Early Track & Field Results

Saturday March 1, 2008 - Early weekend results in collegiate indoor track and field championships in North America.

Andon Mitchell of Texas Christian University won the men's 60 metres at the Mountain West Conference at the US Airforce Academy in Colorado.

Mitchell's winning time was 6.70 seconds, and ahead of teammates Otis McDaniel (6.72) and Justyn Warner (6.75).

Also at that meet Allison George of Texas A & M was sixth in the women's equivalent in an NCAA provisional of 7.39 seconds. She qualified for the final with a time of 7.43, finishing third from Heat 2.

At the New York University Fast Track Invitational at the Armory in New York, Joel Redhead of Bethune-Cookman University won the men’s 400m in 47.55 seconds.

Akeisha Dumont and Ann-Marie Francis also competed for Essex Community College at that meet.

Francis was fourth in Heat 4 of the women’s 60 metres in 7.92 second and also 5th from Section 6, for an overall 42nd place finishing in the 400 m in 1:00.90.

Dumont was 5th from Section 1 with an overall 24th place in 58.93 seconds.

Dumont was also 4th out of Section 5 over the 800 metres in 2:24.60, for an overall placing of 36th.

Spice Boyz wait on stars

by FIFA.COM

While still waiting on the availability of their pair of top-flight overseas professionals, namely Jason Roberts and Shalrie Joseph, Grenada are looking as if they might not need the help.

Since taking over the coaching reins in late 2007, former international Norris Wilson has whipped the Spice Boyz into shape. Two recent friendly wins over Guyana and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, both above them on the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, has the Caribbean islanders smiling ahead of their single-leg 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifier against US Virgin Islands in late March.

Not since their Caribbean Cup runners-up finish in 1989 have spirits been so high on the 'Spice Island'. "I can't complain about the start we've had to 2008," Norris told FIFA.com. "We beat both Guyana and St. Vincent (both 2-1) away from home and both of them are ranked well higher than we are in the region."

Both Guyana (who recently beat Cuba) and St. Vincent earned byes into the second round of CONCACAF qualifying due to their impressive recent results. And when one considers the fact that Grenada's two friendly successes came without a proper training pitch on which to prepare, and without the country's two biggest-name players in the side, the achievement becomes even more impressive.

"At the moment we have to be very efficient with our training sessions," the coach said, laughing. "Hurricane Ivan destroyed much of our training facility in 2004 and we don't have proper floodlights, so when the lads get to practice after work we have to get right to it and use the sun we have left!"

Norris, who coincidentally coaches local side Hurricane FC, also has the added frustration of being without his two leading competitors: Shalrie Joseph and Jason Roberts of New England Revolution and Blackburn Rovers respectively. Neither player has formally committed to Grenada for the upcoming qualifier in their capital of St. George's, but they have been contacted by the FA and expressed interest in taking part.

"It's hard to express just how important these two players are to our hopes," Norris remarked. "Shalrie (Joseph) is a strong player and a key defensive midfielder who can distribute the ball, while Jason (Roberts) is a powerful striker with a nose for goal who can hold it up and bring the midfielders into the attack. The pair would really bring a lot to the team."

In June 2004, both Roberts and Joseph took part in the qualifying campaign for Germany 2006, where Grenada were beaten by CONCACAF giants USA over two legs by a respectable 6-2 aggregate scoreline (they only lost the home leg 3-2). Joseph, who could have opted to play for the US but chose instead to represent his homeland, is widely regarded to be the frontrunner for the Caribbean Football Union's Player of the Year award for 2007, and Roberts' English Premier League experience and sheer power would add much to the gritty and talented crop of local players from the island of just over 90,000.

A fine blend

With a crux of what he calls "talented and lively" domestic league players, Norris can also count on Jamaica-based, 30-time-capped central defender and captain Anthony 'Nixon' Modeste of Portmore United, speedy winger Byron Bubb of Farnborough FC in England's lower leagues, and Canada-based former youth international Lyndon Antoine.

The Spice Boyz will head into their one-off qualifier against 202nd-ranked (out of 207) US Virgin Islands as heavy favourites, but Norris admits his side, themselves only ranked 163rd in the world, will not have it easy.

"Even though we are playing at home we need to go into the game with USVI with the mindset that we are the underdogs, otherwise we could be crippled by the occasion and get caught out," he said. "We will respect them, not be complacent and go right at them from the start."

Were his men to get past their island neighbours, as is expected, a date with Central American giants Costa Rica would await. In this instance there would be no debate about who the underdog would be. "Playing Costa Rica would be a historic day for us," Norris added. "And who knows what could happen. Football is a funny game and any team can make history on their day. We could cause a sensation."

The Grenadians are planning two more friendlies, against Barbados and a team to be announced, before meeting USVI at their National Stadium on 26 March.

