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Coombs hopeful as his athletes show good, early form
January 13, 2025
Acknowledging that others are taking note of their exploits, head coach of Vere Technical, Elton Coombs, is excited about the resurgence of the former queens of local high school track and field, who have won 21 titles.
Vere Tech dominated the 4x400m and 4x800m Open relays at the Foga Road High School over-distance Meet in late December, making a clean sweep despite the presence of Edwin Allen High. The team carried that momentum into the new year with strong performances at the Purewater R. Danny Williams meet.
"Vere Technical's resurgence is the hot topic among high school track and field coaches, and my coaching staff is key to all of this," said Coombs, who has been at the helm of the programme for 16 months.
Athletes such as Ashara Frater in the Open 3000m, Martina Moxam in the sprint hurdles, Shevaughn Thomas in the 400m hurdles, and young Dantae Bartley in the sprints on the female side, along with Shawn Palmer in the 400m hurdles among the males, have given Coombs a lot of hope for his team moving forward.
"This is a good start and I expect these performances to lift the team. We are rebuilding, so we must consider the task ahead and make strategic plans to gain traction," said Coombs.
"The coaching staff is key to everything we've seen so far. Athletes and coaches have been praying and working hard together, but there's still a lot more to be done. Right now, things are in a wait-and-see phase," he added.
Coombs also credited his principal for the team's resurgence.
"I would like to thank my principal, Mr Dwight O'Neil Lewin, as he does his best to ensure the team performs well despite our limited resources. I respect that effort," he remarked.
"But with more support, things would look even more positive."
He acknowledged that it is a significant challenge to restore Vere Technical to its former glory as the queens of high school track and field, but he remains committed to the task.
"Since I took on this responsibility, I knew it was a big challenge. But I was prepared for it. With more support for the athletes they will be able to show their true potential," Coombs said.
