Women’s soccer match set for Wednesday at RALD Field

• Sheldon Longley
• Nov 28, 2023
•  0

• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• Email

• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• Email
• Print
• Copy article link
• Save

The Bahamas women’s national football team is headed in the right direction, set to take on the US Virgin Islands (USVI) in its final match in 2023 Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Nations League competition as the ‘Road to CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup’ concludes for this year.

Coming off a clean sheet in their last match, at home, the team is anticipating an improved performance this Wednesday. The match against the USVI will take place at 3 p.m. on Wednesday at the Roscoe A.L. Davies (RALD) Soccer Field.

“This is a celebration of our team’s hard fought journey in this tournament. It is a significant moment for Bahamian women in football, and playing in front of home fans will boost them tremendously. It gives the Bahamian people an opportunity to see our women play at home and the support will only serve to give them a boost as they go after a victory in their final match of the CONCACAF W (Women’s) Road to the Gold Cup,” said Bahamas Football Association (BFA) Secretary General Carl Lynch.

The Bahamas started its rebirth in women’s football in September, taking on the Turks and Caicos Islands in an international friendly. Since then, they have taken on Grenada twice, losing both times, and drawing with the USVI. The team is confident of an improved performance on Wednesday to close out the ‘Road to CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup’ series this year.

“Despite facing adversity with some challenges, our team showed unwavering determination in competition thus far,” said team’s Head Coach Ricqea Bain. “Our improved scoreline reflects our team’s forward trajectory. The journey might not be as fast as we would like, but we are moving in the right direction, establishing a foundation for future success. We are learning from past mistakes and implementing new strategies. We aim to elevate our performance to secure a positive result on the field of play.

“With the majority of our players under 21 years of age, coupled with more exposure and development, our team is poised for continued improvement. We are looking to play with speed and we want to capitalize on the other team’s weaknesses. This is just the beginning for us. Our bright future includes experienced players contributing when they are available. We want to say thanks to our supporters. Your presence means a lot to us and we anticipate seeing you on Wednesday.”

One of the players for Team Bahamas, Rachel Rolle, a 20-year-old sophomore defender for the Allen University Yellow Jackets in Columbia, South Carolina, said she is more than excited to compete.

“We are set to put our best foot forward. We are all excited to play with each other and we look forward to a positive outcome,” she said.

Another player, 17-year-old striker Dianne Maillis said she is proud to be following in her father’s footsteps who experienced national team duty for The Bahamas in men’s soccer. She is looking forward to the opportunity to compete.

“It’s an honor to go out there and play for my country,” she said. “I have been working on my confidence on and off the ball. I just have to go out there and make the most of this opportunity. It is incredibly important that we have support in our final game and get that motivation that we need. I see a great future for women’s football in The Bahamas. I know that we are headed for greatness.”

The remaining team members are Rokesia Sands, Dalexis Huyler, Samantha Ramirez, Jada Thelamour, Jade Thelamour, Meaghan Smith, Samina Moss, Karen Wert, Janeka Edey, Kenyonique Thompson, Hadassah Knowles, Giselle Laing, Ashya Butler, Demitra Mcclure, Valtinique Simmons, Kyrah Miller, Kendi Outten and Raynia Russell.

Acting Director of Sports in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Kelsie Johnson-Sills said the team has the ministry’s full support, stating that the growth of women’s sports in the country is important to the ministry.

“Congratulations to the team. Women in sports is truly a good thing, and for us in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, it is all about building. I’m 10 toes in with everything behind them when it comes to their success in sports. It is a good team and they have a bright future,” she said. “We in the ministry will be backing the team in whatever they set out to do. We encourage Bahamians to come out on Wednesday and support them as they continue to go for gold.”

Just The Bahamas, the USVI and Grenada compete out of League C in CONCACAF Nations League competition for this year. The team is anticipating advancement to League B, and eventually League A, in the not too distant future.

SPONSOR DEAL: Judoka Xavion Johnson shares a moment with his original sensei Mickey Munnings, his mother Ordain Moss and Bahamas Judo Federation president D’Arcy Rahming. Photo: Wendall Demeritte

As of Tuesday, November 28, 2023

• Sign in to favorite this
• Discuss1 comment, Blog about
• Share thisEmail, Facebook, Twitter

XAVION Johnson receives his signed contract from Bahamasair managing director Tracy Cooper.

BAHAMAS Judo Federation president D’Arcy Rahming speaks as Xavion Johnson and his mother Ordain Moss and Samantha Lookie listen.

XAVION Johnson flanked by his original sensie Mickey Munnings and Bahamas Judo Federation president D’Arcy Rahming as they hold onto his medals.

FOX Hill MP Fred Mitchell speaks as Tracy Cooper of Bahamasair and Xavion Johnson and his mother Ordain Moss look on.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#With the rapid success he has achieved so far, judoka Xavion Johnson can now capitalise on his first local sponsorship deal, becoming the youngest partner of Bahamasair.

#A two-year deal, which included a cash incentive and tickets to travel to and from The Bahamas, was completed on Monday as the 17-year-old Johnson signed the contract with Bahamasair officials, headed by managing director Tracy Cooper.

