Wilson set for top job

André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

Outstanding Holmwood Technical coach, Maurice Wilson, will be handed the reins as head coach of Jamaica's track and field team to the October 3-14 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India, according to information reaching The Gleaner.

Wilson, who it is understood is scheduled to have final talks with the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) sometime this week - this after returning to the island on Sunday night - is already looking forward to the challenge and is extremely happy with the show of faith from the JAAA.

Having led the Manchester-based school to their eighth consecutive hold on the ISSA-GraceKennedy Girls Championships title earlier this year, Wilson seems ready for the task at hand and is full of confidence.

"If it is deemed that I have the ability, then I have to at least give everything I can to live up to the expectations," said Wilson. "Challenge is what I strive off and the mere fact that the confidence has been entrusted in me, especially when it has to do with my country, I'm a very loyal person so I'm very proud and it's going to be very interesting. I'm definitely looking forward to helping to bring some glory to the country."

Experienced

Wilson is no stranger to national teams, having led teams to the IAAF World Junior Championships in 2000 (Chile), 2004 (Grosseto, Italy) and 2006 (Beijing, China), as well as featuring on the coaching staff at the Athens (2004) and Beijing (2008) Olympic Games and the last three IAAF World Championships in Athletics, which were held in Helsinki (2005), Osaka (2007) and Berlin (2009), respectively.

"I know I have the experience to do a good job and I'm really looking forward to the opportunity," noted Wilson, who would be assuming the senior coaching responsibilities at a major meet for the first time.

Glen Mills, who now heads the Racers Track Club, had been the top coach of senior Jamaica teams for a number of years.

After a meeting tomorrow, the JAAA is expected to finalise a 48-member squad, which will undoubtedly be missing the country's brightest stars.

It is further understood that Dr Winston Dawes will also travel to India as the chief medical personnel for the team.