away with the Girls U-20 100m hurdles (14.55), while Clement was crowned the Boys U-18 long jump champ (6.48) to add to his Carifta bronze medal.

John took the Boys U-18 110m hurdles (14.90) with Singuineau landing the boys Over-18 shot put-15.02) crown.

The meet continues today.
De higher a monkey climbs is de less his ass is on de line, if he works for FIFA that is! ;-)

Offline gawd on pitch

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The above article clearly illustrates my point about Tobago being further ahead than Trinidad in developing athletes. NAAA needs to learn from the coaches in Tobago. The coaches in Tobago are doing a lot with a lot LESS..

Tobago has the potential of being our very own "mini Jamaica".. Maybe a stretch but you know what I mean.

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Tobago retain Schools crown
« Reply #9 on: April 17, 2015, 10:14:22 AM »
Tobago retain Schools crown
Friday, April 17 2015 (T&T Newsday)



TOBAGO RETAINED the National Secondary Schools Track and Field zonal title, for the 25th straight year, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo yesterday.

After two days of action Tobago collected 93 medals (31 gold, 30 silver, 32 bronze) to continue their unbeaten run with Port-of-Spain (PoS) in second, narrowly ahead of North East. Both teams ended with 63 medals but PoS finished in the runners-up spot with 29 gold, 17 silver and 17 bronze. North East collected 21 gold, 23 silver and 19 bronze.

Leading the way for Tobago was Anya Akili who was a triple champion taking the girls Under-18 400-metre hurdles (one minute 6.06 seconds) and the high jump (1.50 metres) to add to her triumph in the 100m hurdles (15.45) on the first day of action.

Carifta champion and record holder Tyriq Horsford was among six double champions for the Tobagonians.

Horsford won the boys Under-16 discus (49.74m) and javelin (66.04m). Carifta silver medallist Asha James collected the girls Under-18 discus (24.40m) and javelin (43.40m) while Zakiya Denoon sped to victories in the girls Over-18 100m (12.10) and 200m (24.54).

Ayla Stanislclaus completed the girls Under-16 100/200 double with times of 12.10 and 24.82 respectively.

Anson Moses took home the boys Under-16 100m hurdles (15.95) and high jump (1.70) top spots. Safiya John won the girls Under-16 80m hurdles (12.87) and high jump (1.55).

Tobago entered the second and final day ahead of 52 medals (21, 14, 17) but the PoS and North East competitors were reaping more gold medals than the champions. The Tobago competitors won ten titles while PoS claimed 18 crowns and North East 13.

Ashton Gill led the charge for POS with a triple gold performance taking the boys Over-18 800m (1:59.00), 1500m (4:13.89) and the 400m hurdles (57.70). Shaquille Singuineau (boys Over-18 shot putt - 15.02 and discus — 41.47), Jaden St Louis (boys Under-18 400m — 49.80 and 800m — 2:03.32) and Kobe Job (boys Under-18 110m hurdles — 12.87 and 400m hurdles — 55.72) were double champs for the second-placed team. Port-of-Spain sprinters showed their class in the relays capturing six of the eight 4x100m relays and five of the six 4x400m relays.

Avindale Smith was the top performer of the meet winning four gold medals in the boys Under-14 division.

The North East competitor beat the field in the 100m (11.68), 200m (24.40), long jump (5.52) and high jump (1.62).

Aaliyah Mitchell (girls Under-16 800m — 2:32.72 and 1500m — 5:50.43) were double gold medallists for North East.

Shkyla Walcott won two of Caroni’s seven gold medals taking the girls Under-100m (12.37) and 200m (25.15). Patrice Richards won all three of Caroni’s titles securing the girls Under-14 100m (12.70), 200m (26.02) and long jump (4.46).
« Last Edit: April 17, 2015, 04:34:31 PM by Socapro »
De higher a monkey climbs is de less his ass is on de line, if he works for FIFA that is! ;-)

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Undisputed: Tobago lifts 25th straight Sec Schools’ T&F title
« Reply #10 on: April 18, 2015, 12:44:48 PM »
Undisputed: Tobago lifts 25th straight Sec Schools’ T&F title
Published: Saturday, April 18, 2015 (T&T Guardian)


Leading the way for Tobago was Anya Akili who was a triple champion taking the girls under 18 400m hurdles (1:06.06) and the high jump (1.50m) to add to her triumph in the 100m hurdles (15.45) on the first day of action.

