… Hutson optimistic of medal haul

By Michelangelo Jacobus

THE largest Guyanese CARIFTA Games contingent to date departed the ‘Land of Many Waters’ for the 2018 CARIFTA Games in the Bahamas yesterday.
The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) held a small but significant briefing at their Light Street, Georgetown office just before the team’s departure.

At the briefing, AAG president Aubrey Hutson revealed that he, along with the executive body, is pleased to have been able to select the largest contingent (18 athletes) so far to represent Guyana at the Easter Weekend CARIFTA Games.
He maintained; “We are proud to have selected what we believe to be the largest contingent for CARIFTA and I’m very optimistic that we will do well, so to the athletes I just want to wish them well.”

Meanwhile, one of the two coaches, who were selected to accompany the athletes, coach Moses Pantlitz, exuded confidence in his charges, saying that it will be the best CARIFTA team to date, given the level of talent.
Newcomer to the international scene, coach Niall Stanton, felt that the team was well prepared for the Games.

“I think preparation was good. We did what we could and with regard to acclimatising, we had the athletes training at different time periods during camps; but it’s the Caribbean so I don’t expect much of a difference … we have 18 athletes and I think we are capable of bringing back 18 medals.”
The squad was selected by the AAG based on performances and times worthy of podium spots at last year’s CARIFTA Games.

The Games will begin on March 30 and finish on April 2.
The squad is as follows: Daniel Williams, Chantoba Bright, Deshanna Skeete, Shaquka Tyrell, Princess Brown, Anthony Williams, Tremaine Brown, Jermaine Simmons, Murphy Nash, Tortque Boyce, Kenisha Phillips, Cordell Charles, Avon Samuels, Joanna Archer, Onasha Rogers, Kissana Glenn, Kezra Murray and Claudrice McKoy.