Dave Lindo, Gleaner Writer

Holmwood Technical will not be looking outside for a new track and field head coach for their girls' team, following news that Maurice Wilson is stepping down.

This was disclosed by manager of the champion ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys & Girls' Championships team, Chester McCarthy, as the school celebrated its girls' victory yesterday at the Christiana-based institution.

"Our track-and-field fraternity, we are a close-knit group, and right now, we are not looking anyone from outside, in particular, to lead the team. I can state that categorically," McCarthy said, noting that the new head coach will come from one of the present assistants - Kirk Brown, Dave Anderson, Sean Samuels, and Dwight Jones.

"One of these guys has to step up to the plate and show me that they are ready to lead the team into the next championship," McCarthy said.

Wilson spent 11 years as head coach of Holmwood's girls' team, leading the school to a phenomenal 10 championship victories.

Edward Hector, vice-principal of Holmwood Technical and head coach of the boys' track and field team, said Wilson will be greatly missed.

"He will definitely be leaving a void, but he has left behind capable persons who, one has to step up to the task at hand as head coach," Hector said.

SHOW MUST GO ON

He added: "Wilson's contribution will be greatly missed because whenever things kind of get slack, he is the one who comes and takes control. That is how life is. I will soon be stepping out myself, but the show will have to go on."

However, McCarthy said Wilson will still play a part in Holmwood's programme.

"He is a lifetime member of Holmwood's track and field," McCarthy said. "Don't think that because Maurice Wilson may not be at the helm come next year, he is not a part of the unit. He will always be."

"There comes a time when individuals must move on. He is at a crossroads now where he sees it as a time to take different steps," he said of Wilson, who is also the national senior track and field team's head coach. "We just have to appreciate the work that he has done, wish him all the best, and carry on the work."

Wilson, whose car was stolen at the team's hotel during the week of Champs, managed to maintain his focus to lead his team to victory.

He said that he has no doubt that the team will be in good hands following his departure.

"It is great to know that you can create a transition so that you can give someone else the chance to lead," Wilson said. "It is a great feeling for me to know that I can win the championship and give them the opportunity to build on that."