Woolery: No plan to leave Petersfield

Western Bureau:

Head track and field coach at Petersfield High, Machel Woolery, has rubbished reports which surfaced earlier this week that he could be on his way to a famous all-male school in the Corporate Area.

"I don't know about that right now," Woolery said when he was contacted by STAR Sports yesterday. "That's not a part of my plans right now but in life you can't rule out anything just have to keep an open mind," he added.

Woolery, who is better known for his expertise in field events, particularly the throws, has in recent years put Petersfield on the track and field radar. Not only does he develop throwers but has shown recently that he is just as capable on the track with athletes such as Antonio Watson (200/400 metres), Shaquena Foote (800/1500 metres) and Ockera Myrie (100/200 metres).

Woolery outlined that he has unfinished business at Petersfield.

"Yeah, you have a number of schools that have approached me but I have a programme and a plan working on here (Petersfield) that I would not want to leave, at least not this season. I'm not pushing for that (a move). What I can say is, there is an 80 per cent chance I'll be at Petersfield (next season)," said Woolery.

When asked about the schools that have reached out to him he told STAR Sports: "Schools from all over the island, Corporate Area, central and western," said Woolery.

Asked where the majority of calls have come from, his response was "Yeah, a few calls from the Woolery's work has not only caught the attention of schools looking to strengthen their programmes but he has also been recognised by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association. He has been part of the national youth programme.

He was a member of the coaching staff to the World Under-18 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, last year and head coach of this year's team to the Carifta Games in Nassau, Bahamas.