By Duane Coombs
Monday, January, 12, 2015
Come April 2015, the Penn Relays Carnival will again unfold before tens of thousands of spectators clogging the stands of Franklin Field on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania. Amid the sights and sounds, hundreds of thousands more will follow the proceedings on television. However, few of them will be aware, or even remember, that it will also mark a significant milestone.
Neville Myton is one who will be keenly aware of the importance of the date in that it will be the golden anniversary of Excelsior's first visit to the iconic track and field extravaganza in Philadelphia, PA. Today, his memory of the visit is as vivid as if it occurred yesterday, and not five decades ago.
Some fifty years after setting the world of track and field abuzz with his record breaking feats, the memories still hold strong for Mytonwhose recollection of the occasion is still very precise.
As he reminisces, Myton recollects Excelsior's first visit to Penn relays with some fondness and recalls how well the school had done; capped by his own triumph in the individual mile race. He also anchored the mile relay team to a creditable third place finish in the finals.
Myton says he was determined to do well. But more than that, he felt that he was not only representing Excelsior but also Jamaica and her burgeoning reputation in track and field. His success he says was also much more than an individual honor but for the entire school community.
"Excelsior is a school of second chances but the door was barely ajar when I squeezed through" Myton muses. "Mr. Powell took a chance on me in letting a 17-year old into his school. I was determined to do well to repay that faith because Excelsior has been good to me."
So it was with a sense of duty that Myton and his team mates had set out to represent the school at that first Penn Relays in 1965.
He recalls that friendly rivals Kingston College had preceded Excelsior, by a year, as the first Jamaican high school to compete at Penn Relays. He also remembers the camaraderie that existed between the two contingents. The athletes from both schools had traveled together from Jamaica to Philadelphia.
"It was one big happy family," Myton recalls. "They cheered for us, we cheered for them".
In fact so close was the collaboration that the coach of Kingston College, Donovan Davis, doubled as the Excelsior Penn Relays coach in the absence of Excelsior's regular track coach Tony Carr. Their manager, Mayer Matalon, also took care of the Excelsior team.
It left the Excelsior team free to just concentrate on competing. Nostalgia sometimes clouds the memory but there is no mistaking the significance of Excelsior's pioneering venture of Myton and his team mates at Penn relays 50 years ago. Their success was a fillip to the entire Excelsior fraternity.
In one of his finest moments, Myton had outdueled all comers. His success inspired the Excelsior school community, where success in the field of sport helped to forge a stronger school identity. And in becoming the first Jamaica athlete to win an individual gold medal at Penn Relays he helped to set a standard of excellence for others to emulate.
Despite making his mark at Penn Relays 50 years ago, his legend did not begin there. Long before that spring in 1965, Myton was already a young athlete of some repute. Excelsorians and track and field aficionados from another era will best know Neville Myton as a track star who dominated high school track and field in Jamaica.
Long before there was a Usain Bolt, Neville Myton was the standard bearer for excellence in high school track and field in Jamaica. Almost a year before leading Excelsior's team to Penns, Myton had etched his name into books when he set the World Junior Record-the first by a Jamaican-for 800 metres. It still stands today, more than 50 years later, as the Jamaican junior record.
On the back of his success, Myton was among the first high school athletes to make Jamaica's Olympic team when he competed in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. He later also competed for Jamaica at the 1968 Mexico Olympics among a number of other international meets where he was a national representative.
Myton's exploits came amid the debris of an Excelsior track and field program that had gone into the doldrums. The school had won Boys Champs in 1960 but following that high water mark, the school's fortunes in the sport had gone into sharp decline. In 1962 the school did not win a single point at Champs. This bore an eerie parallel to what DASH found a few years ago when it first decided to help revive track and field at Excelsior.
| Neville Myton |
More than anyone else Neville Myton could be considered the godfather of track and field at Excelsior. He had almost single-handedly spearheaded a restoration of pride to the flagging fortunes of the track team at the school.