Triple and double gold medal winners, Anya Akili and Tyriq Horsford were two of many standout performers from Tobago, who, apart from their individual accolades, led their district to a milestone 25th consecutive zonal crown at the end of the T&T Secondary Schools Track and Field Championship, on Thursday.

The curtain closed on the two-day event at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port-of-Spain, with Tobago amassing an unassailable 93 medals, 31 of which were gold, 30 silver and 32 bronze. Yet again, the Port-of-Spain district trailed in second with 29 gold, 17 silver and 17 bronze, while North-East placed third.

The North-East district, however, provided the most successful individual of the meet in Avindale Smith, who copped four gold medals in the boys Under-14 division.

He won the 100m (11.68), 200m (24.40), long jump (5.52) and high jump (1.62).

But among those leading the charge for Tobago was Akili, who took the triple gold after claiming the 400m hurdles on Thursday with an impressive finish in 1:06.06, a day after winning the 100m hurdles in 15.45 seconds. Also on Thursday, Akili successfully lept over 1.5m to win the U-18 girls’ high jump. 

Meanwhile, Horsford, who was named among the headline acts ahead of the championship, won the U-16 discus with a 49.74m effort and the javelin with ease after a 66.04m launch.

Earlier this month, Horsford won gold for T&T at the Carifta Games in St Kitts, with a championship record 70.73m (700g) throw in the boys’ U-18 javelin.

Other Carifta medalists for T&T were successful at the Secondary Schools championship. Asha James, javelin silver medalist in the girls’ U-18 at the regional event, won the same discipline on Thursday, with a 43.40m effort, along with the U-18 discus gold (24.40m).

Copping the Girls’ U-16 100m and 200m double was Ayla Stanislaus, who clocked 12.10 and 24.82 seconds, respectively.

The girls’ U-18 equivalent saw Zakiya Denoon claim the 100m and 200m in 12.10 and 24.54 seconds.

For Port-of-Spain, Ashton Gill stood out with a triple gold series of performances in the two middle distance run, as well as the 400m hurdles. The hurdles, Gill clocked 57.70 seconds. Gill triumphed in the Over-18 800m and 1500m races in 1:59.00 and 4:13.89, respectively, while Shaquille Singuineau, Kobe Job and Jaden St Louis were other double-gold medal winners for Port-of-Spain. Port-of-Spain also captured an impressive six of the eight 4x100m relays, as well as five of the six 4x400m relays.
« Last Edit: April 19, 2015, 01:25:06 PM by Socapro »
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Quadruple gold for Smith at Schools Champs
« Reply #11 on: April 19, 2015, 09:33:46 AM »
Quadruple gold for Smith at Schools Champs
Story Created: Apr 18, 2015 at 8:40 PM ECT (T&T Express)


Avindale Smith (North East) Top Male athlete at this year’s Secondary Schools Track & Field Champs

Port-of-Spain

Avindale Smith (North East) emerged as the Top Male athlete at this year’s National Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships held at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo last week, winning four titles.

Smith secured the Boys Under-14 100 metres (11.68 seconds), 200m (24.40), long jump (5.52 metres) and high jump (1.62m) titles to be the lone quadruple champion of the two day meet.

In the 100m, Smith finished ahead of Shomari Nicholas (Port of Spain) 12.29 and Kester Richards (St Patrick) 12.29. In the 200m, Smith got to the line in front of Nicholas (25.35) and his PoS teammate Shaquan Baptiste (25.73).

The champion then took the long jump, defeating Tobago’s Savion Joseph (4.94) and Justin Guy (4.85) before landing the high jump crown to leave Guy (1.53) and another Tobago athlete, Che Saunders (1.45) with the minor medals.

His triumphs came one week after he won the Boys 13-14 Heptathlon at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) age group trials. Smith also captured national titles in the Boys Under-14 pentathlon (2014), Under-13 pentathlon (2013) and Under-11 tetrathlon (2012). He also struck gold at the 2014 Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT) Games winning the Under-13 high jump title.

