Beckford confident of leading Edwin to Champs title

Co-captain Tonyan Beckford is confident that Edwin Allen High School can regain the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships (Champs) title, and is determined to set the example for the other team members.

The Frankfield-based Edwin Allen lost the girls' title last year to Hydel High after a streak of eight consecutive Champs victories, and Beckford is putting in the work and is inspired for their pursuit.

"I am highly motivated this season, as we lost our title at Champs last year. It is a different mindset this season, as being one of the team captains, being the oldest member and most experienced one in the team, I have to try and get the team in order, to do what we can do by winning back the title," Beckford said.

Beckford is in her final year in Class One and started her season on a high by clocking 53.93 seconds to win the Open girls' 400 metres event at the recent Pure Water/JC/ R. Danny Williams meet. Her winning time, a meet record, was the fastest on the day, with teammate Kell-Ann Carr second best with 55.37 seconds.

Beckford was pleased with her season opener.

"I am not surprised with my opening performance. I am very excited about it. I put in the work; the coach knows I do, so I am really excited," she said.

Sharing captaincy duties with half miler Monique Stewart, Beckford, who was second in the Open girls' 400 metres hurdles at Champs last year in 57.14s, and fourth in the Class One girls' 400 metres in a personal best 52.88 seconds, is confident that she can win both events and help Edwin Allen go all the way.

"I do meet a lot with the other girls, at devotions, in the nights and whenever I find the time, trying to encourage them, as we are determined to win back the title. It is a special year for the school, which will be celebrating its 60th anniversary, and we want to give them a big gift here by winning back the title," she continued.

Defending champions Hydel started this season superbly, but Beckford is not bothered about the quality of Edwin Allen's opponents.

"We have no fears here, as we know what we have to do to get back the title, as we are Edwin," she stated confidently.