Hydel in front at Prep champs

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Defending champions Hydel Prep are on course to retaining Bigga Jamaica Independent Schools Association Prep Schools Track and Field Championships, going into today's second of the three-day competition at the National Stadium.

Hydel lead the standings with 28 points. They are followed by Mona (18), Vaz (16), Quest (12), Lannaman (seven), Our Lady of the Angels (six), Portmore Missionary (five), Ardenne (four) and Wolmer's (three).

Corey Bennett, head coach of Hydel, said he was pleased with his team's performances despite a few hiccups on the opening day.

"It is a good feeling," said Bennett. "We always wanted to lead because last year at this time we were not in the lead and so it is good to be the leaders going into the second day."

Nikaoli Williams of Hydel cleared 1.40m to win the Class Two boys' high jump in front of his teammate Wagueem Young (1.40m) and A'Khari Young of Mona (1.30m). Bennett was pleasantly surprised by the one-two finish in the high jump.

"I expected us to win, but I didn't see Young in second spot. I thought he would be in the top four and so it is a pleasant surprise," Bennett said. "However, it is going to be rough because we have had a few mishaps, but we just have to press on and hope for the best."

Jamani Richards of Hydel captured the girls' long jump with a leap of 4.51m, ahead of Vaz's pair of Ebony Campbell (4.39m) and Okera Hastings (4.19m).

Justin Phillips of Quest won the Class One high jump with a leap of 1.55m, ahead of Rivaldo English of Lannaman's (1.50m) and D'Angelo Mullings of Mona (1.45m).