The battle for the Top Female of the meet honours was a close one, with Anya Akili (Tobago) and Patrice Richards (Caroni) both collecting three titles.

Akili took the Girls Under-18 100m hurdles, 400m hurdles and high jump events. Akili clocked 15.45 seconds in taking the shorter hurdles ahead of Iyana Doyle of St George West (18.02) and North East’s Kermisha Serapio (21.12) before beating Carifta bronze medallist Heziah Phillips (1:05.06 to 1:05.26) in the one lap hurdles. She then secured the high jump with a clearance of 1.50m, leaving the North Eastern pair of Daniella Barker (1.45) and Delicia Thom (1.40) with silver and bronze.

Richards claimed the Girls Under-14 100m, 200m and high jump events, first clocking 12.70 in the 100m to beat Rae-ann Serville of POS (12.88) and Tobago’s Shanika Ashby (13.14).

In the 200m she was first to the tape in 26.02, relegating Serville (26.48) and Ashby (27.23) to the lower placings yet again. Richards led a 1-2 finish for Caroni in the long jump, getting the top spot with a distance of 4.46 ahead of Jayda Williams (4.29). Aaliyah Alexander (Tobago) copped bronzed (4.26).
« Last Edit: April 19, 2015, 10:08:59 AM by Socapro »
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/iqPt6IBdZ8c" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/iqPt6IBdZ8c</a>
« Last Edit: April 20, 2015, 08:11:58 AM by Socapro »

Offline Socapro

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Go to this link to watch full video recap of the T&T National Secondary School Champs 2015: http://streamevents.tv/tt-secondary-schools-track-and-field-association/2015-secondary-schools-champoinships-video_ee37144bd.html

Go here for full official results for T&T National Secondary School Champs 2015: http://www.trackalerts.com/Results/2015-national-secondary-champs-tt/4344/
« Last Edit: April 25, 2015, 07:35:28 PM by Socapro »
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Trinidad & Tobago Schools Athletics
« Reply #14 on: April 23, 2016, 10:25:23 AM »
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20160409/letters/inter-school-athletics-competitions-crucial

Any thoughts on this topic? Unfortunately I was not able to attend the Secondary Schools Champs but would be glad to hear from anyone who did.

Is there a website where I can view the full results? From what I can see through the online press the performances were not great.
« Last Edit: April 23, 2016, 11:52:06 AM by Socapro »

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Re: Schools Athletics
« Reply #15 on: April 23, 2016, 11:48:55 AM »
I believe full results should be posted on this website run by the Trinidad & Tobago Secondary Schools'
Track & Field Association: http://www.ttsstfa.com/home.html

I would have expected the NAAA's to have the full results as well on their website in support of the youngsters at this link (http://www.ttnaaa.org/compete/2016/index.html) but surprisingly they don't!
« Last Edit: April 23, 2016, 11:50:26 AM by Socapro »
De higher a monkey climbs is de less his ass is on de line, if he works for FIFA that is! ;-)

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Re: Trinidad & Tobago Schools Athletics
« Reply #16 on: April 23, 2016, 12:16:59 PM »
For the last few weeks, Barbados radio (VOB) has been covering the athletics meets of individual schools. Note, individual schools ... Dahis even before they get to the coverage of the inter-schools meet. The commentators frequently referenced school records under threat etc. This also ties into Tiresais' comment regarding data in the football context. Big umbrella.

We have a long way to go if we stay on the same cycle of rinse and repeat. Sometimes there's no rinse, just the passage of time.

The opening salvo in Bynoe's article echoes a sentiment expressed on the lil swimmers thread regarding vigorous support in the stands linked to performance outcomes. Many athletes tend to extend themselves when there is noise from the stands. When it's not there, everything is abstracted or isolated to one's mental preparation.

Here's another variable: generating sponsors. Sponsors want bodies present. This was an issue faced by the IOC in South Korea many years ago. Yuh hadda pack bodies in.

Correlation here with football. Somewhat, not entirely ... because frequency of the events and duration of the events differ.

