By JONATHAN BURROWS
Tribune Sports Reporter
jburrows@tribunemedia.net
THE S.C. McPherson Junior High School Sharks celebrated their first Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) Cross Country Championship with a special assembly following the Sharks’ victory on Saturday, October 17.
Principal Keva Campbell and head coach Nikita Sears praised the athletes for their commitment and preparation after the school secured the championship, highlighting the consistency of the team’s training and the collective effort that helped deliver the title.
Campbell said she was elated with the athletes’ performance, crediting the students for their determination and acknowledging the coaches, staff members and parents who supported them throughout the competition.
“I am elated. The performance was great,” Campbell said. “Our students came out, they participated, they gave it their all, and so I am just truly grateful for the sacrifice that our athletes made, as well as our coaches and our staff members who came out and parents to support our students on Saturday.”
The victory marked a significant achievement for the school, which had not previously won the cross country championship.
Campbell said the result reflected the work put in by the athletes and their coaches ahead of the meet.
Sears, who serves as the school’s physical education subject co-ordinator and was the head coach of the cross country team, said the championship was the product of months of preparation and a strong belief within the squad that it could accomplish something special.
“It feels amazing. We worked really hard. The students worked hard. They were excited, we were excited. The energy was just different this year, and so we knew that something special was going to take place on Saturday,” Sears said. The Sharks followed a consistent training programme, with daily practice sessions forming the foundation of their preparation. Sears also emphasised the importance of keeping the athletes mentally engaged and motivated as they worked towards the championship.
“We have practices, daily practice sessions. I would say little psychological talks, you know, to keep the children engaged, keep them motivated,” she said.
“We had a lot of support from our colleagues here, our teachers, the parents, they came out, and so it was a team effort,” Sears said. “Nothing is going to be given to us. We have to go out there and take it.”
Several athletes delivered performances that helped put S C McPherson in position to claim the overall title.
Tamisha Gustave won the under-13 girls’ championship, while Hailey Manning captured the under-15 girls’ title.
Sears also singled out the contribution of Kenard Beckford and the under-15 boys, noting that their performance proved important to the school’s overall success despite the team not winning its individual division.
The under-13 girls’ team also received praise for its contribution, with Sears stressing that the championship was secured through the combined efforts of athletes across the different divisions.
“When I say team effort, it was a team effort, and they did exceptionally well,” she said. “We are proud and we are so grateful, and we’re excited to celebrate this victory with them.”