‘This one was the toughest’

Corey Bennett, head coach of Hydel High School, has described his team’s latest triumph in the Championship of America girls’ 4x400m relay at the Penn Relays as the toughest of their five consecutive titles.

Hydel extended their remarkable dominance with a hard-fought victory at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, clocking a season’s best 3:32.85, their third-fastest time ever. The Ferry-based team was powered to victory by Nastassia Fletcher, Sashashuntae Hemmings, Aaliah Mullings and Sashana Johnson.

Edwin Allen finished second in 3:33.24, while Bullis School from Maryland took third in 3:38.40. Holmwood Technical was fourth in 3:39.43.

“This one was the toughest one because we had to put a lot of thought into it, as it was hard to spread ourselves across the board in terms of the relays,” said Bennett.

“We have never trailed in a 4x400 for so long, especially for the first three or four legs, and so we had to use all of our wisdom. So it was like a blessing to come out on top in this one. It was different and it was tough, and so we have to give God thanks for that.”

Bennett also highlighted the financial challenges the programme has faced over the past two seasons, stating that outside support was crucial in making the trip to the United States possible.

“We have been struggling all season, and pretty much for the last two seasons, financially,” he said.

“We would have gotten some donations from one or two athletes, and also from the Atlas Security Group, from Ideal Financing, and we would have gotten some support from Team Jamaica Bickle and so was able to make the trip. So we are grateful that those persons were able to come on board and give assistance to come here, but other than that, we wouldn’t have been able to come here.”

With two members of the championship-winning team set to graduate, Bennett noted that rebuilding will be necessary but remains optimistic about the future.

“Two girls from this team will be graduating from this squad and so we will be rebuilding. But I think that we have some able replacements and hopefully, we can remain competitive come next season,” he said.

Bennett also pointed out that he hopes increased support will help ease the financial strain on the programme.

“Every season, we try to find motivation for next season, but this season we struggled financially. But hopefully, persons can come on board and give us support, so that we can have our financial issues resolved for next year. Also for the boys’ team as well,” he added.