Doing it for Coach D - Happy Grove d’Cup team motivated by sudden passing of coach

Following the untimely passing of coach, Gary Dinnal, ahead of the daCosta Cup season, Happy Grove High School players are even more motivated than ever and are determined to leave their mark in this year's football competition for their coach.

The Portland-based school, which is situated in Hector's River in east Portland were dealt a major blow approximately two weeks before the start of the 2019 ISSA/Wata daCosta Cup football competition.

The passing of Dinnal weighed on the entire squad, but the boys have been using the unfortunate circumstance as a source of motivation and it has been working.

The Grovians are at the summit of group L with seven points, after beating group favourite Port Antonio High 2-1 and Fair Prospect High 1-0 and drew with arch-rivals Titchfield School last Saturday 0-0.

"It's like our entire world came crashing down," said Romar Forbes, captain of the team.

He added: "We were in a state of shock, as not only had we lost our coach, but we also lost a father figure and a mentor, who supported 100 per cent. This man took time out to ensure that we were mentally, physically, and spiritually prepared. Even in the worst of times, he was able to motivate us to give our best in sports and in academics. His passing left a void, and we have since committed ourselves to perform at the highest level.

"This season's campaign is all about our coach. The entire team and the coaching staff have agreed that we will give it our all this time around. His passing is being used as the motivating factor for our success going forward. Sad as it is, we are cognizant of the fact that he would want us to do well, and, as such, we are dedicating this season and our campaign in his honour."

"We are heading in the right direction, "commented Vincent Wallace, who now assumes head coaching duties at Happy Grove.

He continued: "The boys are highly motivated and are destined to do well. Yes, we suffered a major setback following the sudden passing of coach Dinnal during mid-season, but we took time out to re-group, and the entire team is pumped up and is committed to do well and to honour the passing of their beloved coach. He was such an inspiration. His passing has left a void, however, we are picking up the pieces and we are more focused than ever to do this in his name and honour.

"We are getting the desired results and the entire team is focusing on the task ahead. It has been a good start to our campaign and currently we sit at the top with seven points at the end of the first round. The loss of Coach Dinnal really put a damper on our campaign. Thanks to the members of the coaching staff, we were able to motivate the boys and get them back into the frame of mind of concentrating and to give a good account of themselves in this campaign."