Heard Andre Baptiste critique this issue a few days ago.
« Last Edit: April 23, 2016, 12:19:09 PM by asylumseeker »

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SportsMax to broadcast T&T Secondary Schools athletics
« Reply #17 on: April 23, 2016, 02:19:32 PM »
SportsMax to broadcast T&T Secondary Schools athletics
jamaicaobserver.com


SportsMax, the Caribbean’s premier sports broadcaster, announced yesterday that it has signed a five-year exclusive broadcast rights agreement with the Trinidad and Tobago Secondary School Track and Field Association.

The agreement, which covers the period 2017 through to 2021, will see SportsMax transforming the events into a spectacle for the enjoyment of athletes and fans alike with a full entertainment package scheduled for each leg.

The secondary school track and field season features 60 schools with more than 5,000 participating athletes annually.

SportsMax’s coverage of the 2016-2017 season will race off in October 2016 with the Cross Country and Health Fair, followed by the annual 5K Road Race in November 2016.

In addition, for each season, from January 2017 through to March 2017, SportsMax will feature highlights of the Relay Festival, the eight zonal qualifiers and will close off in April 2017 with a live production and broadcast of the National Championships, which will be aired for the first time across households in SportsMax’s 25 Caribbean markets as well as in the USA and Canada via its sister channel, CEEN TV in 2017.

Trinidad and Tobago Secondary Schools Track and Field Association President Philip Allard said the partnership with SportsMax is a positive move in further developing the country’s athletics programme.

“Trinidad and Tobago has a wealth of talent and we wanted to highlight this on an international scale, and now through this partnership with SportsMax, we will be able to do this while preparing the athletes for the world’s stage,” he said.

Assistant vice-president of Marketing at SportsMax, Tanya Lee, agrees that the immense talent of Trinidad’s secondary school athletes should be shown on a more global scale.

“Trinidad & Tobago has over the years produced some of the world’s most elite track and field stars and

SportsMax wants to shine the spotlight on the next Ato Boldon, Richard Thompson, Keshorn Walcott or Kelly-Ann Baptiste, who all got their starts in these championships at the secondary school level. We continue to bring the best from the region to sport fans across the Caribbean and the diaspora in North America,” she said.

SportsMax currently has broadcast rights to a plethora of Caribbean youth and community sporting events including the schoolboy football programme from Trinidad and Jamaica, as well as Digicel Grand Prix and the Red Stripe Premier League from Jamaica, with even more exciting Caribbean productions in the works.
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Offline Trini1

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Re: Trinidad & Tobago Schools Athletics
« Reply #18 on: April 23, 2016, 02:42:06 PM »
I feel as if it's a good start but still it shouldn't be a zonal competition. Strictly schools against schools and some serious coaching in schools to both source and develop talent. To motivate athletes maybe they should give non competing students the option to either remain in school or attend the meet. I'm sure many would choose the latter and give their schools more support.

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Re: Trinidad & Tobago Schools Athletics
« Reply #19 on: April 24, 2016, 03:08:23 PM »
Thanks for the responses!

A confession first of all. I am Roland Bynoe. Choko has been my nickname for the last 44 years and there are people up the islands who know me by that name only. I will respond to either. I am stating this so that there is no misunderstanding as to my actions here.

If there is any link to the Andre Baptiste comments referred to by Asylum Seeker I would be grateful for it.

My major concern is the improvement in the performance of the country in athletics on the international scene. The main thrust of my letter was intended to be a call for the TTSSTFA and NAAA to work together. I know the NAAA officers personally having been a PRO in the 1990s. I do not know the current SSTFA officers but I have met and tried to work with some of their predecessors.

My take has been that they have allowed themselves to be captured by their environment. In other words, they are not able to step outside of Ministry of Education regulations in their approach. I think that they either do not understand what is required to deliver the quality product SportMax will need or have seriously overestimated their capacity to deliver without technical assistance of the kind the NAAA can provide.

I have recently (since my letter) been made aware that the NAAA has for some years been providing technical assistance to the primary schools association and has been providing a link to those results on their website. The joint planning starts from September/October so that the resources are available when needed. I believe the NAAA can therefore speak to the quality and integrity of the results. That is my opinion. When I inquire I am simply told that there is no relationship with the SSTFA. At the same time the NAAA does lend equipment when requested.

