Home|Sports|Team Bahamas set for the world championshipsSports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailJuly 1, 2022 341 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

There hasn’t been an official announcement as yet, but according to credible sources, The Bahamas’ team for the World Athletics (WA) Outdoor Championships has been named, and the man who has been tabbed as the head coach of the squad, is extremely optimistic.

Accordingly, a 17-member team will represent The Bahamas at the 18th edition of the World Athletics Championships, set for July 15-24 at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, USA.

The team will be led by Olympic Champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo, both competing in their specialty events – the men and women’s 400 meters (m). Miller-Uibo has also qualified in the women’s 200m.

Also named to the team are Anthonique Strachan (women’s 100/200m), TyNia Gaither (women’s 100/200m), Devynne Charlton (women’s 100m hurdles), Samson Colebrooke (men’s 100m), Terrence Jones (men’s 100m), LaQuan Nairn (men’s long jump), Donald Thomas (men’s high jump) and Ken Mullings (men’s decathlon).

The Bahamas is certainly blessed, as despite a shortage of legs producing optimum results in the individual events, despite a shortage of meets to compete in, and despite no participation in the 2021 World Athletics Relays from which automatic qualification would have certainly been feasible, the country finds itself in a tenable position of having two relay teams qualified – the women’s 4x400m and the mixed 4x400m relay. It is particularly gratifying since no relay team from The Bahamas competed at the last world championships in Doha, Qatar in 2019. Both teams ended the qualifying period in the final spot for entry into the global meet.

Named for relay purposes for the women are Megan Moss, Doneisha Anderson, Javonya Valcourt and Jenae Ambrose; for the men, Alonzo Russell, Bradley Dormeus and Wanya McCoy have been added.

The Head Coach of the team is Rupert Gardiner and he will be assisted by Shaun Miller (sprints) and James Rolle (jumps). Mabelene Miller is the Team Manager and she will be assisted by Dionne Britton who is also listed as the team’s COVID Liaison Officer. Dr. Cindy Dorsett is the Team Doctor and Pharez Cooper is the Team Therapist.

“I believe that we have assembled one of the better teams that we have put together in a very long time,” said BAAA President Drumeco Archer. “I am quite excited about the prospect of Team Bahamas. It’s an opportunity to see a transition in our athletics program. Our athletes have always performed well on the world stage and I believe that this will be no different. All-in-all, The Bahamas is growing new roots in track and field and we can expect some great performances.

“What I’m particularly proud about is that this will be the first time where we have a decathlete who will be representing The Bahamas at the world championships and I believe he will perform exceptionally well. I’m looking forward to him performing on the big stage,” added Archer. “With the relays, we are hopeful that Steven and Shaunae will lead the charge and we will see a return to glory.”

In the relays, this is the first time The Bahamas will compete in the mixed relay at the world championships, and with two of the fastest in their respective gender, optimism is high. Both the mixed relay and the women’s 4x400m relay squads would have qualified from times ran at the Blue Marlin Last Chance Meet in Nassau, The Bahamas, in June of 2021, holding on to the final qualifying spots – the mixed in 3:14.51 and the women in 3:29.40.

The Bahamas is a former global gold medalist in the mixed relay, winning at the 2017 World Athletics Relays in Nassau, The Bahamas.

Veteran coach Gardiner is receiving his first duty as head coach of a major international team in athletics – world championships or Olympics. He’s excited to get to work.

“I feel very good and it’s an honor to be the head coach of the team,” said Gardiner. “The make-up of the team is a good mixture of experience and young talent and that bodes well for us. I’m sure the qualifiers will do well in their individual events. Additionally, we have two relay quads and that is a good accomplishment. Our chances of winning multiple medals are great. Once we see the schedule, we could determine how to structure the team in terms of who will be running the relays, particularly the rounds of the relays, but I’m very excited. In the mixed relay, we won that event at the world relays in 2014 and three of the four legs who ran that relay will be in Eugene. We can run it back and do it again but we have to wait on the schedule to see how we will structure this. Our top athletes want to run – we just have to make sure they are prepared for their individual events and fit them into the relay as best as we could.

“Also, our young team members are very talented and I believe they have a great contribution to make. They have showed what they could do, and when you add them to veterans like Stevie and Alonzo, I like our chances. I’m optimistic that we will do extremely well. We’ll do our best.”

Gardiner said that he grades the team as a 9.5 out of 10.