Yahoo Sports Ranks Shalrie as Top in MLS

By Martin Rogers, Yahoo! Sports

There are still six weeks to go before the start of the Major League Soccer season, but already we are sticking our necks out by unveiling the inaugural Yahoo! Sports 20 – our list of who we believe to be the best 20 players in North America’s top league.

Certain factors have been used to determine the list, which is partly a prediction of who we feel is most likely to shine in 2008 and partly a work in progress – one to be amended and reshuffled throughout the season to reflect who’s hot and who’s not. Criteria such as age, fitness, motivation and off-season improvement have all been taken into account.

So far, no newcomers to the league have been included, as it remains to be seen how they will adapt to MLS. But expect to see new faces such as Marcelo Gallardo, D.C. United’s Argentinean designated player signing, entering the rankings during the campaign.

Obviously, everyone will have their own views on who should and should not make the cut.

TOP 20 PLAYERS IN MLS

1. Shalrie Joseph, midfielder, New England Revolution – Strong and intelligent, Joseph is the heartbeat of the Revs.

2. Brad Guzan, goalkeeper, Chivas USA – Premiership quality, Guzan would have moved to Aston Villa if not for his work permit refusal.

3. Luciano Emilio, forward, D.C. United – His speed and clinical finishing are too much for most MLS defenders.

4. David Beckham, midfielder, Los Angeles Galaxy – He struggled with injuries in 2007, but his past achievements speak for themselves.

5. Michael Parkhurst, defender, New England Revolution – The best defender in MLS makes up for his lack of height with perfect timing.

6. Dwayne De Rosario, midfielder/forward, Houston Dynamo – A match winner who saves his best for the big occasion.

7. Guillermo Barros Schelotto, midfielder, Columbus Crew – He’s perhaps the most naturally gifted player in the league despite his advancing years.

8. Jozy Altidore, forward, New York Red Bulls – Could be the future of U.S. soccer. The 18-year-old boasts strength, intelligence and maturity.

9. Cuauhtemoc Blanco, midfielder/forward, Chicago Fire – His legs are slowing him down, but he is still as clever and crafty as ever.

10. Juan Pablo Angel, forward, New York Red Bulls – A proven finisher who added an edge to the Red Bulls franchise.

11. Landon Donovan, midfielder/forward, Los Angeles Galaxy – He has his critics but continues to produce quality performances for the Galaxy.

12. Juan Toja, midfielder, FC Dallas – Made an immediate impact last year to hold together the Dallas midfield.

13. Sacha Kljestan, midfielder, Chivas USA – Emerging into a big talent and should evolve into a U.S. national team regular.

14. Maurice Edu, midfielder, Toronto FC – He deserved the MLS Rookie of the Year award. He’s now looking for further progress.

15. Kyle Beckerman, midfielder, Real Salt Lake – This super-fit midfielder could spark an RSL revival this season.

16. Ben Olsen, midfielder, D.C. United – A crucial figure for United, Olsen gets the job done with no fuss.

17. Jimmy Conrad, defender, Kansas City Wizards – Experienced, he’s one of the league’s most solid defenders.

18. Maykel Galindo, forward, Chivas USA – A key man if Chivas is to enjoy another successful season.

19. Christian Gomez, midfielder, Colorado Rapids – He will try to breathe some fire into Colorado after being traded from D.C.

20. Wade Barrett, defender, Houston Dynamo – The no-nonsense, hardened defender is a great organizer of the backline.

Martin Rogers is a soccer writer for Yahoo! Sports.

Lloyd continues to shine

By Michael Bascombe

BIRMINGHAM, England, Feb 16, CMC – Dominica's Chris Lloyd was the best Caribbean athlete at the Norwich Union Grand Prix in Birmingham on Saturday as Tahesia Harrigan and Aleen Bailey disappointed.

Lloyd posted the second fastest time in the world so far as he finished second in the 400 metres behind the winner, Canada's Tyler Christopher in 46.02 seconds.

Grenada's two-time World Indoor champion Alleyne Francique (46.82) was no threat to the field as he continued to battle a flu virus and finished last in the field.

Christopher (45.80) and Lloyd efforts were national records at a meet which witnessed Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia establishing a new world record of 8:04.35 in the men's two-mile event.

In the women's 60 metres, Laverne Jones-Ferrette of the USVI was fourth (7.28 seconds) in a race which saw Tahesia Harrigan of the British Virgin Islands being disqualification following two false starts.

Harrigan was the third fastest qualifier with 7.24 seconds in the preliminaries where Jamaican Aleen Bailey with a seasonal best of 7.43 seconds, failed to reach the final.

Angela Williams of the United States was given the nod over Kim Gavaert of Belgium after both athletes were clocked at 7.15 seconds.

In other results, Grenada's national triple jump record holder, Randy Lewis was fourth with 16.27 metres as Britain's Phillips Idowu won the event with 17.21 metres.

