Track and field fans are in for a treat at this year’s Gibson McCook Relays, with high schools, clubs, and college teams set to deliver thrilling performances.
This season has been highly competitive, with no clear favorites in the Inter-Secondary Boys’ and Girls’ Championships coming up in March. The Gibson McCook Relays will provide key insights into which teams have the upper hand, as this is the only event where all will compete in one place before the Championships.
For the past three years, Edwin Allen and Hydel have dominated, but former powerhouses like St. Jago and Holmwood are making a strong comeback. Teams will be eager to gain a psychological edge ahead of Champs.
Girls’ Relays
At the Western Relays, Edwin Allen made a statement with dominant performances and will aim for a clean sweep at Gibson McCook. Their Class I 4x100m squad clocked 44.98s at Western Relays, making them favorites. However, Hydel, despite missing key athletes, won at the Camperdown Classic in 46.09s, setting up an intense showdown.
In Class II, Edwin Allen, led by Dominica’s Kerelle Etienne, posted an impressive 46.02s and will be tough to beat. However, St. Jago has a strong team and could challenge them.
For Class III, Edwin Allen recorded 46.88s at Western Relays, but they must watch out for Vere Technical, Convent of Mercy (Alpha), and St. Mary High, who dominated at Camperdown.
In Class IV, Hydel’s 48.98s win at Camperdown makes them favorites, but Edwin Allen has depth and could challenge, while Alpha, with a best of 49.22s, remains a threat.
The 4x400m will be another highlight. Edwin Allen’s 3:38.38 win at Western Relays makes them confident, but Hydel (3:46.38) and Holmwood, stacked with quarter-milers, could make it a close race.
In the 4x800m Open, Holmwood is the team to beat after twice defeating Edwin Allen, including a meet-record 8:49.82 at Western Relays. They are expected to go even faster.
Boys’ Relays
The boys’ competition at Gibson McCook will be intense, especially with defending Champs Kingston College, former winners Jamaica College, and Calabar all battling for supremacy. St. Jago and Edwin Allen will also have a say in the outcome.
Calabar, powered by the outstanding Shaquan Gordon, sent a strong message with a 40.09s win in the 4x100m at Camperdown Classic. Jamaica College, who ran 40.59s to win Western Champs,
and Herbert Morrison, who clocked 40.50s, will challenge. However, Calabar looks primed to break 40 seconds. Jamaica College also impressed in Class II, clocking 41.37s at Camperdown and could dip under 41 seconds.
In Class III, St. Jago’s sprinters have been dominant and will be tough to beat. The 4x400m and 4x800m relays promise exciting finishes. Edwin Allen shocked their rivals at Western Relays, winning
in 3:12.43, just ahead of Kingston College (3:12.76) and Jamaica College (3:12.87). Calabar, fresh off a 3:13.75 win at Camperdown, will also be in contention.
The 4x800m could be a thriller. At Western Relays, Edwin Allen led for most of the race before being overtaken by Kingston College (7:48.78) and Jamaica College (7:49.71). They will seek redemption at Gibson McCook.