Nelda Huggins takes top spot in 60m NJCAA Indoor Championships and makes BVI athletic history

March 7, 2017 by

Source: VINO

Nelda Huggins a freshman at Iowa Central College, became the first female athlete from the [British] Virgin Islands to win an individual title at any collegiate level in the USA when she won the 60M dash at the NJCAA Indoor Championships with a time of 7.31. Photo: Provided

Nelda Huggins, a freshman at Iowa Central College, became the first female athlete from the [British] Virgin Islands to win an individual title at any collegiate level in the USA when she won the 60M dash at the NJCAA Indoor Championships with a time of 7.31. Photo: Provided

At the National Junior College Athletic Association Indoor Championships held at Pittsburg State University in Kansas on Saturday March 4, 2017, Nelda Huggins, a freshman at Iowa Central College, became the first female athlete from the [British] Virgin Islands to win an individual title at any collegiate level in the USA ((Chantel Malone had achieved the distinction as a member of the University of Texas’ 3x400m relay team at the NCAA Division I championships).

Huggins, who had gone into the Championships as one of the medal favourites in the 60 metre dash following an outstanding first indoor season, won her heat in 7.32 seconds and returned to win the final in 7.31 seconds, a time bettered only by Tahesia G. Harrigan-Scott, a former World Indoor bronze medalist, in the event.

Huggins did not stop there as she finished second to Tobagonian Zakiya Denoon of Monroe College, a former Carifta Games rival in the 200 metre dash in a time of 23.79 seconds.

“All I had to do was to execute, I did everything that my coach taught me to do,” explained Nelda. “I reflected that I had come all the way from a small country to the United States to take the 60m National Junior College Athletic Association Indoor 60m Championships. I felt great about the win!”

Nelda added “I want to thank my local coach Winston Potter, and Coach Omar Jones for motivating me, my friends and my fan base.”

Huggins first caught the public’s eye when she won the 100m at the C.U.T. Championships held in Road Town in 2008, the only medal won by the home team. In 2011, as a 14-year-old, she won her first Carifta Games medal with silver in the 100m.

In the ensuing years, up to and including 2014 she never failed to win a medal at Carifta or the C.X.C. Junior Championships and on the global level she reached the 200m semi-finals at both the World Youth and World Junior Championships.

A finalist in the 200m at the Youth Olympics in 2014, she also ran the 200m leg for the national Youth team that won silver in the medley relay in 2013, alongside Taylor Hill(100m), Jonel Lacey(300m) and Tarika W. Moses(400m). Lakeisha Warner played a part in the preliminaries.

Huggins holds the national junior records in the 100 and 200 metres as well as the sprint relay. She has been one of the heaviest point scores in the history of the Elmore Stoutt High School and in the 2015-16 academic year, which she spent at St Jago High School in Jamaica. She finished second in the 100m in what many consider to be the world’s toughest high school competition.

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BVI athletes overseas secure more PBs and Podium Finishes

February 28, 2017 by
In day 1 of the GLIAC Championships University of Findlay Junior, Tynelle Gumbs won the weight throw and set a new UF record. Photo: Findlay Oilers

In day 1 of the GLIAC Championships University of Findlay Junior, Tynelle Gumbs won the weight throw and set a new UF record. Photo: Findlay Oilers

BVI Athletes competing overseas over the weekend of February 24- 26 performed well to secure podium finishes and personal bests.

Continuing in their streak of fine results while at Findlay University, competing at the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC )Indoor Track and Field Championships Tynelle Gumbs threw her longest throw of 21.45m (70’4.25″). The throw was an NCAA automatic qualifier for the National Championship meet and it also broke the school record of 69’11.50″, which she set earlier this season. The GLIAC Champion currently ranks 3rd in Division II.

Her twin sister, Trevia also medaled in the women’s weight throw with a 3rd place finish. Her furthest distance measured 19.09m (62’7.50″), which meets the NCAA provisional mark. Gumbs currently ranks 7th in Division II competition.

BVI Hurdler Lakeisa “Mimi” Warner of Clemson secured her first Atlantic Coast Conference medal in the Distance Medley Relay (DMR) aiding Clemson to a second place finish with a time of 11:02.68 seconds. Warner ran her 800m leg of the DMR splitting a blistering 2:05 seconds. Clemson’s time qualified the DMR to compete at the NCAA Nationals in Oregon in two weeks. Ms. Warner got a PB of 2:07 in the 800m for 2nd place in her heat and advance to the finals with a time of 2:09.