Former World champion Kim Collins of St. Kitts and Nevis, the only Caribbean finalist in the men's 60 metres, was seventh in 6.63 seconds, as Jaysuma Saidy Ndure swept to victory in a time of 6.56 seconds.

Ysanne Williams of Jamaica finished sixth in the women's 800 metres with a personal best of 2:05.98 minutes, way behind winner Jenny Meadows of Great Britain who clocked 2:00.74 minutes.

Hazel-Ann Regis of Grenada was fifth in the women's 200 metres in 24.97 seconds as all top three finishers recorded personal bests.

Joice Maduaka of Britain clocked 23.37 seconds to win the event while compatriot Christine Ohuruogu was timed at 23.41 seconds in finishing second. American Moushaumi Robinson was third in 23.49 seconds.

In other results with Grenadian athletes in North America, Patricia Sylvester opened her 2008 Indoor season with a win in the women’s long jump at the Tiger Invitational at Clemson University. Her winning distance was 6.23 metres.

At the All-Ohio Indoor Track and Field Meet at Malcolm Athletic Complex in Ohio, Kendell Simon was second in the men’s 800 metres in 1:56.18, while Neisha Bernard-Thomas was sixth in the 800 metres in 2:04.71 and Trish Bartholomew 10^th in the women’s 400 metres in 53.22 seconds at the Tyson Invitational at Randal Tyson Track Complex.

And Janelle Redhead was fourth in the women’s 400 metres in 58.71 seconds at the Toronto Senior Championships.

MWAG condemns treatment of Jamaican Journalist

The Media Workers Association of Grenada (MWAG) is deeply concerned about the shabby treatment meted out to Jamaican journalist Tenesha Thomas who has been effectively ordered to leave the country within 24 hours.

MWAG would like to register strong suspicions about the circumstances surrounding Miss Thomas's forced departure from Grenada and the refusal by immigration officials to exercise their discretion in this matter.

Also, the association is annoyed and dissatisfied with the explanation offered by authorities in making their case for her expulsion from the island, particularly since it has emerged and has been admitted by immigration that a clear error was made on their part.

We feel that it is an unfair ploy for a professional journalist or for that manner anyone to be forced out of the country in the manner in which Miss Thomas has been, on the grounds that an immigration officer imputed a wrong date on her passport.

Our concern for Miss Thomas who was detained by four immigration officials and taken in on the basis that she had over-stayed her time in the country must not just be of genuine concern to us but to colleagues in the region.

Thomas had a returned ticket for the first week in March and showed officials that her passport was stamped until August 2, 2008.

Immigration officials who claim that an error was made said the date was meant to be the eighth of the second month, rather than the second of the eighth month.

We also note the refusal of authorities to use their discretion which they can do in this manner.

Based on our own inquiries, we are satisfied that there may be sinister motive behind Miss Thomas' forced departure from Grenada, rather than a concern about an immigration infraction. We are also satisfied that the immigration agents themselves would have acted differently if they were not under specific instructions. In this case we have no choice but to sympathize with the immigration department for the difficult position with which they have been placed.

The treatment of Miss Thomas, a Jamaica journalist in Grenada, represents an attack on press freedom at a time when the region claims to be forging a single market that involves free movement of media professionals. - MWAG

Jamaican Journalist asked to leave Grenada

IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS in Grenada have given a Jamaican journalist associated with the regional news agency CARIBUPDATE 24 hours to leave the country.

Tenesha Thomas, formerly of the Gleaner newspaper in Kingston, has been here on special assignment for CARIBUPATE, a regional news agency based in Hollywood, Florida, and owned by Grenadian-born journalist Hamlet Mark.

Thomas has been CARIBUPDATE's Special Caribbean Political Correspondent since January 1, 2008, and has been sent on assignment in St George's to cover the build-up to likely general elections there.

Four immigration officials took Thomas in, claiming she had over-stayed her time in the country.

Thomas, who however had a returned ticket for the first week in March, showed officials that her passport was stamped until August 2, 2008.

A top immigration official said the date was meant to be the eighth of the second month, rather than the second of the eighth month.

Mark said that after discussions with the immigration officials, they acknowledged that there might have been a mix-up, and that they were satisfied that Thomas had no intention of overstaying in Grenada or breaking any laws.

Mark said given that scenario, he offered to then have the situation regularized so that she can complete the assignment, but they insisted that she should leave on the next available flight to Kingston.

He said the immigration said while they were not formally deporting her, she is not allowed to stay.

"Her biggest sin is that she is associated with me and CARIBUPDATE, and somebody somewhere might be uncomfortable with the kind of reporting we do," Mark said.

"After all this is the political season, and a few people around here are getting a little too edgy for their own good," he said.

While Thomas was in immigration custody today, Mark had called Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell, seeking his personal intervention on the matter as the Minister for National Security and Immigration.

Dr Mitchell had his press secretary Barry Collymore return Mark's call.

