Excelsior poised to defend crown

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

St Francis Infant will enter today's second and ultimate day of the eighth staging of the Institute of Sports (INSPORTS) Basic Schools Athletics Championship in the lead, after winning the only final to be contested on the opening day of the two-day meet, at the National Stadium yesterday.

They have so far amassed 15 points, seven ahead of defending champions Excelsior Pre-Primary (eight). The top five is rounded off by Citizens Advice Bureau (RJR) (five), Torrington Basic (five) and Harvest Temple Basic School (four).

St Francis Infant's Shakara Mittoo leapt 1.64 metres to take the girls' standing long jump final.

Her teammate, Shanika Plummer, copped third with her jump of 1.51m.

Silver medal

Excelsior's Akelia Ellis took the silver medal after also registering a distance of 1.51m, but with fewer attempts than Plummer.

A total of 25 finals are down to be contested when the meet gets under way at 9 a.m. today, including the Class One boys and girls 60m dash, 80m dash and 4x50m relay; Class Two boys and girls 50m obstacle race, 60m dash and 4x50m relay; Class Three boys and girls 40m dash obstacle race, 30m dash and 4x50m relay, the 4x100m relay, 50m hurdles and 60m potato race.

Despite leading, St Francis Infant's coach, Ronald Gordon, does not believe his team has the depth to challenge for the championship.

Surprise

"I don't think I can dethrone the two-time champion because I am short in certain areas and weak in certain (areas), so if the winning comes, it will be a surprise," said Gordon.

"I would be pleased with a top-five finish," he added.

Coach of the defending champions, Albert Myles, is not perturbed that his team is trailing at the end of the first day.

"Based on what I have seen, in comparison with the leaders right now, I don't think they are a threat at this time," said Myles.

"The team is well balanced and we have athletes in all events and that's what counts at the end of the day, as every point adds up," he added.