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KC celebrate overcoming pressure to deliver
December 17, 2024
Victory for Vassell Reynolds and his under-19 Kingston College (KC) football team carried added pleasure as they rode above the wave of expectations to deliver both the Manning Cup and Olivier Shield.
Reynolds shared they were under pressure as the school did a double celebration for its under-19 and under-14 football teams to celebrate their title achievements, firstly during the school's prize-giving ceremony at the Jamaica Conference Centre, and later at a reception at the school's North Street campus.
The under-19s, the instution's flagship outfit, had advanced to the semi-finals of both the Manning Cup and Champions Cup in his first year coaching KC last season. Even though they were a relatively young squad, Reynolds said that it set a bar for this year's competitions.
He admitted that, from day one when they drew 2-2 with Penwood High in their opening game, they were under pressure to deliver.
"The fact that we fielded a very young team in the rebuilding process last year and would have done very well, people expected us to do well this year," Reynolds shared.
"From then, the pressure was always on and the expectation levels would have risen from them. People expected the team to surpass what they did last year and we would have recognised that from day one when we started the preseason back in June, and we would have been just happy that we would have been able to deliver," he said.
With the success, Reynolds joins a group of five coaches to have won both the Manning and daCosta Cup titles, and he is pleased to have secured his legacy at KC.
"I am really happy to be a part of the legacy of Kingston College, and not just being a part but adding my piece of legacy to the whole brand.
"I always tell the players to add their piece of legacy to the institution. But we really appreciate the recognition given to the entire programme this season. It is something I hope the players will cherish for life," he remarked.
Reynolds further pointed out that achieving the Manning Cup and Oliver Shield in the institution's centenary is a "priceless" part of its celebrations.
"It's a great feeling to be a part of the centenary celebrations and to have this sort of achievement to go along with it. This caps it off and puts the icing on the cake," he said.
Principal of KC Dave Myrie echoed Reynolds' sentiments, adding that the players' achievements continue to serve as inspiration for all students.
"It makes us proud as a school and it's motivation for the rest of students as well," Myrie stated.
He added that celebrating their 100-year anniversary with the Manning Cup, Olivier Sheild, and urban area under-14 titles, and the Mortimer Geddes (Boys' Champs) trophy is a great honour for all involved with the school.
Myrie says they have no intention to stop there, as they have their sights set on adding a cricket title to their celebratory achievements.
"We are going after the cricket trophy this year. We were close last year, but this year, with renewed vigour, we are going after a cricket trophy," he declared.
"Every sport that is out there, KC want to be involved and do well. We might be on our face today but we are going to brush off and come again. That's the attitude and that is why 'the brave may fall but never yield'," Myrie said, emphasising the KC motto.