In a brief meeting with Collymore, Mark said that he viewed the development as a direct attack against him, his company and the work that it does, and that he is convinced that the immigration officials were working from direct instructions.

Mark said on arrival it was made clear to immigration officials at the airport that Thomas would be here for 10 weeks on special assignment through the US-based CARIBUPDATE, and at the time no issue was raised.

He also noted it is the kind of thing they have done in about half a dozen other Caribbean islands and never had a problem.

"We have moved in, done extended assignments and moved out. But Grenada now seems to be the exception," he said.

The Grenada immigration said Thomas, will be free to return immediately if she chooses, and that she can get a CARICOM National Skill certificate from her native Jamaica.

However they turned down CARIBUPDATE's request to have her stay, and have the document they are demanding handed in "within a few days." - HAMLET MEDIA GROUP INC.

Warner: Regional football, cricket should share equal place

FIFA vice-president Jack Warner has made a call for the two prime sporting disciplines in the Caribbean--football and cricket--to work hand in hand for steady progress to be achieved.

Warner, after meeting with Barbados Prime Minister David Thompson and Minister of Sport Esther Byer-Suckoo in Barbados last weekend, urged the respective authorities and stakeholders to forge new relationships, in an attempt to put West Indies cricket back on the world map.

He blasted the decision by regional cricket authorities, excepting Trinidad, to prevent football matches from being played at cricketing facilities, which are among the best in the region.

"We have some of the best facilities in the world which are cricket stadiums and it makes no sense not sharing these for the development of other sports, particularly football. You have countries like Guyana and Antigua, for instance, where their national teams cannot find a proper ground to train on or play matches, because they are saying the main venue is solely for cricket, and this cannot work and what I am merely saying is let's work together to help raise the level of both sports," Warner said.

"I will get knocked for saying this, but unless cricket has a transfusion of new ideas, concepts, people and structures, it will die. It will not survive because of Twenty20 and what you have seen in South Africa in the last few weeks will not help either.

"This is not to take any pleasure or joy from cricket's demise, but it is to say that there is room in all countries for the two sports to survive...countries with limited resources should share facilities. Football is denied a venue from Guyana to Antigua," said Warner, adding that the pattern in the region was unlike Trinidad, where the Queen's Park Cricket Club was willingly making its venue available to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation for the staging of matches at no cost to the governing body.

"These facilities can be shared by all. There are no sacred grounds in today's world of technology. I want to appeal to governments to open a window for football. The national flags should never be flown on fields of war but they are always flown on the fields of sport and moreso football," Warner repeated.

He appealed to Thompson to try to influence his Caribbean colleagues to adopt a new way of thinking for the development of sport.

"If it's one thing I ask of you, is that you try to convince your colleagues on the importance of sport and let them see the benefits of such involvement through sport tourism thrusts etc."

Thompson, in his address at the Barbados FA awards ceremony, thanked Warner for his support in the development of regional football, adding that his Government has already outlined measures to develop football on that island and will support the establishment of a Professional League in two years.

Minister Byer-Suckoo touched on the strategic goals of the new administration to eliminate the problems of old as they related to limited and/or inadequate facilities to stage sporting events locally and the ongoing process of negotiations to make Kensington Oval available for a wide cross-section of activities. - Trinidad Express Newspaper

Dominica's Lloyd wins in Europe

by Michael Bascombe

ATHENS, Greece, Feb 13, CMC - Dominica's Chris Lloyd sped to a 400-metre triumph to be the only Caribbean winner at the Athina 2008 IAAF Indoor Permit Meeting in Athens on Wednesday evening.

Lloyd won in 46.30 seconds, the second quickest time in the world so far this year as he surged to his second victory in Europe in five days.

Only China’s Liangyu Wang – at 46.08 seconds – has gone faster than Lloyd in 2008 and the improving Dominican won ahead of Jamaica's Edino Steele (46.88) to complement his win at the 3rd PSD Dusseldorf Indoor track and fielding on Friday night.

Grenada's two-time World Indoor champion Alleyne Francique (46.92) got third for a Caribbean sweep on an evening that four world-leading marks were set at the Greek capital.

Jamaican Maurice Wignall was second in the men's 60-metre hurdles in 7.65 seconds, splitting Britons Allan Scott (7.61) and Andy Turner (7.72). Another Jamaican, Richard Phillips, was fourth in 7.76 seconds.

Caribbean women registered some prominent results while top men from the region struggled.

Virgin Islanders Taheshia Harrigan and LaVern Jones continued their good indoor season.

Harrigan, of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), clocked a near personal season’s best 7.17 seconds for the runner-up spot in the women’s 60 metres, and the USVI’s Jones took fifth spot in 7.26 seconds.

Angela Williams, of the USA, won the event in a personal season’s best 7.13 and Nigeria's Franka Idoko was third in 7.22 seconds.

