The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

STILL in a celebratory mood since their success at the 2015 Carifta Games, both the track and field and swim national teams were recognised for their accomplishments in St Kitts and Nevis and Barbados respectively over the Easter holiday weekend.

The two teams, along with the teams participating in the National High School Relays this weekend at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium, were escorted on a motorcade through the streets of Nassau and they ended up on the eastern end of the stadium where a pep rally was held last night.

The 53-member track team returned home after improving on their seventh place finish a year ago by climbing back into second place behind power-house Jamaica, while the 37-member swim team repeated as champions.

At the pep rally, Bahamas Association of Athletic Association’s president Mike Sands set the stage for the rally and master of ceremonies, Demetrius, the Karaoke king, had the audience laughing with his jokes and the various games he performed with the the athletes. A number of entertainers performed and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture gave some remarks during the night. The DJ was Ovadose.

Athletes and swimmers were quite thrilled to be remembered for their accomplishments. Those interviewed noted that their performances at their respective events were outstanding.

Track manager Doris Rolle-Ramsey said she was extremely pleased with the level of competition that the team performed at.

“My job was to make sure that they were as comfortable as they could be,” she said. “Our head coach John Ingraham walked with each athlete as far as he could go when they went to compete in their events. He was right with them until they got to the call room, keeping them as motivated as they could. And our physio-therapists both did an excellent job. The team was in the right frame of mind to compete.”

Tavonte Mott, winner of the under-18 boys gold medal in the 110 metres hurdles, said he was pleased with the performance.

“This was my second time competing on the team and after I just missed out on getting a medal last year, I knew I had to win one this year,” Mott said. “I was more than pleased with the gold, but I knew I worked hard for it. I just want to thank all of the support that we got from everybody who was on the trip.”

LaQuell Harris, a bronze medalists in the under-18 girls shot put, said when they left town, a lot of the athletes didn’t know each other. But time the time they returned home, they were one big happy family. She admitted that the team’s performance had a lot to do with it because they all encouraged each other.

Travano McPhee, assistant coach on the swim team, said they were trilled to have been included in the celebrations for the track team.

“It was so good to see the swimmers being congratulated, especially when we went down Bay Street,” McPhee said. “They felt like their hard work really paid off. I’m just proud of their accomplishments. After falling short for 27 years, to go back and repeat as champion, was quite an achievement. I really don’t see why we can’t go and do it again next year.”

Meshach Roberts, the team captain, didn’t get to compete until the final day of competition in the open swim race where he was eighth overall in the boys 15-17 age group. He was able to bask in the team’s success as they competed in the pool.

“For me, it was a good experience because I had a chance to cheer on the swimmers as I waited for my opportunity to compete,” he said. “I think it was a fantastic performance because everybody went out there and they performed at their best. I think we had a very good showing and it was good to come home and be recognised for what we achieved.”

And Katherine Slatter said although she didn’t win a medal in the girls 11-12 division, she was just elated to be a part of Team Bahamas.

“I was really surprised at how well wee competed,” she said. “When we went on the bus after the first day of competition, we were leading by more than 90 points. I don;t think I’ve ever been a part of such a fantastic team performance. I can’t wait to go back next year. I think what I experienced will definitely help to motivate me to go for a medal next year.”

Allie MacPhail, a parent and a coach who went on with the team, said it was a performance that they will never forget.

“I am just so proud of everybody. They did a really fantastic job and so it was nice for them to come home and get recognised for their accomplishments,” she summed up.