I am certain that the SSTFA has their version of this history but no one is asking the questions and seeking clarification on the answers. We are told that the relationship with the NAAA is a "work in progress". My information is that nothing has changed. We need movement in this relationship if TnT is to realize it's true athletics potential.

My problem is with the inability of the parties to sit down and agree a joint way forward. Unfortunately many talented athletes have been lost to other sports which by virtue of being better run and reported have become more attractive. Hopefully the Ministry of Sport and the Ministry of Education can jointly bring about a resolution of this impasse.

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Re: Trinidad & Tobago Schools Athletics
« Reply #20 on: April 24, 2016, 05:25:48 PM »
Andre presents an opinion-editorial type commentary (do not know the frequency with which each piece airs) on topical issues pertaining to local sports.

Reach out to him at the station. Sounds like you could be en route to a future programme discussion that includes the relevant stakeholders.

Based on this thread, he will know to expect your outreach.

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El Do West dominate sprint relays - 2020
« Reply #21 on: February 06, 2020, 06:57:39 AM »
El Do West dominate sprint relays
By JELANI BECKLES (NEWSDAY).


EL DORADO West Secondary ruled the relay events when the St George East Education District Track and Field Championships took place at Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima, on January 28.

The school swept the Under-15 4x100m races winning both the girls and boys events. El Dorado West won the girls Under-15 4x100m in 57.09 seconds, Bishop Anstey East were a close second in 57.32 and Five Rivers Secondary copped bronze in 1:04.89. In the boys category, El Dorado West snatched gold in 52.06, Trinity College East took second spot in 52.23 and El Dorado East Secondary rounded off the top three in 56.79.

El Do West continued to school the opposition in the Under-17 4x100m category.

El Do West (55.99) finished just ahead of their neighbours El Do East (56.25) in the girls race and Five Rivers Secondary had to settle for third spot in 56.34. Among the boys, El Do West took gold, Bon Air Secondary grabbed silver and Trinity College East snatched bronze.

In the boys Under-20 4x100m Over-17 final, Bon Air took the top spot in a time of 46.39, Five Rivers claimed silver in 46.83 and Barataria South also got on the podium finishing in 1:07.95.

A number of other events were held including the exciting 100m sprint events.

Symphony Patrick of St George’s College won the girls Under-15 100m finals in 13.57, Lesanne Hodge of Barataria South ended second in 13.62 and Jernece Hunte of St Joseph Convent (St Joseph) grabbed third place in 14.14.

In the boys Under-15 100m, Enoch Joseph of El Dorado West easily won the race in 11.74, Anderson Barnwell of Trinity College East was second in 12.21 and Markey Davis of Barataria South claimed third spot in 12.25.In the girls Under-17 100m finals, Anastasia Noel of Bon Air Secondary was victorious in 13.33, Janella Walcott of Five Rivers finished second in 13.67 and Seraiah Burnett of St George’s College earned bronze in 13.75. Revell Webster of Trinity College East took gold in the boys 100m Under-17 finals in 11.91, Kristian Williams of Bon Air also showed top form to cop silver in 11.99 and Dejon Lezama of San Juan North got the last spot on the podium after clocking 12.11. Athletes also showed their endurance in 3,000 and 5,000m events. Kyle Roopchand of Bon Air Secondary won the boys 5,000m open and Zahra Gaskin of Bishop Anstey East took the girls 3,000m open.


Kyle Roopchand of Bon Air Secondary gives it his all on his way to gold in the boys 5,000m open final at the St George East Education District Track and Field Championships at Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima, on January 28. Photo by Dennis Allen for @TTGameplan - Photo by Dennis Allen for @TTGameplan


Sahara Oliver of Bishop Anstey High School East, centre, competes in the girls Under-15 100m event. Photo by Dennis Allen for @TTGameplan - Photo by Dennis Allen for @TTGameplan

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Secondary Schools Track and Field Thread
« Reply #22 on: March 12, 2020, 11:11:20 AM »
Tobago hosts ‘historic Sec Schools track and field champs
BY KINNESHA GEORGE (NEWSDAY).


