KC early pacesetters

KINGSTON College (KC) will be hoping to put a brake on defending champions Calabar High, who are seeking their eighth title in a row at the GraceKennedy ISSA Boys’ and Girl’s Championship. The Purples will be looking to send an early message to their rivals after the first two finals on Wednesday’s second day of competition, by claiming huge points the Class One and Class Two long jump events.

In the Class One long jump event, it should be maximum points for the Purples as they will be well represented, with the two top schoolboys in the event this season, Wayne Pinnock and Shaquille Lowe.

Pinnock, who has two wind-aided marks of over eight metres and who is the IAAF World Under-20 bronze medallist, will be aiming for a record and a legitimate eight-metre mark on the way to retaining his title. His only challenge will be the record of 7.87 metres, set in 1993 by former Vere Technical athlete, Leon Gordon.

Lowe should take the runners-up spot and both should give their team 16 crucial points. Despite coming off an injury he suffered while competing at the Gibson McCook Relays in February, Jamaica College’s Safin Willis should finish third.

Defending champions Calabar should pick up their first win and gold medal of the meet as Jordan Turner looks a safe bet to win the Class Two long jump. Jaheem Cox looks well set to give KC seven crucial points in this event, by placing second, while Nardo Meggs should take the bronze medal.

With 23 points, KC will take an early lead, eight points ahead of defending champions Calabar, on 15, while JC (14) will occupy third ahead of Wolmer’s Boys’ (six) and Cornwall College (five).

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