April 16th 2011
March Madness Indeed
By Kendell “Scady” Eugene

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Maybe we don’t have that same hype as the N.C.A.A for the March Madness Basketball tournaments but the spirit, rivalry and support are just as great. If you are clueless as to what I am talking about then you have been away from your Alma Mater for too long. Anyone who attended or who knows someone who attended or even has ties to a secondary school knows that our March Madness is Inter-Secondary School Sports.

This year the excitement was heightened for me when while searching for a radio station to listen to on my way down to the George Odlum Stadium I heard the voices of Terry Finisterre and renowned Sports broadcaster Teddy Francis commentating on the daily races via Radio 100. This made me even more eager to make it to the stadium as the excitement being generated from both gentlemen cemented in my mind that I was missing out on an exciting day of competition.

On arrival at the stadium the number of students who had gathered at the main entrance indicated that the schools had come all out to support its own and this year it was just Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School dominating the stands. This year it was clear the cheering squad from Choiseul Secondary School had it in for the camp coming from Vieux Fort as they started their chants from early! However the current YO! School Cheering Champions weren’t about to be outdone as they returned swiftly and soundly each jab that was sent their way.

Their runners also helped solidify their cheers winning almost every race they ran. In the 4 x 400m relay Vieux Fort Comprehensive won the gold medal with a time of 3:52.34 and they were followed by Choiseul Secondary 3:54.36 and St. Mary’s College who lodged a time of 4:01.99. The ladies held their own in the relays as well with Vieux Fort Comprehensive placing first with a time of 4:15.29, Piaye Secondary placing second in 4:29.63 and Soufriere Comprehensive third 4:34.55.

The 4 x 100 male relays saw Choisuel Secondary, Corinth Secondary, Vieux Fort Comprehensive placing first, second and third respectively and the girls Vieux Fort Comprehensive, Piaye Secondary, and St Joseph’s Convent placing first, second and third respectively.

As we took in more of the Division three races we saw Che Nervais, Janoi Ambrose both from V.F.C.S.S secured gold and silver for their school in the 800m girls and Tasia Nelson of C.M.M.S.S secure bronze for her school. The St. Mary’s College captured Gold and Bronze in the 800m race with Makeem St. Mark and Marc Spurway. Zeniel Flavien from V.F.C.S.S came in second for the silver medal.
Vieux Fort again registered gold when Natasha Poleon beat out her nearest opponents Gabrielle Tobierre and Rochelle Etienne.

This year the competitive spirit of each athlete was brought on the track and field and it reflected in the results with schools such as Grande Riviere Secondary, Choiseul Secondary, Clendon Mason Memorial , Sir Ira Simmons Secondary, and St. Joseph’s Convent medalling in various events.

The Inter- Secondary Schools Athletic Competition was again praised by our radio commentators and they also commended the sponsors of the events who all showed a vested interest in the development of youth sports on the island.

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