“Go for gold, go for glory, blaze the trail and let the fire burn.”

This was the advice of Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary and Secretary of Education, Innovation and Energy Kelvin Charles as he declared the 2020 edition of the TT National Secondary Schools’ Track & Field Championships open.

The two-day event themed “Fire on the tracks” which ran from March 11 to 12 kicked off at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet, Scarborough with intense competition by students from over 80 schools across the country.

An annual event, the Championships are hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Secondary Schools’ Track & Field Association with the aim of developing physical health and fitness in the nation’s youth through track and field activities.

On day one, students participated in events such as the hammer throw, long jump, high jump, discus, hurdles, shot, javelin, 100m, 400m and 1500m.

Charles described the event as “historic”, as this is the first time the games is being held on the island in the last 40 years.

“Indeed, this is a glorious day, it is a momentous one and also a historic occasion.

“It is indeed a historic occasion and 2020 seems to be a more memorable year for us… it represents a series of first in the hosting of events.

“We don’t want this to be the first and the last occasion, we have been discussing the possibility of the games coming to Tobago at least once every three years… I’m not a greedy guy so I’ll settle for at least once every three years.

“And then we would evolve to once every two years,” he said.

In giving some encouragement to the athletes, Charles noted that the Championships is key to the generation of quality athletes, pointing to athletes such as Keshorn Walcott, Machel Cedenio, Michelle-Lee Ahye, as well as Renny Quow, and Kelly-Ann Baptiste and Tyriq Horsford.

“Persons have gone before you, but these persons are testament to what can be achieved through sport and through competing here.

“I want you to note that whatever starts here for you who are competing does not have to end here, it can end anywhere. So, you need to use that as a means of competing,” he said further telling the athletes that the activity provides an opportunity for them to build character and discipline, but more importantly “it also allows you to treat with victory and defeat.”

“You would get the opportunity to recognise that in competing somebody must win, and somebody must lose. Therefore, I want to urge all of you to give it your best shot.”

President of the Secondary Schools Track and Field Association, Joseph Brewster noted that indeed it is time for celebration as Tobago is host to the event for the very first time.

“What is happening today and tomorrow, it will not be the last time that we would be here,” he said.

Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs and Member of Parliament for Tobago West, Shamfa Cudjoe shared Brewster’s sentiments noting that it is indeed time for celebration.

“It was only two years ago when I assumed duties as Minister of Sport, he (Joseph Brewster) would have approached me about bringing these games to Tobago. At that time, I was somewhat hesitant as to whether or not we would be ready and prepared to host in Tobago and here we are two years later, here at the Dwight Yorke Stadium.

“The works have been done, not completed as yet but we are working with UDECOTT to complete this facility by the end of April 2020, that is the end of next month but I am pleased that we have been able to bring it up to a standard to host the first National Secondary Schools’ Track & Field Championships in Tobago. That is a major accomplishment,” she said.

The Minister in her show of support, interacted with a number of the young athletes from the participating schools offering them some words of inspiration.

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Offline maxg

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Local T&F
« Reply #23 on: March 08, 2021, 05:17:39 PM »
https://newsday.co.tt/2021/03/08/coach-burtons-mission-to-help-young-athletes-win/

Coach Burton's mission to help young athletes win
JELANI BECKLES


AFTER a car accident ended her promising track and field career at 19, Antonia Burton is now on a mission to help other athletes reach their fullest potential by helping them earn scholarships and create a quality life for themselves.

Burton, 34, is a national track and field coach and a coach at Memphis Pioneers. She is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist who has worked with several athletes in many sporting disciplines in TT. And she's a USA Track and Field level one coach and an International Association of Athletics Federations level three coach.

Growing up in Carenage, Burton was involved in sports as a child, dabbling in netball, cricket and of course track and field, in which she wanted to take her talents overseas.

"That was the one I knew there was a chance to get a scholarship for, and that was the main goal," Burton said.

Burton, who ran 100m, 200m and occasionally 400m, attended St James Secondary, received a scholarship and attended the University of South Alabama. But her track and field dreams were dashed when she was involved in a car accident in Florida.