Jamaican Lacena Golding-Clarke was edged out by Damu Cherry of the USA for the top spot in the women's 60 metres hurdles.

Cherry, who had served a two-year doping suspension, finished in 7.94 seconds ahead of Golding-Clarke's 7.98 seconds.

Also, Clora Williams of Jamaica was fourth in the 400 metres in 53.94 seconds.

Antiguan Pan American Games champion Brendan Christian finished a distant eighth in the men's 60 metres in 6.75 seconds. Mike Rodgers of the USA (6.58) was the fastest time among the two heats.

Bahamian World High Jump champion Donald Thomas finished eighth (2.20 metres), as Ukraine's Dmitry Demyanyuk (2.27 metres) took the win over Spain's Xavier Bermejo (2.27 metres) and Jesse Williams, of the USA, at (2.27 metres.

Panama's Irving Saladino was a clear winner in the men's long jump with a world leading distance of 8.42 metres. Jamaican James Beckford had to settle for sixth at 7.76 metres.

Kenya's Daniel Komen Chipchirchir won the men's 1500 metres in a world-leading time of three minutes 34.80 seconds and Russian pole vaulter Yuliya Golubchikoya (4.75 metres) and Slovakian triple jumper Marija Sestjak (15.08 metres), also posted world bests.

Revamp the Ministry of Sports!

By Michael Bascombe

I am making an appeal for either the assigning of a Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Sports, or the return of Veda Bruno-Victor to that position. This bold claim may be slighted because of her unpopularity among some sports administrators and enthusiasts.

However, Bruno-Victor is undoubtedly a hard worker and her track record is a testimony to her accomplishment.

I am not an apologist for Veda but I believe that she has what it takes to revive that Ministry which appears to be performing the role of the Protocol Department.

Among the list of current permanent secretaries she stands out among the rest. She has demonstrated her tenacity to overcome challenges and silence her critics. I have had the opportunity to speak to some of the leading sport administrators in the Americas and they share great respect for the ‘big lady’ as she is sometimes referred.

But above all, there is need for strong leadership and an action plan at the Ministry of Sports.

The Ministry of Sports appears to be lacking in direction and focus and has withered down to a department which waits to glow in the success of our sportsmen and sportswomen. No sooner than someone hits stardom we hear about press conferences and other accolades.

It’s true to say that the Ministry of Sports, mainly through the National Lottery Authority, provides some assistance, mostly in the form of costly air travel. But far from that is the role the Ministry should play in developing and nurturing young talent.

The outreach programme has been able to fill a void but too often we have allowed history to absorb ‘potential’ talent.

A few years ago I became enemy number one after launching a one-man campaign on local radio calling for the revamping of the Ministry of Sports.

I also called for the introduction of the much talked about National Sports Commission and a National Sports Policy even though they have been on the priority list for the Ministry on three previous budget presentations.

I take no claim for the subsequent removal of Adrian “Spaceman” Mitchell as Sports Minister but he certainly would have accomplished much more within the last two years.

In an election year we don’t expect to see Ministers giving full attention to their respective Ministries but instead spend most of their time trying to solidify votes and return to villages they last saw during the 2003 election campaign.

Therefore, the Permanent Secretary takes on additional responsibilities in the day-to-day operations at the Ministry.

The Ministry of Sports needs to define its role and purpose in the development of sports on the island. Thousands of dollars (through the National Lottery Authority and the Grenada Olympic Committee) have been invested in assisting our sportsmen and sportswomen, especially in track and field and football.

However, they are left in the wilderness with no proper inventory. As a result, few return to provide a service to the country.

The Ministry, therefore, must ensure that there is return on investment (ROI). Bruce Swan is a shining example of returning home and providing a service to the community.

There are also scores of Grenadians who were instrumental in securing scholarships for Grenadian athletes in the United States and the Ministry should work with them.

A good example is Mike Mc Quilkin, who has been in the forefront of this endeavour for the past decade. Silently he continues to seek the interest of young Grenadian athletes.

His contribution should not go unnoticed.

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Lewis sets new triple jump mark, again!

by Michael Bascombe

Randy Lewis twice improved Grenada’s national indoor triple jump record when he finished second at the BW-Bank Meeting – IAAF Indoor Permit in Karlsruhe, Germany on Sunday.

Lewis had efforts of 17.17 and 17.27 metres to finish behind Evora Nelson of Portugal with a world leading and national record of 17.33 metres.

Caribbean competitors feared well in that event as the next three places were taken by Cubans Yoandri Betanzos (17.11) and Osniel Tosca (17.03) with season bests and Alexis Copello (16.99) as a personal best.

On Saturday Alleyne Francique ran a season’s best 46.98 seconds to finish second at the Reunion Internacional Atletismo “Ciudad de Valencia”. He was beaten by Sweden’s Johan Wissman (46.37).

It was a major boost for Francique as he prepares to defend his world title in the same city of Valencia next month.