Jonel Lacey of Albany University placed 5th in the 400m with a time of 56.67 and helped her team place second in the 4 x 400m with a time of 3:47.79 at the American East Conference Indoor Championships in Boston.

Sprinter Rikkoi Brathwaite competed in various track events at the Lake Brantley Invitational in Tampa, Fl., results as follows:
• 1st place with a time of 10.77 seconds out of 48 competitors in the 100m
• 1st place with new PB of 21.77 seconds in the 200m out of 47 competitors
• Rikkoi’s IMG Relay Team secured 2nd place in the 4 X 100m

Tarique Moses secured a third place finish in the 600m at Mesa Arizona with a time of 1:24.

 

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Britney Peters sets new National Record in Javelin Throw

February 28, 2017 by

By BVI Athletics Association

Britney Peters first female athlete from the BVI to throw beyond 42m in the Javelin thrown during the Johnny Hassan Relays on February 25, 2017. Photo: BVIAA

Britney Peters becomes the first BVI female athlete to throw beyond 42m in the Javelin. Thrown during the Johnny Hassan Relays on February 25, 2017. Photo: BVIAA

The British Virgin Islands Athletics Association (BVIAA) results at the Johnny Hassan Relays over the weekend saw Britney Peters establishing a new National Record in the Javelin Throw with a heave of 42.08m (138’-11/16”) breaking her previous National record. This puts Ms. Peters as the first female athlete from the BVI to throw beyond 42m in the Javelin.

Personal bests were recorded for:
Adriano Gumbs – 48.96s in the 400m males
Joshua Hill – 49.41 in 400m males
Tashira Edwards – 57.21 in 400m female
Shaniyah Caul – 57.28 in 400m females

Download the complete results of the Johnny Hassan Relays.

The next meet will be the BVIAA Junior Championships on March 10th & 11th, 2017. Click to see the schedule.

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SDA crowned 2017 U17 School Rugby champions

February 27, 2017 by

Source: VINO

The SDA School (yellow) prevailed with a team containing many who had been involved since Primary School days. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The SDA School (yellow) prevailed with a team containing many who had been involved since Primary School days. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

After a grueling day of competitive Touch Rugby action, the experienced Seventh-day Adventist School team held off a spirited challenge from the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies (VISTS), 2-0, to be crowned 2017 U17 School Rugby Champions.

Four of the five schools expected turned up to the E. Walwyn Brewley Softball Park for the latest edition of the BVI Rugby Union’s Schools Festival, which includes separate days for Primary as well as U15’s. The action was fast and furious.

Despite knowing the basics of the game, but with little experience of tactics, the boys and girls from all teams came up with ploys to amaze their rivals, with quick passing, lightning speed, dazzling displays of footwork and body swerves to showcase and showboat their abilities.

In the end, though, it was the SDA School that prevailed, with a team containing many who had been involved since Primary School days.

Their opponents in the final surprised many, including St George’s and Elmore Stoutt High School. The debuting VISTS team played against SDA giving them their toughest match, albeit ending in defeat.

“SDA have been dominating local Schools Rugby and it wasn’t a surprise that they won all their games today and were crowned Champions. It is the first season in Rugby for the VISTS team and were a young bunch who will progress in time.  But even so, they gave SDA a good run for their money,” commented Rugby Development Coach, Sherlock “Sam” Solomon.

Solomon also made note that the day was a talent spotting occasion to build on the pool of players to represent the BVI Rugby Union at Regional Tournaments.

“We have lost a couple of guys from the U19’s and today showed there is a good bunch available to me, so I hope to get them all together on the same pitch at the same time and prepare for tournaments in the Caribbean.”

The Semi Finals had seen SDA romp to a 4-2 win over ESHS and VISTS outplay St George’s in sudden death extra time, 2-1.

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Primary and high school students let loose in Archery shoot out

February 27, 2017 by

Source: VINO

The inaugural Virgin Islands Archery Association’s National Archery in Schools Outdoor Shoot Out was held at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground on Saturday February 25, 2017. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The inaugural Virgin Islands Archery Association’s National Archery in Schools Outdoor Shoot Out was held at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground on Saturday February 25, 2017. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Some two dozen young archers took to the field at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground on Saturday February 25, 2017, for the inaugural Virgin Islands Archery Association’s National Archery in Schools Outdoor Shoot Out.

Competitors from many schools, both primary and high school, were in attendance. The the format allowed for some practice rounds followed by five sets of six arrows into a short distance target.

After the strictly controlled environment was ready, a whistle sounded, allowing the archers to approach the “firing” line, with “bows on toes” in readiness for the real deal.