The Bahamas has won at least one medal at every world athletics championships since 2013, and has won 25 medals in the history of the championships – eight gold, nine silver and eight bronze.++

https://thenassauguardian.com/team-bahamas-set-for-the-world-championships/

The Bahamas set to play the USVI; game against the DR to be held Monday

Simba FrenchSend an emailJuly 1, 2022 124 5 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The Bahamas Basketball Federation (BBF) has ratified a 14-member team to play against the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) and the Dominican Republic (DR) in the third window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers, today and Monday. The announcement came at a press conference held at the Baha Mar Convention Center yesterday.

Team Bahamas is currently in St. Thomas, USVI, for a matchup at the UVI (University of the Virgin Islands) Sports and Fitness Center at 7 p.m. tonight. The game against the Dominican Republic will be played at the Baha Mar Convention Center on Monday at 7 p.m.

The team is headlined by Indiana Pacers’ shooting guard Chavano ‘Buddy’ Hield and it also includes Deyton Albury, Jaron Cornish, Joshua Dames, Radshad Davis, Shaquillo Fritz, Franco Miller, Travis Munnings, David Nesbitt, Kentwan Smith, Mychel Thompson, Danrad Knowles, Zane Knowles and Dominic Bridgewater.

Knowles, Thompson, Munnings and Davis are the only players on the team who played in the last window.

The Head Coach of the team is Golden State Warriors’ Assistant Coach Chris Demarco. He will be assisted by University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) Women’s Basketball Head Coach Yolett ‘Coach Yo’ McPhee-McCuin, Mikhail McLean and Steve Barnes. The director of basketball operations for the team is Lynden ‘LJ’ Rose Jr. The head of delegation is Rodney Wilson. Eugena Patton and Alicia Greene are the athletic trainers. John Marc-Nutt is the public relations officer.

The Bahamas is currently sitting in third place in Group C of this round of the qualifiers. Leading the group is Canada with a perfect 4-0 win/loss record. The Dominican Republic is second with a 3-1 record. The Bahamas has a 1-3 record for third and the USVI has a winless 0-4 record for fourth. Just the top three teams will advance to the next round of qualifiers.

McPhee-McCuin, the first female to sit on the senior men’s coaching staff, was with the team during their training camp in Miami, Florida. She said she is happy with the work that the players and staff have done to ensure the team is ready to play.

“A lot of sacrifices have been made by these young men, coaches and support staff. We are appreciative for everybody who contributed,” she said. “This is a pivotal moment for Bahamas basketball as we move forward. Track and field is our national flag bearer but there are enough talented players in the men’s program who could propel the sport. Although we do not have all of our pro players, we have a very good group of guys who have been working hard and giving everything that they have for The Bahamas. I am grateful to be a part of it.”

Hield said he is happy for the opportunity to play at home as it is not something he and his teammates get to do often.

“Playing at home is a great opportunity not just for the BBF but for the guys who are not able to play in front of the Bahamian crowd because we play in the United States of America and overseas,” he said. “It is a great experience because as a kid you always want to give back to your country and playing in front of the fans is something that we all cherish. Hopefully, we could go out there and get a win.”

Moses Johnson usually assists Demarco in the summer months, but did not travel with the team this time. He is still intricately involved with the team.

“We have a diverse and a talented team which is interchangeable,” Johnson said. “In the halfcourt set, we are going to spread the offense. I think we are a great shooting team. Once we are able to knock down shots, we will be fine. In the halfcourt, we will spread them out and use advantages on key possessions. On the defensive end, there is a lot of continuity. I had a chance to see the guys practice and they look very well. They are well connected and are communicating. They are at a high level defensively.”

Johnson also spoke about the collegiate players on the team – Miller, Albury and Dames – and about them having an opportunity to be around experienced and high-level basketball minds.

“This is a great opportunity for them because they have been ecstatic from day one when they landed in training camp. They get to rub shoulders with Hield and the other pros, so it is a great experience for them. It enhances their learning curve, and it also gives them something to look up to. They can now forge relationships that they can use during their seasons and have guys they can call on for advice. It is good for them and for the program, as young people, to be able to contribute,” Johnson said.

The Bahamas will play this window without Phoenix Suns’ center DeAndre Ayton and the Charlotte Hornets’ Kai Jones – the other two Bahamian players in the National Basketball Association (NBA) along with Hield. Ayton is dealing with his contract, trying to get a max deal, and Jones has to report for the NBA Summer League for the Hornets. Johnson knows that having them would have been huge for the team, but they have to move forward with what they have, he said, adding that he is sure that they will have positive results.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, former senior men’s head coach and BBF President, is optimistic about the team’s chances of qualifying for the FIBA World Cup 2023.