The year before the Myton era began at Excelsior, in 1964, the school had finished in 11th place at Boys' Champs. With Myton on board, the school improved to 3rd place in 1965, a feat it repeated in 1966. For the rest of the decade and beyond, Excelsior finished in 2nd place for five successive years- evidence of Myton's legacy. It was a legacy that transcended track and field because he inspired a generation of others at the school, who competed in a variety of sports, to start believing in their ability and to aspire to brilliance.
In the years following his days at Excelsior, Neville Myton has gone on to graduate from San Jose State College where he earned double BA degrees in Social Science and Physical Education.
"It was important for me to get that piece of "paper," He says. "That is something no one can take from me."
"It was important for me to get that piece of "paper," He says. "That is something no one can take from me."
Since returning to Jamaica, Myton has continued his involvement with athletics. Among his many contributions he has, with his wife, Paulette, coached and mentored several Olympians including Veronica Campbell, Simone Facey, Colin Bradford and others. He also serves as a board member of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association.
Neville Myton has an enduring legacy in the annals of Excelsior and Jamaica track and field and it all started at Excelsior more than 50 years ago. He was awarded an OD in 2006 by the Jamaican government for outstanding contribution to the development of sports in Jamaica.
(c) Copyright DMC
Photos: Neville Myton at Penns in 1965 outside the hotel.
Neville Myton (2nd left) in a group photo of the KC & XLCR team at a celebration held at KC upon their return.
Neville Myton at Founders Day 2006
Neville Myton (2nd left) in a group photo of the KC & XLCR team at a celebration held at KC upon their return.
Neville Myton at Founders Day 2006
Principal: XLCR's Athletes Making Strides Under DASH
By Duane Coombs
Saturday November 1, 2014
These are encouraging days for DASH ATHLETICS-the ad hoc group of former athletic stalwarts- and the future of Track and Field at Excelsior High School.
These are encouraging days for DASH ATHLETICS-the ad hoc group of former athletic stalwarts- and the future of Track and Field at Excelsior High School.
As the once moribund program again inches toward respectability, DASH and its effort to revive track and field at Excelsior has come in for praise from a cross-section of the XLCR community.
And among the most vocal in his praise has been Principal Deanroy Bromfield, who has noted the clear signs of all round improvement since the inception of DASH.
“My dreams are being realized” Mr. Bromfield said, regarding DASH’s effort to inspire the revival of track and field at the school.
“We have a cadre of outstanding coaches who along with [DASH trustee] Mr. Shakespeare, oversee not only the students' athletic development but have done a tremendous job in contributing to their academic and social growth.”
Principal Bromfield spoke against the background of three track and field athletes -Debarie Spence,Romario Dixon and Sherv
The trio ultimately declined consideration for the post. Their decision was, reportedly, based on the policy of the track program of discouraging students-athletes from taking on any more school responsibilities.
It is felt by the Technical Director that given their already considerable time commitment to their sport, any more demand on their time could adversely affect their schoolwork. Nonetheless, they were all subsequently named Senior Prefects.
This is the kind of development that has inspired confidence in the principal and has engendered optimism among the wider Excelsior fraternity. Mr. Bromfield went even further in commending the influence of DASH on the improved performance in track and field.
“This is evident in the vastly improved showing at Boys and Girls Championships and other athletic meets, the national representatives that are chosen from our Team, the athletes' academic performances and their general conduct”.
To underscore the Principal’s point, Shanice Love, the outstanding Excelsior athlete and national representative, was among those appointed Senior Prefects. All told, there are now 21 Sixth Formers among Excelsior’s track team, where there was none when DASH first became involved.
And reminiscent of a time when track and field student-athletes-among them, Dr. Andrea Bruce, Dr.Gregory Haughton, Anthony Hudson & Desmond Shakespeare, to name a few-distinguished themselves both in the class room and on the track, athletes are again being called upon for their leadership qualities.