The satisfying thud of arrow on target reverberated around the ground as the competition grew more and more intense with each set as contenders vied for the winning boy and girl slots in each age category.

Results

In the Elementary Division, top girl was Donya Davis from Enis Adams and top boy was Keir Angelo Callangan, both scoring 158 points.

In the Middle School bracket, top girl was Anaya Findlay of Bregado Flax with 233 points, whilst Rayne Duff of Cedar School was top boy with 270 points.

Shania Daigneault of Elmore Stoutt High School won top honours for the girls in her bracket with 270 points and the top boy award went to Nathan Cousins of BFEC, who scored 285 points.

The top team award went to Youth Empowerment Programme (YEP).

Patrick Smith, the VIAA President, was happy the event had gone well for the first time and is looking forward to many more. “It went off better than expected. The kids were really enthused and are looking forward to the next one.”

The National Archery in Schools Programme is fully sanctioned by the Ministry of Education and is available to all schools in the Territory.

Mr Smith explained that most Physical Education teachers are already qualified to teach the sport in a safe and fun environment and, as funding allows, the programme will extend to all schools.

 

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Royal BVI Yacht Club elects new board at 44th AGM. James Gibson Joins Instructor Team

February 23, 2017 by

By the RBIVYC

Photo: Royal BVI Yacht Club

Photo: Royal BVI Yacht Club

The 44th Royal BVI Yacht Club AGM took place on Tuesday 21 February 2017.

Attendees heard reports on the activities of the Club over the past year and thanks were given to all of the corporate partners, sponsors, members and volunteers who have supported the Club and the Youth Sailing Programme.

Commodore Todd Patterson, retiring after two years in the role, handed over the reins to Chris Haycraft. Giles Wood was elected as Vice-Commodore, with Clair Burke, Eddie Brockbank, Ron Gurney and Lisa Penn-Lettsome re-elected for another term.

Elected to the board for the first time was Tamara Allen who will take on the role of Social Captain. Tamara brings a wealth of experience and will be tasked with rejuvenating the Club’s social scene and reinvigorating the membership, old and new.

Commodore: Chris Haycraft
Vice-Commodore: Giles Wood
Treasurer: Clair Burke
Captain of Sailing: Edward Brockbank
Captain of Infrastructure: Ron Gurney
Social Captain: Tamara Allen
Member at Large: Lisa Penn-Lettsome
Secretary: Tamsin Rand

James Gibson joins instructor team
Originally from Queensland, Australia, James has a real passion for teaching. He has been working professionally as an instructor for over five years in roles that varied from beginner classes to advanced catamaran techniques.

Growing up on a farm, he was introduced to sailing at the age of 11 and was instantly hooked. He learned to sail on a Hobie 16 and raced competitively in Hobie 16, Taipan 4.9s and Hobie Tigers so brings a new multihull skill set to the team.

In recent years, he has worked in Greece, for the Royal Brunei Yacht Club in Borneo and in Melbourne, Australia.

James brings a really fun and positive approach to the program and is already teaching the kids some new sailing lingo… Not only is he excited to be teaching sailing, his goal is also to enable the kids to gain confidence and essential experience in, on and around the water.

He loves kitesurfing, AFL, roast pork and Vegemite but wouldn’t be seen out with coriander!

James will be the lead instructor for all beginner and intermediate classes, FunSail sessions, holiday camps and KATS.

To find out more about our current schedule or discuss opportunities please send an email to the RBVIYC or call the office on 494-3286.

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New Personal Bests and Titles for BVI athletes abroad

February 22, 2017 by

By BVI Athletics Association

Trevia Gumbs named Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Field Athlete of the Week after a personal-best and auto qualifier for the Nationals at the Findlay Meet For Everyone on Feb 17. Photo: University of Findlay

Trevia Gumbs named Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Field Athlete of the Week after a personal-best and auto qualifier for the Nationals at the Findlay Meet For Everyone on Feb 17. Photo: University of Findlay

Shaian Vandenburg established a new PB in her 60m heat with a time of 7.78 at the Artie O’Connor Invitational, N.Y.

Lakeisa “Mimi” Warner established a new PB in the indoor 200m with a time of 24.74 seconds at Clemson. Warner’s previous best indoor was 25.34 while her best outdoors is 25.23.

Nelda Huggins established a new PB and a new record in her 60m heat with a time of 7.45 seconds breaking her previous PB record of 7.46 seconds and a meet record of 7.53 seconds at the Buena Vista University in IOWA. Later that day, Nelda Huggins won the Buena Vista University 60m equaling her previous PB with a time of 7.46 seconds.