“I am here to give my support to the BBF and its request for the senior men to represent the country in the world cup qualifiers. I am expecting them to do good. They have one win so far and need one more to cross the finish line for the first time in history of this country – qualify for the next round of the world cup qualifiers. It will be so timely as we are about to celebrate our 50th anniversary as an independent nation.”

Oaktree Medical Center and Baha Mar were on hand to speak about their partnership with the BBF. Senior Vice President at Baha Mar Robert ‘Sandy’ Sands said that sports tourism is vital to the hotel business and they will be ready to host the game on Monday.

“When the minister called less than 10 days ago to make this happen, we jumped through the proverbial hoops to make this event and venue available. I am happy to say that it will be in a world-class condition. Sports tourism is an integral part of the marketing affairs here at Baha Mar and will continue to propel The Bahamas as a leading sporting destination. We look forward to a very successful basketball game,” said Sands.

Oaktree is a major sponsor and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kristi Deveaux spoke about their commitment to sports.

“Being a former junior national team player, when the invitation was extended to Oaktree to sponsor and support the BBF, we said yes. We said that this is the fitting thing to do. We strongly support sports because we know first-hand the transformative power it has to change lives and build communities. We stand with the government of The Bahamas, NGOs and Corporate Bahamas to support men and women making a difference in our country,” said Deveaux.

Hield thanked the partnership of Baha Mar and Oaktree for being corporate partners with the BBF.

“It is big. Thanks to Baha Mar for hosting this event. We appreciate you and moving forward as things get better throughout The Bahamas, we can host events and come together as one and make The Bahamas a sports country,” Hield said.

BBF President Eugene Horton is delighted for the support they received for the games.

“We are grateful for the support from everyone for coming together for these games. Having McPhee-McCuin with us, one of the top Bahamian coaches in the U.S., speaks to the power of women in sports. We are also thankful to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and also the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation for their support,” said Horton.

The BBF is looking forward to a full house on Monday. Tickets for the game are available for $30 each through the website www.bbfbasketball.com and at the door.

https://thenassauguardian.com/world-cup-qualifiers-continue-tonight/

As of Monday, August 9, 2021

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#VETERAN coach Rupert Gardiner, with more than 30 years of experience, said he never felt more humiliated than he did when he was sent home from the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan for what the Bahamas Olympic Committee called an insubordination of team officials.

#Gardiner said a team meeting was called with the management team, consisting of chef de mission Cora Hepburn, team manager Dawn Woodside-Johnson; BOC general secretary Derron Donaldson and the coaching staff, including head coach Rudolph Ferguson and assistants David Charlton and Ronald Cartwright.

#“It was indicated in the meeting that my duties were being stripped and that I was being sent home,” Gardiner said. “I was told it was because of the heated confrontation with Dr Ricky Davis, that I was leaking information to the coaches and athletes here in Nassau and causing disharmony with the athletes, who were already under stress and for the letter in which Mr Drumeco Archer wrote that was sent to my email and Whatsapp, but I never saw it.”

#At the meeting, Gardiner said Donaldson had already had the second accreditation in his hand to give to him and he indicated to me that he wanted to hear nothing from me and that the matter is over.

#“During the confrontation with Dr Davis, both coach Ferguson and coach Cartwright were in the arena,” Gardiner pointed out. “After the meeting once we were up in our dormitories coach Ferguson indicated to me that what Mr Donaldson did was wrong. All coaches were present when this was done so the first thing that hurt me was none of the coaches stood up for me,” Gardiner said.

#“Shortly after I went downstairs and I saw Mr Donaldson in the vicinity and I tried to stop him and speak to him about the matter, but again he refused to hear me out.”

#Gardiner said he tried to point out to Donaldson that he did not receive the letter and asked him if he could send him a copy, but he never sent it to him.

#“I also spoke to Miss Anthonique Strachan letting her know that it was indicated that I was being in favouritism to her and I allowed her to jump the gun during the time trials in Tokyo,” Gardiner said.

#“She immediately called a meeting with the management staff and they indicated that it was not about her, but it was about the letter that Mr Drumeco Archer had sent to the BOC on email and WhatsApp.”

#In reference to the verbal confrontation between Dr Ricky Davis and Gardiner, Strachan indicated that they can’t only blame the BOC for the runoff, but the BAAA as well because the problem should have been resolved before the team came to Tokyo.