Just recently, eighteen teachers from Excelsior were absent from school because of illness, as the Chikungunya Virus epidemic cut a swath throughout Jamaica.
The principal reportedly did not hesitate in turning to some track and field student-athletes, and others, to serve as substitute teachers in the absence of the regular teachers. This is just another indication, some say, of the esteem in which these student-athletes are held, and an endorsement of their perceived leadership qualities.
Day by day, it is becoming clear that DASH ATHLETICS’ mission of developing youngsters to their full potential, while using sports as a vehicle for self-actualization, is being realized. This contribution has not gone unappreciated by Principal Deanroy Bromfield and Excelsior.
“From an administrator’s perspective” the principal noted about DASH’s presence on campus, “There is also the benefit derived from the financial assistance that comes from DASH’ Fundraising efforts.”
Day by day, it is becoming clear that DASH ATHLETICS’ mission of developing youngsters to their full potential, while using sports as a vehicle for self-actualization, is being realized. This contribution has not gone unappreciated by Principal Deanroy Bromfield and Excelsior.
“From an administrator’s perspective” the principal noted about DASH’s presence on campus, “There is also the benefit derived from the financial assistance that comes from DASH’ Fundraising efforts.”
As the 50th anniversary of Excelsior’s first participation at Penn Relays in Philadelphia, PA., looms in 2015, there can be no greater endorsement of DASH’s mission.
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Swelling Pride Greets Excelsior's Return to Penn Relays
by Duane Coombs |Sunday| April 28, 2013
PHILADELPHI, PA- Penn Relays Festival has always been about more than a staid tabulation of accolades. This many first place finishes, this many awards, this many shields and watches won.
And for many alumni, whose annual presence helps to swell the attendance to record levels each year, 2013 represents a watershed year. See full set of XLCR photos.
"This is a new day!" said alumnus Errol Fisher, who was making his annual Penn Relays pilgrimage.
Excelsior had rejoined the fray after a 14-year hiatus and it left many alumni, such as Fisher, brimming with pride. After years of adopting and cheering for teams that just happened to sport the same colors as their alma mater, alumni finally had a team of their own. The sense of history was palpable and, just to underscore Excelsior's legacy of excellence at Penn Relay, many members of Excelsior's past championship teams were on hand to support their alma mater's resurgent track team. "I also spoke with members of the team myself" said Hewitt DePass one of the principals of DASH and himself a former Penn Relays stalwart. "I brought my 1967 4×100 watch to show them, mostly because there has been such a disconnect between the glory years of track and field at Excelsior and the present day athletes." Alumni were still buzzing hours after the 4x400 quartet of Jonah Morgan, Rayon Black, Kemar McNish and Rushaine Powell finished fourth in its qualifying heat-just outside contention for a place in the finals. But for many alumni and supporters that was not the story. The real story was the spirit of Age Animo (Do It With Thy Might) which the team embodied in the face of adversity, that impressed the partisans.
As the starter sent the racers on their way, the baton slipped from the Excelsior leadoff runner's grasp. And as the baton tumbled to the ground so too, it appeared, did the Excelsior quartet's hopes of advancing to the finals. Excelsior was trailing the field after the first 100 meters; their race had finished before it had begun-or so it seemed. But no one had told that to the Excelsior team. Despite an incident-filled race, the quartet recovered to place a creditable fourth in a stoic display of fighting spirit.
Apart from the problem with the baton at the start, the team also had to contend with another mishap later in the race when a JC runner tripped and fell into Excelsior's lane. "If this team returns to Excelsior next year and the athletes follow the coach's instruction they should give a good account of themselves in the future" said DASH member Leighton Young.
