The 2014 Intercollegiate Track & Field and Cheer Leading Championships slated for April 4-5, is expected to deliver world class performances across several events with the 2014 athletes taking aim at some longstanding records. A strong attempt to break Asafa Powell's, 2002 200m Intercol record of 20.93, is expected, when the final is run on day two of the two day championships.
Sherone Simpson's 200m Intercol Record of 22.89 set in 2005 is also expected to be under threat as a number of top quality sprinters (including Shericka Jackson) currently exist within the collegiate structure. Both Powell and Simpson were student-athletes at UTECH at the time the records were set.
The male 200m is being touted as one of the highly anticipated races of the championships, as Jamaica's Julian Forte of UTECH and Great Britain's Delano Williams of UWI could possibly clash in the event which would be a rematch of the World Junior Championships Final in 2012. In that race Forte led by some distance but pulled up injured towards the end of the race while Williams eased home to take the gold and was consequently crowned World Junior Champion. Both athletes have since improved their times and have gone under the Intercol record on a number of occasions. The race could be even more exciting if GC Foster fields World University Games Gold and Silver Medallist Rasheed Dwyer.
Rashid Hall, 2nd Vice President of Jamaica Intercollegiate Sports Association, is also of the opinion that the new crop of track and field athletes will be in record breaking mood at this year's event, "Among the colleges across the country we have over 45 current and former national representatives and this speaks volumes to the level of talent that exists in the collegiate structure. Many of the collegiate records have been around for quite some time and I think the time is right based on the level of competitiveness expected, for some of them to go. We expect a good showing from the athletes, many of whom will be seeking a spot on national teams later in the year and the opportunity to represent their institution, should give them that extra push to perform well at the Championships. "
Organizers will announce the major activities for this year's event, including a several new prizes and awards. Fresh from last year's successful staging, the management team is expecting even greater attendance this year, having also increased the number of prizes and activities for both participants and patrons alike.
The defending champions GC Foster College and UTECH for the Male and Female divisions respectively, will be aware that the title may go to the line yet again as a strong challenge is expected from the UWI contingent which has strengthened its squad ahead of the season, and also from MICO.
The 53rd staging of the Intercollegiate Championships is scheduled forApril 4-5, 2014 at UWI Usain Bolt Track, Mona Bowl, admission is free.
Photo Caption: UWI athletes from left, Jodene Williams, Delano Williams and Rushell Clayton at the 2014 Intercollegiate Track & Field Championships launch held at Usain Bolt Tracks and Records on Tuesday, 18 March 2014