"When I was on scholarship I got in a car accident and that ended my running career...my whole right side was paralysed. I was in a wheelchair for a couple months."

Burton stayed in Florida to recover, before returning home to complete the last two years of her psychology degree at COSTAATT. A few years later she began her journey as a coach.

She's been doing it for nine years now, but Burton had her challenges as young coach.

"In the early part of it, because I was only 25, it was a bit challenging getting the athletes to separate someone that close to their age from friend to coach. It was just me having to draw a line, and it was not as easy as it sounds, because it is human nature just to gravitate towards people closer to your age.


Memphis Pioneers coach Antonia Burton gathers female athletes for an exercise at the Hasely Crawford Stadium training grounds. -
"The other coaches, both in Memphis and nationally, were always so much older than me. So sometimes what would happen, if I am coaching someone who is 19, 20 – of course they are closer to my age, so we would always have that rapport that I would not necessarily have had with them if I were 40-something like the other coaches."

Burton also had the challenge of earning respect from other national coaches, being so young.

Coaches as well as athletes get nervous before a race begins.

Comparing the two, Burton said, "As an athlete you do get nervous, but you also learn skills to channel that energy into something productive in terms of how your race going to pan out with the power of manifestation, being calm, etcetera.

"As a coach, the nervous energy that you have can't really be chanelled into something positive for the benefit of the athlete...the athlete's performance is not something you can control, where as an athlete you feel like you have some measure of control over how you perform."

More recently, of course, like all sports coaches, Burton has had to alter her methods during the pandemic.

"In the beginning it was a matter of just sending programmes for athletes to do at home on their own...we still not bringing numbers in abundance.

"In the gym (at the Hasely Crawford Stadium) we don't have more than four at one time. In terms of Memphis we have small groups."


Memphis Pioneers coach Antonia Burton times sprinters during training at the Hasely Crawford Stadium grounds. -
The club only allows 20 secondary-school athletes to train together to maintain physical distancing using venues such as the Hasely Crawford Stadium and Nelson Mandela Park.

The National Association of Athletics Administrations has recently held a few test events for athletes. At the events, local athletes get familiar with covid19 protocols while competing, including sanitising before races.

The club's primary school athletes are not training during the pandemic.

"They have been actually very good...the only time they are allowed to take off the mask is if the actual workout is very strenuous and requires that kind of aerobic capacity.

"I think the most frustrating thing for them is just the lack of track meets because it is only so much somebody wants to train without (competing)."

The most satisfying feeling as a coach is seeing athletes succeed.

"The biggest joy is just seeing the athletes fulfil their dreams or their goals."

Getting her athletes to pursue a tertiary education also drives Burton.

"Getting the kids to really perform in such a way where they have that opportunity to see outside of Trinidad and really explore that side of the world and just get their education is the biggest thing for me."

A couple years ago, Burton would have been proud when ten Memphis athletes earned scholarships abroad in one calendar year. Outside track and field, Burton is a strength and conditioning coach under the Sport Company of TT and also runs a company called MP High Performance Training. As a strength and conditioning coach she has worked with athletes in several sporting disciplines.

Witnessing TT cyclist Nicholas Paul break the world record in the men's flying 200m event at the 2019 Elite Pan American Track Cycling Championships in Bolivia was a memorable moment for her as a strength and conditioning coach, along with supporting other TT cyclists like Teniel Campbell and Kwesi Browne.

On Paul's world record, Burton said, "While it is my proudest moment (as a strength and conditioning coach) it is also collaborative, because without (former TT cycling coach) Erin Hartwell (it would have not been possible). That collaborative effort between coach and strength coach of course is vital.

"On the track and field side, again collaborative, because I work with Dr Ian Hypolite in Memphis...that one year we got ten people to leave (was special).

"It is just a matter of changing people's lives."

Track and field attracts children from humble beginnings and Burton is eager to see them improve the lives of their families.

"The academic part of it means so much to me because it really is breaking the cycle of poverty and just making a difference in young people's lives who previously did not see themselves even getting a degree – and now they have all these options in front of them."

On top of her accomplishments to date, Burton said her goal is to see one of her athletes become a world track and field champion or an Olympic champion.