Alumni left Franklin Field in Philadelphia, PA encouraged by what they had seen from the Excelsior team, and praised DASH's efforts, which have begun to bear fruit. "We are starting from scratch" noted Errol Fisher. "It is still baby steps. Even though the name of the game is to win, we have had Penn Relays champions before and I know we can do it again."Earlier, 15 year old Shanice Love had finished 8th in the discus competition with a PB (personal best) effort. With three more years of eligibility remaining, team manager Desmond (Shaks) Shakespeare holds out much hope for Love and the rest of the team.
"Despite the mishaps it was really a rewarding trip for the athletes" a satisfied Shakespeare observed. He expects the Excelsior Eagles to continue soar Yet Higher.
Diaspora Hails Sponsorship Deal
by D. Coombs
Saturday| February 4, 2012
Reaction was uniformly positive as alumni in the Diaspora showered DASH Athletics with praise following reports that the group had secured sponsorship to outfit the Excelsior Track & Field squads for the upcoming season.
With the news that Chinese sports goods manufacturer, 361 Degrees, has agreed to furnish T-shirts, tops, tights, shorts, body suits, track suits, sneakers and spikes to both the boys and girls teams, many believe that the stage is now set for a resurgence in the fortunes of the moribund track program, much to the joy of alumni overseas.
"It’s an answer to prayers in these financially unsettling times," said Donna Myrie from her home in New Jersey. "Congratulations to the DASH organization for successfully brokering the deal. DASH continues to impress – surely, the time to re-claim our position at center stage is just within our grasp".
Olympian Debra Byfield welcomed the sponsorship deal and is also happy for what it means to the profile of the alma mater. "This is a remarkable accomplishment and will help to bring back pride to what it means to be an Excelsorian," remarked the Board member of the Excelsior Alumni Association of Florida, whose chapter is committing US$2,500.00 annually to DASH's initiative.
Former Excelsior track star, Judith McCook, from her home in Georgia, said she was delighted with the news as she spoke to xlcrlaumni.comabout DASH's latest coup. "That is great news! I am sending off my check to DASH right now to help with the team!" said the former member of XLCR's record breaking 1980 Class 3 Girls' Gibson Relay quartet.
"Back in those days we could only afford shorts and T-shirts, while all the other teams on the podium were properly attired in matching sweat suits. DASH is doing some great work in getting uniforms for the squad," she noted, as she recalled how her euphoria at winning was tempered by the embarrassment of her team being dressed in mismatched uniforms.
Declared Louis Robinson, past president of the Toronto alumni chapter, "It is a stroke of genius; I feel really positive about what DASH is doing. For DASH to get that kind of sponsorship, considering Excelsior is no longer one of the top schools in Track & Field is something that we in Toronto must support" Robinson said. "The DASH program can be a spring board to reestablishing the program and it is something about which all alumni and friends of Excelsior can be proud."
Speaking from his home in Maryland, Tony Carr, former Excelsior track coach, was equally laudatory in his reaction to the news of the latest success of DASH, a group spearheaded by some of his former charges including Desmond "Shaks" Shakespeare, Danny Clarke, Hewitt DePass, and others.
"That is fantastic news! magnificent! This will take some of the pressure off the athletes. Somebody must have done some good work to get this sponsorship," Carr said. "People are always willing to work with individual who they see doing the right thing. It is very gratifying to see some of my former athletes at the head of this effort"
"Back in my time, a number of the athletes did not have spikes but I remember an Old Boy coming around and raising funds from other Past Students to get gears for the team. That is the way it should be"
Carr said one of the reasons he had stopped attending the annual Penn Relays festival in Philadelpia, Pennysylvania is that Excelsior has been absent for far too many years. There is now hope, he said, that with DASH's intiative, the school is now taking baby steps to rclaiming its past glory. It is a wish endorsed by quite a few alumni in the Diaspora.
One Small Step for DASH, Another Giant Leap for Track and Field at Excelsior could easily be the prevailing sentiment among overseas alumni as DASH continues in its effort to resuscitate the track program.
