Two Gibson/McCook Relays wins inspire Alphansus Davis

Head coach Megan Wilson-Copeland is ecstatic about the performances of Alphansus Davis High at last Saturday's Gibson/McCook Relays at the National Stadium and hopes that having a historic two wins at the event will help garner sponsorship for their athletics programme.

Track and field minnows Alphansus Davis had wins in the Open mixed 4x400 metres relay and the Open girls' 4x800 metres relay on Saturday.

Copeland, the most successful active female track and field coach at the high school level, hopes that those wins against two of the most powerful middle-distance school teams in the country will help to boost the programme.

"I am elated by the performances of both relay teams. I must give all thanks and praise to God for giving me the inspiration to guide these young athletes. It is difficult to run a programme with minimum resources," said Wilson-Copeland.

The quartet of Jerise Brooks, Carlene Temple, Daniel Francis and Shanika Lindsay became the first team to win the Open mixed 4x400 metres relays after clocking 3:32.83 minutes to turn back Holmwood with 3:33.60 and Edwin Allen, who clocked 3:35.05.

Boosted, Alphansus Davis had another giant performance in the Open girls' 4x800 metres for their first success in the event, which over the years has been dominated by both Holmwood and the defending champions, Edwin Allen.

Their winning quartet of Tabbarel Williams, Alikay Reynolds, Alecia Johnson and Temple stopped the clock at 9:02.83 minutes, as Edwin Allen with 9:02.96 and Holmwood with 9:04.33 ended second and third, respectively.

"We have no sponsorship, which has made it difficult for us. I do hope that the performances by the athletes will help to secure some form of financial assistance or gear sponsorship that will help to motivate the athletes and inspire other young athletes to be a part of the programme," said Wilson-Copeland, who is also the head of Physical Education department at the institution.