The Morgans savour ISSAC titles

Namesakes Rawlson Morgan and Chester Morgan are savouring their respective titles won at this year’s National Lotteries Authority Inter-Secondary Schools’ Athletics Championships, which finished last Thursday at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

For Rawlson, it has become habitual for him to lead the St Vincent Grammar School to yet another Males’ title, while for Chester, it was his first lien, as Barrouallie copped the Female Division of the championships.

At the helm of the Grammar School’s Track and Field programme since 2001, Rawlson, etched his 14th title last Thursday.

Reflecting on the Grammar School’s triumph, Rawlson disclosed to SEARCHLIGHT that it was about keeping the formula in place that has brought them success over the years.

“Contrary to what people believe, we do not get the best athletes; however, they are channelled from Form One to get involved and there is where the selections begin,” the St Vincent Grammar School Physical Education teacher commented.

“Although winning again is a good feeling, it is not about me; it is about the boys who were prepared to work hard,” Rawlson reasoned.

Rawlson noted that his school’s technical team, support of fellow teachers, parents and the school’s principal, all assisted in making his task an easier one.

“This year on the day of the finals (Thursday), it was the largest contingent of support we have had from parents and this helped a lot on the day,” he added.

In claiming the title, the Grammar School made it six on the trot since last losing to the Thomas Saunders Secondary in 2011.

The perennial winners, the St Vincent Grammar School tallied 298 points, ahead of St Martin’s 224. Third place was the Barrouallie Secondary with 211 points.

Rounding up the top five places, was Thomas Saunders, 152 and Bethel High School, 118 points.

Meanwhile, in the Female Division, the Barrouallie Secondary ruled, amassing 347 points, outdistancing last year’s champions the Girls’ High School’s 225 points.

Finishing third was Bethel High School, 190 points, fourth – Thomas Saunders, 175 and fifth – the St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown on 167 points.

The victory by the Barrouallie Secondary pleased head coach Chester Morgan, who noted that it had been in spite of some adversities.

Chester, who is the technical director of Team Athletics SVG, claimed that he was ridiculed in some quarters about his credentials as a track and field coach, hence his winning “added some respect”.

In celebrating the triumph though, Chester related: “It is a special feeling after coming close, but losing for the last three years, and to win now by over one hundred points”.

Chester said that also aiding their success was the school’s training programme and the fact that they possess a gym, which helps in the preparation of the athletes.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without the mercies of Almighty God, the support of the principal, staff, parents and athletes, who bought into the school’s programme,” Chester concluded.