#Based on what transpired and after consulting his lawyer, Gardiner said he still doesn’t see any he was stripped of his accreditation and sent home. He said he’s distraught and would like to have an official statement made and an apology issued.

#As it relates to the letter submitted by Archer, Gardiner said he never got it. He said he only heard that it was circulated through Whatsapp. He said he was told that it was also sent to him by email, but he never got it, so he couldn’t respond to what he didn’t see.

#“I asked the General Secretary of the BOC, Derron Donaldson, to provide me with the information. Twice I asked him, but he never did,” Gardiner said. “I wanted to defend the letter, but I never got it, so I couldn’t defend it.”

#As for the accusations that he was leaking information from Tokyo to the coaches in New Providence about the date and time for the runoff and who was competing, he said if the BOC did their job and checked the chain link, they would have discovered that he was not the culprit.

#“They also accused me of allowing Anthonique (Strachan) to jump the gun in the runoff. That was why she had the advantage over Brianne Bethel,” Gardiner said. “But Brianne was in no state mentally or physically to run in the runoff.”

#Gardiner said the runoff should not have been contested between Strachan and Bethel because Strachan participated in the BAAA’s Nationals and got second behind Shaunae Miller-Uibo in qualifying for the 200m, albeit the last of the four women to accomplish the feat.

#But he said all recommendations to the BOC to have the runoff between Tynia Gaither and Bethel because, although they qualified prior to the nationals at the end of June at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, they didn’t participate in the event when Strachan qualified.

#Instead, he said Gaither ran in the 100m the night before and was reportedly pulled from the 200m before the race and eventually submitted a Doctor’s slip and Bethel didn’t participate in any races in the nationals and provided a Doctor’s slip as well to be exempted.

#Although Gardiner said the BOC said they received the wrong information from the BAAA on the times produced by the four competitors, but he and David Charlton, another assistant coach on the team, produced the correct results, which showed that Gaither ran 22.92; Strachan did 22.76; Bethel did 22.56 and Miller-Uibo did 22.05.

#“When we got to the track to have the runoff, those young ladies, Anthonique and Brianne, begged Derron Donaldson not to have the runoff and they provided the times to prove that they should not have been running against each other,” Gardiner said.

#“David Charlton, head coach Rudolph Ferguson and myself also provided him with the information. David went on the internet and showed Derron the information. Coach Charlton and coach Ferguson, Derron and myself all agreed that there won’t be a runoff. Derron told us that he would wait for the chef de mission, Cora Hepburn.”

#Gardiner, however, said when Hepburn arrived, she was presented with the information. Gardiner said she contacted Knowles and then said the BOC will proceed with the runoff between Strachan and Bethel.

#“The girls warmed up to do the runoff and Anthonique won in fairness, but they say I let Anthonique jump the gun,” Gardiner said. “That was why she had the advantage. But Breanne had no information of doing the runoff, but she was told that if she didn’t run, they would send her home.”

#Gardiner said there were obvious some personal vendettas taking place, but because he was more vocal than the other coaches, he felt that he was the scapegoat.

#“They took my accreditation and gave me another one. They didn’t explain to me what the accreditation was for and where it could get me,” he said. “The accreditation could only get me through the Games Village.

#“I couldn’t go to the stadium. I was given a Games Village Administrator accreditation. I felt like I was a prisoner in the village. That was an embarrassment for me.”

#After the meeting was called with the manager and coaches of the team and he was accused of the three infringement, Gardiner said he was disappointed that he wasn’t given an opportunity to defend himself.

#“I feel terrible. I feel so bad because me and Cora Hepburn went to St Augustine’s College in Raleigh, North Carolina where she played volleyball and I ran track,” Gardiner said, “She knows me. She could have said Rupert, ;let’s sit down and talk.

#“But she didn’t say one word. I think it was a conspiracy against me . I didn’t do anything wrong, except having a heated verbal attack against Dr Ricky Davis. It’s not about us. It’s about the athletes and doing what is best for them. We told them not to have the runoff between Anthonique and Brianne, but they still went and had the runoff.”

#Gardiner said while Gaither was running the 100m and she was not available to compete in a runoff, the suggestion was made to let Strachan and Bethel run with Miller-Uibo in the 200m and everybody would have been happy.

#But Gardiner said they were surprised when the entries came out that Gaither was not going to run the 200m, it was too late to have Bethel inserted in her spot.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2021/aug/09/veteran-coach-rupert-gardiner-says-he-never-felt-m/