“I ran a very careful race this time,” he said comparing his two previous misfortunes last month where he was disqualified in Glasgow, England and was bumped in Linz, Austria.

“I wanted something on the board. I’m going to run better, I’m right where I want to be,” Francique said.

He next turns to Athens, Greece and Birmingham, England for back-to-back races on Wednesday and Saturday.

Also, Trish Bartholomew (University of Alabama) won the women’s 400 metres at the Adidas Classic at the University of Nebraska on Saturday. Her winning time of 53.87 seconds is an NCAA Provisional.

At the New Balance Collegiate Invitational in New York on Friday, Neisha Bernard-Thomas won the women’s 800 metres in 2:05.32.

Kendell Simon (Findlay University) was second in the men’s 800 metres in 1:53.48 and Kevn Bowen (Essex County College) and Joel Redhead (Bethune-Cookman University) finished 8th and 10th with timings of 48.13 and 48.36 seconds respectively in the men’s 400 metres' final.

They posted 47.70 and 47.63 seconds respectively in Friday’s preliminaries.

On the women’s side, Allison George (Texas A&M) – 56. 19 seconds and Rockel Mitchell (Bethune-Cookman University) – 56.29 seconds failed to qualify for the women’s final. They were 26th and 29th respectively in the prelims.

However, Mitchell finished seventh in the long jump championship with 6.02 metres.

At the Boise State Bronco Invitational, Nesha Simeon (Boise State University) was 17th in the women's 60 metres in 8.16 seconds and 15th in the 200 metres in 26.23 seconds.

Over at the Middle Tennessee Valentines Invite, Salisa Marryshow (Tennessee State University) finished second in the women's 400 metres in 57.71 seconds and 12th in the 200m in 26.20 seconds, while Danielle Abraham, also of TSU, was 6th over the 800 metres in 2:21.64 and 13th overall in the One Mile in 5:21.72.

Francique posts season's best in Valencia

by Michael Bascombe

Alleyne Francique ran a season’s best 46.98 seconds to finish second at the Reunion Internacional Atletismo “Ciudad de Valencia” on Saturday.

It was a major boost for Francique as he prepares to defend his world title in the same city of Valencia next month.

“I ran a very careful race this time,” he said comparing his two previous misfortunes last month where he was disqualified in Glasgow, England and was bumped in Linz, Austria.

“I wanted something on the board. I’m going to run better, I’m right where I want to be,” Francique said.

He next turns to Athens, Greece and Birmingham, England for back-to-back races on Wednesday and Saturday.

Also, Trish Bartholomew (University of Alabama) won the women’s 400 metres at the Adidas Classic at the University of Nebraska on Saturday. Her winning time of 53.87 seconds is an NCAA Provisional.

At the New Balance Collegiate Invitational in New York on Friday, Neisha Bernard-Thomas won the women’s 800 metres in 2:05.32.

Kendell Simon (Findlay University) was second in the men’s 800 metres in 1:53.48 and Kevn Bowen (Essex County College) and Joel Redhead (Bethune-Cookman University) finished 8th and 10th with timings of 48.13 and 48.36 seconds respectively in the men’s 400 metres' final.

They posted 47.70 and 47.63 seconds respectively in Friday’s preliminaries.

On the women’s side, Allison George (Texas A&M) – 56. 19 seconds and Rockel Mitchell (Bethune-Cookman University) – 56.29 seconds failed to qualify for the women’s final. They were 26th and 29th respectively in the prelims.

However, Mitchell finished seventh in the long jump championship with 6.02 metres.

At the Boise State Bronco Invitational, Nesha Simeon (Boise State University) was 17th in the women's 60 metres in 8.16 seconds and 15th in the 200 metres in 26.23 seconds.

Over at the Middle Tennessee Valentines Invite, Salisa Marryshow (Tennessee State University) finished second in the women's 400 metres in 57.71 seconds and 12th in the 200m in 26.20 seconds, while Danielle Abraham, also of TSU, was 6th over the 800 metres in 2:21.64 and 13th overall in the One Mile in 5:21.72.

Photo credits: Gary Anolik

Award our home talent, too!

by Michael Bascombe

I applaud the initiative by government to recognise outstanding Grenadians who would have contributed to national development over the past few years, more so those who made enormous sacrifices to bestow national pride.

It’s most fitting that the first national hero is awarded to the man described as the Father of Independence, the late former Prime Minister Sir Eric Matthew Gairy.

There might be worthwhile arguments that T.A. Marryshow, one of the key figures in the political history of Grenada and the West Indies Federation, deserves national attention.

The honouring of Leslie Pierre and Leslie Seon is also a welcomed gesture and I expect that this will inspire the young media corps.

It’s also encouraging that the committee enjoys bi-partisan support and the hope is that Grenadians will embrace this national honours and awards programme.

