Handel Roban comfortable in new environment

Having been transferred from the Georgetown Secondary School to the St Vincent Grammar School at the start of the 2017/2018 academic year, Handel Roban says he is “comfortable” in his new environment.

Entering the Grammar School at Form 4, Roban, who is known for his exploits in track and field and cricket, related his experience to SEARCHLIGHT.

“At first it was a bit challenging all round, but now I am more comfortable, adjusting to the system,” Roban commented.

Noting that he has been embraced by both staff and students, Roban said he has now fitted in well.

Surmounting the initial fears and uncertainty, Roban said he also had to adjust to the regimen of athletics training, but has made the necessary adjustments.

Such is his comfort, that Roban is already making his name on the school’s sports programme.

Last Wednesday, Roban was the intermediate champion and victor ludurom at his new institution’s track and field meet, held at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

Representing Lopey House, Roban tallied 74 points, but of greater significance were his two record-breaking feats.

He smashed the old intermediate 1,500m and 400m records, which were established in 1999 and 2013.

Roban reset the 1,500m, from 4 minutes 38.89 seconds to 4 minutes 38.36 seconds and lowered the 400m to 51.18 seconds from 52.03 seconds. The old 1,500m mark was set by Kevin Young and the 400m was established by Mc Kish Compton in 2013.

“It feels good to come to a new school and do well,” Roban said, remarking on his achievements.

Last weekend, Roban journeyed to Grenada with the school’s team to compete in the KFC Relays at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium.

Roban is a former St Vincent and the Grenadines Under-15 cricketer, who served as vice-captain and captain in 2016 and 2017, respectively, at the Winlott Inc Windward Islands tournament.

He has since graduated to represent FLOW Radcliffe in the Premier Division of the national cricket programme.

Expressing his love for both sporting disciplines, Roban revealed that he has no preference, but would see how far each can take him.