Champs tour ends at Kingston College (KC)

Ryon Jones,Gleaner Writer

The Gleaner Champs 100 High School tour made its final stop yesterday at the North Street home of Kingston College (KC).

The school is not only the defending champions, but they have also won the most championships, hence making it ideal for the culmination of the tour.

The nomadic ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Championships tour was making its sixth stop, having previously graced Calabar, Holmwood Technical, St Jago High, St Elizabeth Technical and Herbert Morrison Technical.

The North Street-based school, seeking its 32nd lien on the title, produced past athletes such as Olympic medallist Lennox Miller; and in more recent times Davian Clarke, Andre Wellington and Leford Green.

Their quest for this year's title will be led by team captain Jonathan Reid, Donohue Williams and Kimarley Henry.

Wellington, who set records in both the 100 and 200 metres in Class Two, was given the 'charge' to pep up the young athletes who will bow into action on Wednesday. However, he had to pull out at the last minute, due to commitments at the intercollegiate championships. Reid deputised in his absence, reading a speech that was prepared by the UTech/MVP athlete.

... Never Yield

"Your subconscious mind is a powerful place. It can win you Olympic gold medals or it can leave you shaking with uncontrollable fear," Wellington wrote. "Gentlemen, when you are down and it seems like there is nowhere else to go, dig deep within yourself and hold on to the greatest school motto ever, the Kingston College motto: Cadere Cetere Non Potest - The Brave May Fall But Never Yield."

KC, who narrowly edged out Calabar last year for the title, will face stiff competition this year from Calabar once more, as well as Jamaica College, St Jago and Wolmer's Boys.