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But, times have certainly changed. This weekend, three of our female athletes, Dominique Maloney, Ashley Kelly and Britney Wattley are expected to make their Collegiate debuts indoors for their respective schools—Butler Community College, University of Illinois and Morgan State University. Add Texas’ sophomore sensation Chantel Malone’s season opener this weekend as well to the mix and it’s surely a major accomplishment in hour athletic history—one that’s easily overlooked. Besides Dominique, Ashley, Britney and Chantel, other females competing at the collegiate level are Bianca Dougan and Karene King at Central Arizona College and Steina Fleming at Rhode Island College. There are still men in college as well—Kyle Francis at North East Louisiana and Omar Jones with Dougan and King at Central Arizona College. It’s often quite easy to recognize the athletes’ achievements and easily forgetting those who were instrumental in their development—their respective coaches. The coaches who have worked on the development of these athletes for them to be able to compete at all levels of College must be congratulated for the work they have been doing and continue to do. These coaches include, Dag Samuels, Willis “Chucky” Todman, Angeleta Bernard and Winston Potter. I know our coaches will be monitoring the internet this weekend for results of our athletes’ performances. At some point or another, our athletes will be representing the territory in regional and international competition. The importance for all our sports to have its athletes at the Collegiate level, cannot be underscored. First and foremost, they are able to use their athletic ability to gain an education, which is why they are in College—they are student athletes. Secondly, in none of our sports can we be competitive in regional and international games and championships, if we don’t have Collegiate, semi-pro and professional athletes. We might have the talent, but, the stark reality is, when you go to compete at the games and championship levels in any of our sports, our opponents are comprised of Collegians, semi-pro and professional athletes and coaches. Once out of College, athletes and coaches are paid. It is a full-time job and profession for those that rise to the top in particular, but most importantly, they have their respective degrees to fall back on in their chosen field—all through their athletic exploits. While track and field has been the leader, sending athletes off to College since the mid 1970s, more of our individual and team sports need to work on the development of their athletes so that those who aspire, can get an education through their athletic skills where possible, broaden their horizons and be able to compete for sport to represent the territory. On the home front this weekend, the second development meet will be held starting at 10 a.m. with field events and running events beginning at 11. The day’s highlight will be the final event—a noon-time Sprint Medley challenge against St. Thomas’ athletes, running 400-200-200 and 800 meters. © Copyright 2008-9 BVI Olympic Committee |