There has been much debate following the announcement that Formula One driver, Lewis Hamilton is among those who received honorary awards as non-Grenadians – the other, American Reverend Melville Schaper who founded the St John’s Christian Secondary School more than four decades ago.

While Mr. Schaper’s contribution has impacted directly on the island’s development there is reasonable argument over Hamilton’s achievement as a British racing driver.

The arguments are quite relevant never mind the category of ‘non-Grenadian’. However, what we hope to achieve by this category, is a pertinent question.

Are we chasing international stardom at the detriment of our home-bred talents?

In listening to the citations of the awardees, which were very poor in presentation, I expected to hear the direct impact of their achievements. For example, in reading the citation for Eleanor Pilgrim’s Spice Isle Award, the presenter phrased her achievement as a retired teacher and veteran netballer and coach.

There is no doubt that much more should have been said of Pilgrim’s unquestionable contribution to education and sports in Grenada.

The likes of Mark Felix, a consistent and successful participant in the World’s Strongest Man competition, and who ensures that Grenada’s flag and name are featured prominently especially for the millions of TV viewers.

But no one should forget the exploits of Alleyne Francique who missed out on an Olympic medal in the men’s 400 metres at the Athens Games in 2004. Earlier that year Francique won at the World Indoor Championships and successfully defended his title in 2006. He is on the verge of becoming among the first to win three consecutive titles in the history of the indoor championships.

How fast we forget the call for the wearing of national colours and a national appeal to start a special fund in the days leading up to August 23^rd, 2004 – the final of the men’s 400 metres. Have they handed over the money raised to Francique?

The list of locals continue with Junior Murray (cricket), Ashley “Ram” Folkes (football coach), Jason Roberts (football), Shalrie Joseph (football), Richie Hughes (tennis) and the 1989 Shell Caribbean Cup football team.

The national honours and awards should not be used as a tool to gain cheap international publicity but rather to demonstrate to the world our own achievements.

Too many times the achievements of our sportsmen and women are used for political mileage rather than demonstrating the many challenges these people are faced with in their pursuits for excellence.

Early Results in New Balance Invitational

In some early results at the New Balance Collegiate Invitational in New York, Neisha Bernard-Thomas won the women's 800m - 2:05.32. Kendell Simon (Findlay University) was second in the 800m - 1:53.48. Joel Redhead (Bethune Cookman University) won his 400m heat - 47.63 to qualify for Saturday's final. Also qualifying for the final is Kevin Bowen (Essex CC) - 47.70. On the women's side, Allison George (Texas A&M) - 56.19 and Rockel Mitchell (Bethume-Cookman University) - 56.29, failed to qualify for the final. .They were 26th and 29th respectively in the prelims. Mitchell was 7th in long jump championship - 6.02m

Jewel Lewis

Boxer Jewel Lewis after losing his opening bout at the Pan American Games in Brazil, July 21, 2007.

NBA STAR SHOOTS HOOPS IN GRENADA

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, Feb 5 – Former Miami Heat basketball player Brian Grant took time out this week to shoot some hoops with a group of young Grenadians at the newly refurbished River Road basketball court.

After a great career in basketball, playing for teams including the Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Blazers and Phoenix Suns, Grant retired from the game in 2006. As a personal friend of one of the investors in the company undertaking the luxury development at Hog Island and Mount Hartman, Four Seasons Private Residences Grenada, he is planning to buy a property and is on a visit to Grenada to learn more about the beautiful location.

Grant was welcomed by Brenda Hood, Minister of Works, who was representing her own Ministry and the Ministry of Sport, as Roland Bhola, Minister of Sport, who was out of the island.

Grant gave an informal training session to a group of keen girls and boys from the local area, finishing up by giving them all signed photographs.

Grant was interested and pleased to learn how popular basketball is in Grenada, and that there is currently an Inter-School basketball competition being played, with a total of 18 schools taking part.

Fletcher and Francis cop National Sports Awards

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, Feb. 5, CMC - Pan American Games medalist Sherry Fletcher and bodybuilding champion Vonne Francis have copped the 2007 sportswoman and sportsman of the year awards respectively held on the weekend.

Fletcher, who had an outstanding 2007 outdoor season, won the award from a field of seven female nominees to claim her first national sports award title.

Fletcher, the track and field female nominee, is the 200 metres bronze medalist at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, where she also finished fifth in the 100 metres.

The sprinter also reached the quarter-finals in both the 100 and 200 metres at the World Championships in Osaka, Japan.

Fletcher also posted national records of 11.18 and 22.67 seconds in 2007 and won the 2007 NCAA 100 metres in a time of 11.20 seconds.

This is the second major award for Fletcher after being polled as the top performer in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in 2007.

Meanwhile, Francis overcame the challenge from nine other nominees including world indoor 400m champion Alleyne Francique, who has copped the sports award on four consecutive occasions. It was the first time a bodybuilder won the national sports award.

