Jamaican Barton County sophomore Brandon Lloyd set a new junior collegiate record to win the men’s discus at the NJCAA Division 1 Outdoor Championships at New Mexico Junior College on Friday.
The 21-year-old fouled his first attempt then threw 55.91m in round two before unleashing a record-breaking 65.32m throw in the third round, his only throw over 60m on the day.
Two other Jamaicans, Coffeyville’s Trevor Gunzell and Barton County’s Christopher Young, were second and third with throws of 61.23m and 59.68m, respectively.
Highland’s Dayjahney Hibbert cleared 1.73m for third in the women’s high jump behind Iowa Western’s Miracle Ailes (1.82m) and Cloud County’s Vanessa Mercera (1.76m).
On the track, Grenadian Butler sophomore Nazzio John, a World Under-20 100m finalist in Nairobi in 2021, ran 10.06, aided by a 3.7 m/s wind, to be the second fastest qualifier to the men’s 100m final.
New Mexico’s Kimarlie Stewart ran 10.11 with a 2.4 m/s wind to also progress to the final set for Saturday.
Bahamian Fort Scott sophomore Damazvia Dames was the second fastest qualifier in the women’s 200m with 23.10 while Guyanese Hinds sophomore Brianna Charles ran 23.35 to also advance.
The Caribbean also had three men progress to the final of the 110m hurdles in the form of Dishaun Lamb of South Plains (13.94), Iowa Western’s Rahyme Christian (14.02) and New Mexico’s Che Saunders (14.09).
The women’s 100m hurdles saw Barton County’s Danae Nembhard (13.59) and Kay-Lagay Clarke (13.93) as well as Jody Ann Dixon of Hinds (14.23) advance.
Moving on to the two-lap event, Kimar Farquharson of South Plains led all qualifiers to the final with a 1:50.02 effort in his preliminary.
The Indian Hills pair of Tyrice Taylor (1:51.06) and Rivaldo Marshall (1:51.29) will also be in the final.
On the women’s side, Rushana Dwyer of South Plains ran 2:14.65 to advance second fastest.
Honouring Hubert Lawrence: Jamaica Observer’s Paul Reid accepts Jesse Abramson Award on behalf of late colleague
In a poignant moment during Saturday’s final day of 128th edition of the Penn Relays, veteran sports journalist Paul Reid accepted the prestigious Jesse Abramson Award on behalf of his late friend, brother, and colleague, Hubert Lawrence. The ceremony, tinged with both celebration and remembrance, highlighted Lawrence's unparalleled contributions to track and field journalism and his lasting impact on the sport.
"It's an absolute honour to receive the Jesse Abramson Award for excellence in track and field journalism on behalf of Hubert Lawrence," expressed Reid, who was the first Jamaican sports journalist to receive the award in 2010.
"This award was long overdue given Hubert's outstanding body of work, particularly at the Penn Relays, which he covered for over 25 years. Hubert would have cherished this moment, especially witnessing Excelsior's historic win after nearly 60 years."
Excelsior High School won the Championship of America High School Boys 4x100m in a time of 40.45. It was the first time they were winning the event since they last claimed victory in 1967.
Reid's emotional words encapsulated the deep bond shared with Lawrence, who passed away suddenly on February 23, 2024. The Penn Relays marked a poignant occasion for both friends, whose coverage of the event spanned more than three decades. "He (Lawrence) would have pulled up a long list of statistics and facts," Reid remarked in reference to Excelsior historic win. "It was surreal standing there on the infield during the ceremony as I had missed my award in 2010 because I had no idea that I was being awarded and was busy working at the time. Hubert leaves a massive legacy and he is missed every day, especially at track and field meets."
The decision to honour Lawrence posthumously was prompted by Irwin Clare of Team Jamaica Bickle, a longstanding supporter of Jamaican and Caribbean athletes at the Penn Relays.
"With his untimely passing, we felt this was an extremely appropriate time to honour someone who had such a profound impact on track and field in Jamaica and at the Penn Relays," remarked Aaron Robison, the meet director of the Penn Relays. "Hubert was universally respected and admired, not only by athletes and coaches but also by the entire media fraternity. His integrity and dignity in reporting earned him admiration from all quarters of the sport."
Lawrence's legacy transcended journalism, resonating deeply with athletes and coaches who held him in high regard for his professionalism and genuine passion for track and field.
The posthumous recognition underscores the enduring influence of his work and the profound loss felt by the athletics community. As Reid stood on the infield, accepting the award, the void left by Lawrence's absence was palpable, a testament to the indelible mark he made in the world of sports journalism.
In honouring Hubert Lawrence with the Jesse Abramson Award, the Penn Relays celebrated not only a remarkable journalist but also a cherished friend and colleague whose legacy continues to inspire and resonate within the track and field community.
KC wins third straight Championship of America 4x400m title at Penn Relays; JC wins 4x800m
Kingston College made it three Championship of America 4x400m titles in a row with a comfortable win in the event on the third and final day of the 128th Penn Relays at Franklin Field in Philadelphia on Saturday.
Their quartet of Antonio Forbes, Amal Glasgow, Roshawn Lee and Marcinho Rose combined to run 3:11.86 to win ahead of Excelsior (3:12.94) and Bullis School (3:13.10).
Elsewhere, Jamaica College won their second Championship of America 4x800m relay in three years.
Their team of Nellie Amberton, Samuel Creary, Rasheed Pryce and Kemarrio Bygrave produced a time of 7:42.37 to win ahead of St. John’s College (7:44.66) and Central Bucks West (7:45.99).
Excelsior leads Jamaican 1-2-3 in Championship of America High School Boys 4x100m at Penn Relays
Excelsior High emerged victorious in the Championship of America High School Boys 4x100m on the third and final day at the 128th Penn Relays at Franklin Field in Philadelphia on Saturday.
Their quartet of Ryeem Walker, Damor Miller, Malike Nugent and Lennon Green combined to run 40.45 to secure the school’s first win in the event since 1967.
Kingston College (Daniel Clarke, Yourie Lawrence-Clarke, Nyrone Wade, Marcinho Rose) were second in 40.53 and Herbert Morrison (Ky-Mani Hemmings, Tavaine Stewart, Chance Segree, De Andre Daley) completed a Jamaican 1-2-3 with 40.56 in third.
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