With apologies to astronaut Neil Armstrong that, even though DASH deal is not quite on the level of his pioneering moonwalk, the hope among alumni in the Diaspora is that DASH will soon have the track and field program again soaring Yet Higher.
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DASH Christmas camp for XLCR athletes - attended a Personal Development Session on Etiquette & Social Graces.
Seasons Greetings from DASH to you all & may 2012 bring you good health & prosperity.
December 24, 2011
Let me take this opportunity to thank all who have supported us over the past year. With you kind assistance we have been able commence the athletic rebuilding process at Excelsior High School and more importantly, to positively impact the lives of several student-athletes with our three-tiered programme.
XLCR Track & Field Team
Between December 15 & 23, 2011 we held our annual Christmas Camp, where we advanced our mission of development thorugh Academics, Atletics & Personal Development. The 70 student-athletes who attended were exposed to two-a-day athletic workouts, personal development seminars and academic support in mathematics for those in the lower school.
Many thanks to all who supported us in putting the camp together. I want to especially thank:
Dr Heather Little-While & Mrs Jennifer Este-Davis - who conducted the Etiquette & Social Graces Session
P. Chevannes-Leadership Seminar
Mrs Pauletta Chevannes - Seminar on Leadership - (See Pic)
Dr Emerson Heny - Presentation on Dental Hygiene - (See Pic)
Douglas Wilson - Academic Support to the 7th & 9th Graders in Maths.
Special thanks to our five (5) coaches who worked tirelessly to put the camp together and who provided chaperone sevices over the period. Notwithstanding a couple testing instances, the camp proved succesful. On the final day we had time trials for the student-athletes; in the main the coaches were quite pleased with the results.
Team Members
I must say also thanks to our cook, Shaka whose son was in the hospital, a situation which had him going back and forth, but he never abononed us. We are happy to know while his son is still hospitalised, he is doing musch better. Thanks also to Shaka's assistant, Short Man.
The local high school track & field 2012 season commences with the first meet at Jamaica College on January 7. Excelsior High will be represented as we seek to begin the qualification of as many of our student-athletes for the upcoming Boys & Girls Athletic Championships. In so doing we are once again lookingforward to you support as we "Age" proud.
Age Animo,
Shaks
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Wolmer's dominate Wesley Powell Invitational
BY DANIA BOGLE Observer staff reporter
Monday, December 12, 2011
SOME of the top names of 'Champs' 2011 were back in action on the track at the Wesley Powell Invitational track and field meeting at Excelsior High School's Mountain View Avenue base on Saturday as the Wolmer's Schools topped the overall boys and girls team rankings.
After a 2011 season plagued by injury, 2010 Youth Olympics 100m champion Odean Skeen of Wolmer's posted 38.02 seconds to finish seventh in the Class One boys 300m. The event was won by his team-mate Andre Green in a time of 36.82 seconds with Nicardo Cameron, also of Wolmer's, second in 37.13 and Daniel Lunan of Excelsior third in 37.22.........
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| Medals stand at XLCR w/ sponsors |
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Wolmer-s-dominate-Wesley-Powell-Invitational_10367805##ixzz1gPjOf3CG
| DASH Director, Shakespeare |
| XLCR's Coach Riley |
| XLCR's Coach Riley |
| XLCR's Coach Riley |
| DASH Director, Shakespeare |
| XLCR's Coach Riley |
| XLCR's Coach Riley |
| XLCR's Coach Riley |
| DASH Director, Shakespeare |
| XLCR's Coach Riley |
November 23, 2011
Fellow Excelsorians & Friends, The 9th Renewal of the Wesley Powell Invitational Track & Field Meet takes on December 10, 2011 commencing at 8:30 am at the Excelsior Playfield. If in Jamaica please come out and support us. Admission is free. The Objectives of the meet is to:
- To honor Founder of Excelsior, Dr. The Hon. A. Wesley Powell, in a lasting and meaningful way.
