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Edwin Allen High’s boys showing big progress
February 14, 2025
Edwin Allen High School's boys' track and field programme has produced several outstanding athletes over the years, including Jevaughn Powell, Chevonne Hall, Delano Kennedy and Bryan Levell. Despite these individual successes, the team has long lived in the shadow of their dominant female counterparts.
However, that narrative is changing. Over the past two seasons, they have been proving themselves among the country's top teams.
Under the guidance of head coach Leon Powell, the team has been impressive this season, with standout performances at the Western Relays sparking conversations among fans. They delivered a strong showing, securing three victories and three third-place finishes. Their wins came in the 4x400m Open relay, as well as the 4x200m Class One and Class Two relays. They also claimed third place in the 4x100m Class One, 4x100m Class Two, and 4x800m Open.
Their most remarkable performance was in the 4x400m relay, where they clocked a season-best 3:12.43, the fastest time among high-school teams so far this year. In doing so, they edged out powerhouse teams Kingston College (KC), 3:12.76 and Jamaica College (JC), 3:12.87.
They were unlucky in the 4x800m relay, where, despite holding a commanding lead for three legs, they were overtaken by KC and JC in an exciting final-leg battle.
Powell, now in his 10th year as head coach, expressed pride in his team's progress and shared his expectations leading into the Gibson McCook Relays.
"I was really pleased with the team's performances, especially in the 4x400m relay where they ran the fastest time ever at this stage of the season. I expect them to go even faster as the season progresses."
He also noted that the 4x800m relay result might have been different, had it not been for an injury to his anchor-leg runner.
"We were unfortunate not to win the 4x800m relay. The day before, our anchor-leg runner suffered a leg injury and had to be replaced. But, by the Gibson McCook Relays, he should be back and I expect a different outcome."
Powell credited the team's improvement to their dedication and hard work over the past year.
"The guys have matured, gained experience, and understand what it takes to be successful. They've worked incredibly hard and the results are showing."
While Edwin Allen has traditionally been strong in middle-distance events, Powell acknowledged that the team is now gaining recognition in sprints and relays -- events that tend to attract more attention from fans.
"We've always done well in middle-distance events, but people tend to notice when you perform well in the sprints and relays. Now that we're excelling in those areas, the team is getting the recognition they deserve."
Looking ahead to next Saturday's Gibson McCook Relays, Powell assured fans that his team would deliver strong performances.
"Expect great performances from the boys. It will be a challenge since they'll be coming off the Central Championships earlier in the week, but we'll ensure they are well rested and at their best. Hopefully, this momentum will carry us into the ISSA Boys and Girls' Championships."
