�Ӱ��԰�

Experienced coach Dwayne Jarrett has settled well and is adapting to his new role at St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS), while relishing his prospects after moving there at the start of the new track and field season.

Jarrett will be looking to replicate his success at Vere Technical High School, who he guided to win the girls' title at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships (Champs).

"I am the technical leader of the girls' and boys' track and field programme at St Elizabeth Technical. My role is to oversee the programme, working with the other coaches and communicating with the principal and administration," Jarrett said.

"I have adjusted well, despite this being a new environment for me as it can be hot here, and rain falls regularly. Despite the regular rain, it does not affect training however, with most of the athletes boarding on campus; and we have morning training as the rain comes mainly in the afternoon.

"With my experience, I am here to help ensure that the programme continues on its right track, as the school is a powerhouse in high-school track and field, especially amongst the males. The boys' team finished a close fifth at Champs this past season, and the aim is to go higher," he continued.

Jarrett had two stints at Vere Technical between 1994-2000 and 2003-2007, where he guided them to victory at Champs, while providing Jamaica with several junior and senior representatives.

According to Jarrett, his transition at STETHS has been good, as the relationship with athletes, coaches, and administrators is excellent.

"At first, I think the athletes thought my objective was different from previous coaches, but they realised it is the same, and because of this belief, there is more confidence going forward as the relationship is first-class," he said.

He stated that the core of STETHS girls' team has returned to the programme, but the coaching staff will have to build on the boys, with several leaving the institution.

He added that, despite his vast experience, he takes advice from STETHS former head coach, Reynaldo Walcott, who has established the professional track and field club Elite Performance.

"Walcott is still a family of STETHS, and he still gives some advice re the programme. I have no issue with that, because we all have the same objective for the student athletes," Jarrett said.

Principal of STETHS Keith Wellington stated that it was a no-brainer to bring Jarrett into the programme.

"In the past few years, we lost two very experienced coaches in the late Eldemire Smith and Walcott, who has formed his club; and with his vast experience, it was a plus in bringing Jarrett into the programme.

"We needed someone with experience to supervise the programme, and with his maturity and experience, I think Jarret was the right person to fill that gap, not only with the sport, but also with the social being of the athletes," said Wellington.