Competing at the University of Findlay, Tynelle and Trevia recorded a 1st and 2nd place in the weight throw with a heave of 19.99m and 19.48 respectively. Trevia’s throw of 19.48m is a new PB and allowed her to secure an automatic qualifier for the Nationals. Trevia was named Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Field Athlete of the Week for her achievements.

Shaquoy Stephens ran 6.78 seconds in the 60m dash at the Steve Miller Opener in Manhattan Kansas

Tarika Moses won both the 100m & 200m at Fresno Pacific with times of 12.11 and 24.57 seconds respectively

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Teams vie for four age group spots in BDO Primary School League semis

February 21, 2017 by

By BVI Football Association

Felix Walters heading home as Alexandrina Maduro beat Claudia Creque 6-0 to round up the BDO Primary School Leagues regular season games. Photo: BVIFA

Felix Walters heading home as Alexandrina Maduro beat Claudia Creque 6-0 to round up the BDO Primary School Leagues regular season games. Photo: BVIFA

As the BDO Primary School League reaches the end of the regulation season, teams have been battling furiously to secure one of the four spots in each age group and qualify for the knock out stages.

In the U12’s, St George’s suffered a 1-0 defeat to Joyce Samuel, with the only goal of the game coming from Jesse Cockburn. Cedar White made strides up the standings with 2-1 victories against Alexandrina Maduro and Pelican Gate.

Johan Blok scored twice against AMPS and was also on hand to fire home the winner against Pelican Gate after Jalen Cameron had cancelled out Dylan Cline’s opener for Cedar. St George’s were also held 0-0 by Ciboney / Robinson O’Neal, but beat Jost Van Dyke, 2-0, on goals from Jefferson Frank and Adrian Padilla.

JVD and Pelican shared the points in a 1-1 draw with Mark Morris scoring for JVD and Tyler Franks netting the equalizer. An own goal by Claudia Creque handed Pelican Gate three points. Cedar Green also beat Ciboney/ Robinson O’Neal, 3-0, on a hat trick by Alex Salter.

AMPS beat Claudia Creque 6-1 with all the goals scored by Felix Walters and BFEC also beat CC, 6-0, with goals from Joel Mars, Jaden Abrams (2), Andres Bailey and Javelo Woodley (2).

The semi final line up sees Cedar Green against Cedar White and Althea Scatliffe facing Begrado Flax on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 and February 29 on the field at ASPS

In Under 9 Group A, Alexandrina Maduro beat Joyce Samuel Primary, 2-0, with Omari Simmons finding the net and JSPS contributing to their own down fall by scoring an own goal.

Althea Scatliffe Red then beat AMPS, 2-1, with goals from Malik Fenton and Amos Pollard but First Impression top group A, followed by JSPS, AMPS and Cedar Green.

In Group B games, Robinson O’Neal finished their season with 10 wins and 30 points after a 4-0 victory against Cedar White thanks to a brace from Kyle Farrington and one each from Jaadon Quashie and Te’Mauri Isaac.

Montessori claimed a semi final berth with a 4-0 win over Pelican Gate, with goals coming from Sam Potgeiter, Noe Pyranet and Tino.

The semi final line up sees Robinson O’Neal against Cedar Green, as well as First Impressions playing Althea Scatliffe Maroon on Tuesday February 28 on the ASPS playing field

The Under 7 league is complete with Cedar Green cementing third place with a 1-0 win over Claudia Creque thanks to a goal from Ethan Singh.

The semi final line up sees Montessori play Begrado Flax and Cedar Green against First Impressions on Monday, February 27 at Althea Scatliffe School.

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Top Three Finishes In St Croix for Team BVI Optimist Sailors

February 21, 2017 by

By Royal BVI Yacht Club

L to R: Ryan Lettsome, Samuel Allen, Kael Chalwell, Nathan Haycraft, Antonio Cisneros, Kyle Roose and front Wil Seddon Photo: RBVIYC / Taylor Penwell

L to R: Ryan Lettsome, Samuel Allen, Kael Chalwell, Nathan Haycraft, Antonio Cisneros, Kyle Roose and front Wil Seddon
Photo: RBVIYC / Taylor Penwell

Seven Team BVI Optimist sailors from the Royal BVI Yacht Club traveled this weekend to compete in the 2017 Crucian Open at the St Croix Yacht Club.  Nathan Haycraft, Samuel Allen and Kael Chalwell all came home with trophies in their respective divisions.

