No stopping Edwin Allen - Dyke

Raymond Graham, Gleaner Writer

Edwin Allen will wear the favourites tag going into next week's ISSA Boys' and Girls' Championships.

After holding a big lead on the final day last year, before losing out to Holmwood Technical, head coach Michael Dyke is very confident that there will not be a repeat this time around ,as his team is ready to regain the title they won for the first time in 2012.

"Our team this year is much stronger than last year and the girls are better prepared. There are no injury concerns and this is the first time the entire coaching staff, along with the girls, are so relaxed going into a championships" said Dyke.

He added: "This is a very experienced team, especially in Class One, where we have several national representatives who have done well for both country and school."

MASSIVE POINTS

Despite not wanting to single out any individuals, Dyke stated that five girls will score massive points for his school.

"I think Rochelle Frazer and Janelle Fullerton will dominate the throws in Classes One and Two, respectively, while on the track Monique Spencer and Saqukine Cameron in the sprints and Marleena Eubanks in the middle distance will score heavily," said Dyke.

Dyke, whose team finished second in 2009, 2010, 2011 and last year - all years in which they could have won - is confident Edwin Allen are the only ones capable of scoring above 350 points this time around.

"It will take over 350 points to win the Championships and only Edwin Allen can get to that number based on the depth we have, as I strongly feel that none of the other top teams can reach that figure," he assessed.

St Jago High, Vere Technical and the fast-rising Hydel have been doing well all season, but Dyke is not perturbed by their performances. He also showed a lot of respect to Holmwood Technical.

"Holmwood Technical are many-time champions, and despite what they may do leading up to the Championships, you cannot overlook them, as they always perform at the 'big dance' and we will be watching them closely," he continued.

Asked if the absence of Holmwood's inspirational former head coach, Maurice Wilson, has given him and his team more confidence this time around, he replied: "With or without Maurice, this Edwin Allen team fears no one, as the level of confidence is really high, and his presence would not have made a difference, as we are ready to regain our title."