- To provide valuable pre-season competition in the over-distance and field events. The hurdles and field events results will serve as qualifiers for the Boys and Girls Champs, 2012.
Please check out The DASH Athletics new website at
www.dashathletics.blogspot.com
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| XLCR's Coach Riley |
| DASH Director, Shakespeare |
| XLCR's Coach Riley |
| XLCR's Coach Riley |
| XLCR's Coach Riley |
Excelsior High Track & Field Christmas Camp
November 22, 2012
Fellow Excelsorians & Friends,
Dash Athletics in collaboration with The Excelsior High School's administration will be hosting our annual Christmas Camp for both the Boys & Girls Track & Field Teams between December 16 & 23, 2011. We currently have 120 student-athletes in training. Of this amount we intend to host 60 student-athletes at this residential camp. It will cost approximately J$3,000 to feed each student-athlete during the camp. Total cost J$180,000 (USD2,125). Consequently we are seeking contributions towards the hosting of this event. No contribution is too small.
Consistent with The DASH Athletics three pillars of development our Camps are much more than track & field training. This years Christmas Camp is structured to have student-athletes participating in:
- Academic Tutoring Sessions - This year we will have tutors in Math, Principles of Business, Principles of Accounts, English Language
- Personal Development Seminars - Etiquette, Importance of Proper Dental Hygiene, Communication & Interviewing Skills, Sports Psychology, Self Empowerment
- Track & Field Training & Time Trials
Our 2010 Christmas Camp proved invaluable to our success at the Annual Boys & Girls Champs earlier this year. It allowed student-athletes:
- To bond as a team
- Bond with the coaches
- Develop confidence in their chosen event as well as individuals
- Increase their strength and performance
The Camp will be supervised by:
- The Management & Coaching Staff
- Student Assistant Mangers - (Sixth Formers)
- Parents (Mothers) who act as chaperones
Meals are prepared by our in-house Chef. Menus are selected based on recommendations of our Consulting Nutritionist - Dr Heather Little-White.
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Fellow Excelsorians & Friends,
Recently many of our student-athletes have been in training very hard and they took occupancy of their brand new Changing & Strength Training Rooms. It was such a joy to see the smile on the student-athletes faces as they moved around from room to room, inspecting the facilities. During the training session the rains came. However, this did not interrupt the workout as with the new facility they were able to comfortably complete their training in the strength training.
- Separate Changing & Bathrooms for Boys & Girls
- Coaches Office
- Equipment Storage Room
- Strength Training Room
- Academic Support Room
The latter room is not yet complete & additional lights and ventilation is to be installed. Notwithstanding, it was essential that we opened this facility for use at this time, as we now have 90 (46 girls & 44 boys) student-athletes on our roster, with more expressing an interest in joining the squad.
I would like to thank those of you who made the vision of providing these facilities a reality. We could not have done it without your support. We must also thank the school which provided additional resources thus enabling the project to reach this stage of completion. Kudos also to Mr Canute Godfrey, DASH Athletics Trustee & Project Manager, who designed & supervised the implementation of the project.
Training is now on in earnest & with the success we had last season, more students have expressed an interest in being a part of the programme. This requires additional resources. Consequently I am appealing to all those ho have not yet supported the programme, now is the time for you to come to the aid of your alma mater. To those who have been with DASH Athletics over the past months, once again we say a heartfelt thanks and encourage you to continue to support our student-athletes.
As usual, in North America, please contact Hewitt Depass at dashgroupinc@gmail.com
In Jamaica you may contact me at dashathletics@gmail.com or tel: 530-6840
Age Animo,
Desmond "Shaks" Shakespeare
Director
DASH Athletic Foundation
DASH Throws Lifeline to Track Program
November 16, 2011
Inspired by a desire to give back to their alma mater and dismayed by the state of the track and field program-which has been in decline over the last several years- DASH has partnered with the school, and has marshaled the support of various alumni, to embark on a bold plan to revive the waning track team.
