UNCERTAIN FUTURE

Principal of Cumberland High School Carlon Pitt says he remains uncertain whether veteran track and field coach Corey Bennett will become part of the institution’s sporting programme when the school’s merger with Hydel High School takes effect in September.

Pitt said several matters still need to be resolved before he can confirm whether Bennett, the former head coach at Hydel, will join Cumberland’s coaching staff.

“There are some dynamics to be worked out which are above our heads, and so when those issues are worked out, then I can comment publicly on it,” Pitt said.

Bennett has enjoyed considerable success over the past four years at Hydel, guiding the school to ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships titles in 2023 and 2025.

The Government announced in January that Hydel High School would be merged with Cumberland High School because of challenges related to Hydel’s current location and the underutilisation of Cumberland’s facilities.

Pitt said Bennett’s contribution to Hydel’s highly successful athletics programme is undeniable and noted that his presence could help make the transition smoother.

“Corey is not somebody that I am 100 per cent familiar with, but I would have observed his performance from a distance, and we can conclude that the Hydel programme is what it is because of the efforts, time, and skill from somebody like Corey Bennett,” he said.

“I would love to have him on board, and he would be integral to the programme. If he comes over to be a part of the programme, then he would make it an even more seamless transition,” Pitt stated.

He underscored that he would welcome Bennett’s involvement should an agreement be reached.

“So speaking as the principal of Cumberland, I have no issues with Mr Corey Bennett,” he said.

Efforts to obtain a comment from Bennett were unsuccessful as several calls to his mobile phone went unanswered.