Francis, the Grenada Amateur Bodybuilding Federation nominee, won the Light weight division and the overall Mr. Eastern Caribbean at the 2007 Eastern Caribbean Bodybuilding Championship in Trinidad last July.

The talented 32 year-old Grenadian also copped the light heavyweight division at the Central American and Caribbean Championships held in Bermuda in October.

The 14-year-old IAAF World Youth 400-metre silver medalist Kirani James was named the junior sportsman while swimmer Ayesha Marie Noel copped the junior sportswoman title.

Former President of the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC), Dr. Amadeo Francis was the guest speaker at the ceremony.

Round-up of Track and Field Meets - Jan.31-Feb.3

by Michael Bascombe

Here is a round-up of performances of some of our track and field athletes in competition during the past week.

On Thursday at the Linz Indoor Meet in Austria on Thursday - Alleyne Francique commanded the 400m until Austrian Clemens Zeller pushed him on the infield. Zeller, who finished first (47.32), was later disqualified for impeding Francique, who jogged the final 80 metres.

His next meet is in Valencia, Spain on February 9th.

At the Millrose Games at Madison Square Garden in New York Friday night, Neisha Bernard-Thomas finished third in the women's 600 yards. Her time was 1:21.72 behind Americans Lashinda Demus (1:20.79) and Angel Perkins (1:21.31) respectively.

Bernard-Thomas next competes in her pet event, 800m at the New Balance Invitational at the Armory in New York on Friday

On the weekend, Joel Redhead (Bethune-Cookman University) won the 400m Invitational at the Indiana Relays Open at the Gladstein Fieldhouse. His winning time was 47.58. At that same meet, Kendell Simon (Findlay University) was 8th in the 800m Invitational in 1:55.13.

Rockel Mitchell anchored Bethune-Cookman's 4x400m relay into second position in 3:46.68.

At the Rod Mc Cravy Invitational in Kentucky, Andon Mitchell (Texas Christian University) was 8th in the 60 meters in 6.80 secs.

Across the border in Canada, Janelle Redhead anchored her school’s teams to second position in the 4x200 and 4x400m relays.

Redhead clocked 25.08 seconds (hand-timed) in the 4x200m and 60.80 seconds (hand-timed) split in the 4x400m.

She will next compete on February 16^th.

Please click here to see separate story on the performance of Randy Lewis.

Christian and Fletcher cop OECS awards

CASTRIES, St Lucia, Jan 19, CMC - Sprinters Brendon Christian and Sherry Fletcher have emerged winners of the top sports awards for the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) for 2007.

Antiguan Christian, the 200-metre champion at the Pan American Games in Brazil, was undisputed winner of the Sportsman of the Year award, while Grenada's Fletcher fought off a couple of stiff challenges en route to being polled as the No.1 performer from the sub-region in women's competition.

Awards were voted on by a panel of regional sports journalists, comprising Michael Bascombe, of Grenada, St Lucian Brian McDonald, Vernon Springer of St Kitts & Nevis, Colin James of Antigua and Barbuda, and Lance Whittaker of the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).

The 14-year-old IAAF World Youth 400-metre silver medallist Kirani James, and the St Vincent and the Grenadines sportsmen Pamenos Ballentyne (distance runner) and Marlon James (footballer) also surfaced in the men's poll, the OECS said in a press release on Thursday.

Apart from her solid performance at the 2007 Pan American Games where she won a bronze medal in the 200 metres, Fletcher also had excellent results for her US college Louisiana State University (LSU) this year.

She became the first from her country and only the fourth LSU woman to be crowned NCAA champion in the 100 metres when she clocked 11.20 seconds in victory in Sacramento last June.

Also featuring in the female category were Kimesha Anthony, Antigua and Barbuda’s leading lady golfer, British Virgin Islands (BVI) sprinter Tahesia Harrigan, winner of the 2006 OECS Reds Perreira Trophy, and the St Kitts and Nevis sprinter Virgil Hodge.

"Brendon Christian and Sherry Fletcher, congratulations on your outstanding performances during 2007, you have made your member States and our region very proud," OECS Sports Coordinator David Peterkin stated in the press release.

Randy Lewis sets new mark at Dortmund meet

by Michael Bascombe

LEVERKUSEN, Germany, Feb 4, CMC – Grenadian jumper Randy Lewis set a new national indoor record in winning the men's triple jump at the opening of the German Indoor Championships in Dortmund last weekend.

Lewis, a seventh place finisher at the 2007 Pan American Games in Brazil, produced an indoor personal best jump of 17.10 metres to take the top spot and better his previous best of 17.04 metres.

The 29-year old Germany-based Grenadian is hoping to participate in some more international meets ahead of the World Indoor Championships in Spain in March.

"This was a successful dress rehearsal as I prepare for the World Indoors where I hope to win a medal," Lewis said.

Lewis will again compete here this weekend when he jumps at a meet in Karlsruhe on Sunday.