Racing outside the reef at Teague Bay, the two day event saw light winds from 8-10 knots on Saturday, increasing slightly on Sunday to 10-12 knots.

27 sailors competed in the Championship Fleet. Nathan Haycraft picked himself up after a mixed first day to post top three finishes in the last three races and climb to third overall, albeit tied on points with second place finisher Caroline Sibilly from St Thomas. Haycraft also claimed second place in the Blue Fleet (age 11 & 12).

Next up was Kyle Roose in 18th place and steady mid-teen finishes to take 10th in the Red Fleet (age 13 to 15).  Our newest Championship Fleet sailor, Samuel Allen sailed consistently through the weekend with a fantastic sixth place finish in race three to finish third in the White fleet (age 10 and under) and 21st overall.

Ryan Lettsome came in 26th overall after finding himself with an OCS and then a black flag he had to count in the overall score. Starting technique is one of the most crucial elements of race strategy and perfecting the moment of hitting the start line just as the gun goes is one that all sailors work hard to achieve so it’s only natural to get it wrong a few times along the way.

In the Green Fleet, Kael Chalwell faced stiff competition from local St Croix YC sailor, Moorehead and it ultimately came down to the very last race.  Tied on points, the two sailors went head to head for the overall win but Moorehead just clinched it finishing the race second to Chalwell’s third.

Antonio Cisneros, at only his second overseas regatta raced an excellent series with his best result of 4th in race eight and an overall finish position of 8th.  Wil Seddon, the youngest team member finished in 14th.

The St Croix Yacht Club once again put on an excellent weekend of racing and friendship, they even managed to organize on water entertainment from some curious dolphins or maybe they had come along to watch the racing … who knows!

The RBVIYC thanks the Moorings for their support, Chris, Coach Taylor, all the parents who helped with meals, loading and unloading and everyone at St Croix Yacht Club.

Results
Optimist Championship fleet (27)
3. Nathan Haycraft (2nd Blue fleet)
18. Kyle Roose (10 red fleet)
21. Samuel Allen (3rd White fleet)
26. Ryan Lettsome (6th White fleet)

Optimist Green fleet (22)
2. Kael Chalwell
8. Antonio Cisneros
14. Wil Seddon

Click for full results

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New National Records set by VI athletes

February 17, 2017 by

Source: VINO

St Augustine University senior Khari Herbert Jr won the 400 metre dash in 47.49 seconds at the CIAA Conference Championships held in Lynchburg, Virginia. Photo: MileSplit BVI/File

St Augustine University senior Khari Herbert Jr won the 400 metre dash in 47.49 seconds at the CIAA Conference Championships held in Lynchburg, Virginia. Photo: MileSplit BVI/File

The Virgin Islands’ top athletic prospects continue to enjoy improvement and success overseas, with four new National Indoor Athletics Records set during the period spanning February 10-13, 2017.

At the ISTAF meet in Germany on February 10, 2017, Chantel E. Malone placed 4th in the long jump, extending her National Best by 2 cm to 6.67m, finishing behind Olympic bronze Medalist Ivana Spanovic of Belarus and two German internationals. Malone’s mark also places her 9th in the early season rankings.

In Boston, Tynelle Gumbs, now representing the University of Fundlay (Ohio) continued to impress, winning the weight throw with a stellar 21.32m, third best this year among Division II throwers and twentieth in the USA.

She also continued to improve in the shot put, propelling the iron ball out to 13.97m after never having thrown as far as 13 metres prior to this season.

Clemson University freshman Lakeisha”Mimi” Warner, after coming close on two prior occasions, finally secured the national record for 800m, finishing 4th at a home meet in 2:09.37, knocking over three seconds off her indoor best and moving into the top 10 all-time OECS two-lappers (all conditions), ironically dropping clubmate Tarika ‘Tinkerbell’ Moses one spot to 11th.

The final new national record went to Khari Herbert Jr at the CIAA Conference Championships held in Lynchburg, Virginia, as the St Augustine University senior won the 400 metre dash in 47.49 seconds and also finished second in the 200 in a personal best (indoor or outdoor ) time, clocking 21.57 as St Augustine’ took the team title in commanding fashion.

Other good weekend performances came from Tahesia G. Harrigan-Scott, who finished third in a photo finish with Jamaica’s Jura Levy (7.32) and Audra Segree (7.33), a time also recorded by the Virgin Islands veteran in the 60 metres.

Finally, Iowa Central College freshman Nelda Huggins, who won the 60 metres in a personal best of 7.46 seconds, stamping her name as one to watch at the Lunior College Championships.

Filed Under: Athletics Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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