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Re: Secondary Schools Track and Field Thread
« Reply #24 on: August 20, 2021, 08:38:47 AM »
Secondary Schools track and field system revamped — Brewster
By Rachael Thompson-King (T&T Guardian).


The Joseph Brewster-led T&T Secondary Schools Track and Field Association (TTSSTFA) has revamped the track and field system which will allow for the ranking of its athletes.

Brewster, in an interview with Guardian Media Sports via CNC3 on Tuesday, elaborated on the plans to transition from zonal competition into Regional Games, going away from the qualification system to help widen the pool of athletes to gain exposure.

"The Secondary Schools Track and Field Association has been running on a qualification system for years and that system has worked but you know with everything else, you have to evolve, you have to do things differently to get a different result," said Brewster.

"We found it necessary to widen the pool to catch more athletes from an earlier age, from an earlier stage so what we have done is, gone away with the eight zones and now we have gone to three regions."

According to the TTSSTFA president, Tobago is being considered a region. The other two regions are in Trinidad - North (Port-of-Spain, St George East, North East) and South/Central (Caroni, South East, Victoria, St Patrick). The proposed venues are the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Tobago and both North and South/Central, the Hasely Crawford Stadium, which Brewster said "will put all athletes and equal footing".

He added that a database of all student athletes in T&T will be created and this will ensure that all students-athletes have the same opportunity to qualify for the National Championships by utilising the same quality of facility.

Over the years, the TTSSTFA format included the eight districts - Tobago, North East, St Goerge East, Port-of-Spain, Caroni, South East, Victoria and St Patrick at venues around the country.

Brewster said the key came to mind when looking at the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and when looking at the Olympic Games.

"We had it as setting qualifying standards and meeting qualifying standards and that couldn't work cause we weren't on the same playing field. The key came while looking at the Olympics which is the ranking system. Put everybody on the same playing field give them this merit listing, merit ranking and then go forth from there and that was the key. When that came forward it worked for the track events, it worked for the field events and it works everywhere," he said.

"It gives us two things, to see the best we can see and it allows us to track the rest, keep our eyes on the rest. To be able to put systems in place to support the rest. That is the key to this whole thing."

For Brewster and his team, the introduction a ranking system, coming in line with international best practices, will ensure that performances at the National Championship are at a high standard.

Some of the objectives are to identify talent and encourage students to explore track and field as a viable sporting option and career choice; to ensure that the organisation of each games meets and maintains standards set out by the National Association of Athletics Administrations of T&T (NAAATT) to be sanctioned and thus be another potential opportunity for student-athletes to make the qualifying standards for various meets regionally and internationally.

"Our mandate is not to produce the world's best, our mandate is to give students a viable option. To expose them to track and field, expose them to what life could be on this side and develop their talent and that's what we (teachers) are here for. Unearth what's there," said Brewster.

According to the proposal presented by Brewster and supported by the general council, the benefits of the ranking system will allow athletes, teachers, parents, coaches and schools to clearly see the position of the athlete as compared to all others, firstly after the regionals and then the finals.

The proposal also states: "Performances can be tracked over secondary school life and empirical data will be available for scholarships and other purposes, sponsors can clearly see the entire competition or individual athletes or schools.

"Promotion of the events can be more dramatic/intriguing with head-to-head clashes etc; Spectatorship would be increased; and the attraction of foreign college scouts will ensure that the more proficient athletes in schools will participate.

On the topic of relays, there will be no qualifiers coming from the regionals. The proposal states that 4x100m and 4x400m qualifying will take place at the Relay Festivals.

According to Brewster in September, schools will be required to register their intention to participate in any of the TTSSTFA's competitions including cross country, 5K Classic, Relay Festival, Regional Games. Athletes will then be registered to get their athlete’s number for the season. Only then could athletes be registered per event.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline asylumseeker

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Re: Secondary Schools Track and Field Thread
« Reply #25 on: August 20, 2021, 12:14:38 PM »
How many decades did that take?

Offline Deeks

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Re: Secondary Schools Track and Field Thread
« Reply #26 on: August 21, 2021, 08:02:59 AM »
How many decades did that take?

I am mid 60s!!

 

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