“DASH Athletics has been working with the track & field program at Excelsior High since September 2009” Desmond (Shaks) Shakespeare, one of the principals of the group explained. “Since then we have invited 12 like-minded Alumni, now successful professionals to a board of trustees, as well as appointed, with the sanctioning of the principal, four coaches, three of whom are also alumni”.
The group hopes to revive the track and field program through a multi-prong approach including injecting more resources into the program and through a comprehensive program based on three developmental pillars: Academics, Athletics, & Personal Development, with core values of Discipline, Ambition, Scholarship, and Honor (DASH). It is from this enlightened method that the group hopes to restore Excelsior’s reputation as one of the leading institutions for track & field in Jamaica.
From atop the heap in both boys’ and girls’ track and field some years ago, the program has been on virtual life support in recent years, beset by waning interest, lack of resources, and a general apathy towards the once vibrant discipline at the school.
“We have produced 12 Olympians over the years including Clive McDonald, who is a winter Olympian and current Head T&F Coach at Excelsior” Shakespeare observed, “But in recent years the program has fallen on hard times”
DASH’s efforts have already borne fruit with a tentative but encouraging first step toward respectability. For the first time in years the school was able to boast of having won points at Boys’ & Girls’ Championship when both the boys’ and girls teams copped their first points in recent years at the recent Boys’ and Girls’ Championship.
“Last year (2010) the Boys Champs Team had gone from zero points for 7 successive years to placing 26th out of some 100 schools. The Girls Champs Team placed 16th out of 101 teams; their highest placing in over a decade” Shakespeare proudly related.
“ The girls got points in 2009 (1st time in years) and also in 2010 - albeit only a single athlete contributed in all 3 cases. This past season was more of a team effort as several girls contributed to the points. On the Boys side we had 2 contributors with several others reaching semi-finals”
The upcoming Wesley Powell Memorial Invitational Track Meet slated for Saturday, December, 10, 201 which DASH will host in conjunction with the school's Sports Department at the Courtney Walsh Oval, will be a chance for DASH to gauge the progress of the long dormant program. According to Shakespeare, the meet will also play the dual role as a fundraiser to help underwrite teh Track and field program as well as honoring the memory of Hon A. Wesley Powell, teh late Founder of Excelsior. Additionally it will be the first chance for athletes from several schools to qualify in selected events for the annual Boys and Girls Championship.
“We are desperately trying to get as much sponsorship as possible to see if we can turn a profit,” he explained In conjunction with the meet, which is the first meet on the calendar of Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA), DASH will be hosting a Track & Field Clinic on Friday, December 9, 2011, with legendary and world renowned track coach, Brooks Johnson as the main presenter. Johnson has coached a top athlete at every Olympics since 1960 and currently coaches David Oliver, USA 110 meter record holder and third fastest man in the history of the event. He also guides the athletic careers of Jamaican record holder, Dwight Thomas as well as Deloreen Ennis. DASH hopes that a good showing by the school’s athletes at the Wesley Powell Memorial Meet will be the harbinger of better days ahead for the Excelsior Track team.
ABOUT DASH ATHLETICS
Formed in 2009, DASH Athletics Foundation aka DASH is incorporated in Jamaica and New York State respectively and consists of two sister non-profit organizations: DASH Athletic Foundation & DASH Athletics Group Inc. Originally the brainchild of three former Excelsior High Track & Field teammates, the organization was formed with the vision of utilizing Track & Field as a platform to develop student-athletes at the high school level into noteworthy citizens, given the socio-economic background of most of these athletes in contemporary Jamaica. The group manages and directs the Excelsior High School Track and Field program and works with its counterparts in the USA (DASH Athletics Group Inc) to raise resources to assist in the maintenance of the program at Excelsior, while providing support in the development of policies & programs at the school.
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