#Also present were Johnson’s mother Ordain Moss, his Fox Hill Member of Parliament Fred Mitchell, Bahamas Judo Federation president D’Arcy Rahming Sr and sensei Mickey Munnings who got Johnson started in judo.

#Cooper, who was accompanied by Samatha Lookie, the sales and marketing director and board members Dr Tyneil Cargill and Melony Rahming, said they are delighted at Bahamasair to welcome Johnson on board the national airline.

#“He is an up-and-coming young man, somebody in our society who wants to pop up and let others know what good young men are all about,” Cooper said. “Xavion is the best judo competitor that we have in the Bahamas today.

#“He holds titles from this year alone from the Pan American Games, titles in the US Open, as a matter of fact, he is the two-time US Open champion and he also holds the European title. If that doesn’t say just how good this man is as it relates to his trade, I don’t know what else to say.”

#As Bahamasair celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, Cooper said that they are delighted to sign the contract that will allow him to promote the company’s brand whenever he travels to compete. He will also receive a stipend. He will also get a chance to travel around the Family Islands to promote the sport of judo.

#Johnson, who started competing in judo at the age of eight, said he was delighted to sign the contract with Bahamasair and although he was a little “speechless,” he was pleased with everything going on.

#“It’s amazing. I love representing my country because in judo, there’s basically only about five of us who are competing and I get questions about the Bahamas so much when I travel, so I am very happy about representing my country.”

#So far, Johnson has travelled to Mexico, Peru, the United States, Croatia, Portugal, Bosnia, Denmark and the Dominican Republic, but his ultimate goal is to qualify for the Olympics, hopefully in 2028 in Los Angeles, California.

#“My plans are for 2024 to grow my beard,” said Johnson, who came out with a new look haircut. “Since I’m moving up from Youth 21 and to the 66-kilogram class, I have to get used to it. I would say by 2025 I should be used to it. Then I can start looking at qualifying for the 2028 Olympics.”

#Whatever direction his life takes, his mother said she is just super proud of what her son has accomplished so far. She noted that the deal with Bahamasair will only help to strengthen his progress in the future.

#“Sometimes I have to take a step back and realise that he’s more than just my son,” Moss stated. “I believe that Xavion is walking into his purpose. He has been this way since he started in judo.

#“When I tell you he would get up and prepare himself for judo and put himself on a diet at eight years old so that he could make his weight category. He would set his own schedule and the only time he would have free time is if I took him out of his schedule. So he has been this way for the past nine years and, as a mother, I am just privileged to help him to walk into his purpose.”

#While she’s admitted that she’s immensely proud of her son, Moss acknowledged that he would not have been able to succeed without the support given by so many people, including their family and friends.

#“This right here (signing of contract) is a monumental experience. I am so proud of my son and so proud to be sitting on the side of him and calling him my son,” she said.

#Mitchell, the Foreign Affairs Minister, who took the time to congratulate Johnson before he took on a mission trip, thanked Bahamasair for including one of his constituents of Fox Hill in the partnership agreement.

#“It’s always a privilege when you are a representative to support young people, who are the future of the country, and particularly, someone who is a male because there’s always this complaint that the males are not keeping up with women.

#“So when you see someone who is a male making it, we ought to support him and to make sure that he gets as far as he could with the support of the general community. So on behalf of the Fox Hill community, through his mom for her support and the work to ensure that he has the confidence that he has, I just want to say congratulations and thank him, keep it up. We will do all we can to support you in the future.”

#Rahming, in expressing his gratitude to the Johnson family, said the BJF is also pleased with Bahamasair in their forward thinking of the development of the youth of the nation.

#“You’re not going to be disappointed in his character and also in his efforts,” Rahming said. “He’s been training for this for a long time. There’s a deep desire and we really appreciate Bahamasair stepping forward as a corporate sponsor.

#“This is one of the young people we want to show the world what a Bahamian is all about. We are so proud that it would be done on our national flag carrier.”

#Lookie, who was responsible for securing the deal between Bahamasair and Johnson, said they are happy to have him on board.

#“He will be one of our first athletes under the age of 21, so we are excited about that,” Lookie said. “He’s young and he’s up and coming and with us being 50 years, it’s kind of a restart where you reach 50 and everybody thinks they’re now a teenager again.

#“So we are happy to have him on board to showcase a new brand and a new face.”

#Sensie Mickey Munnings, who was Johnson’s first coach at Eastwood Judo Club on Prince Charles Drive, said he’s proud of the accomplishments of his protégé.

#“When he first came to me, I told his mother that he will be very special,” Munnings said. “From then to now, he’s achieved a bit. I still believe that he has a bright future ahead of him. I’m very excited about what he will do.”

#Johnson, who trains out of Alberta, Canada with Russell Gallant and Evan Beaton from the Lethbridge Judo Club, will be home for the next few weeks. He said he will take the time to improve on his weight so that he can compete in the new class when he returns to competition next year.

#“It feels amazing. It’s like a dream come true,” said Johnson about the contract with Bahamasair.

#“I’m now looking forward to representing the company when I compete in my first event from January 27-29 in Saskatoon, Canada. I am really proud to be competing as a Bahamian with Bahamasair.”

SHOWN, from left to right, are player Rachel Rolle, coach Ricqea Bain, BFA’s deputy secretary general Carl Lynch, director of sports Kelsie Johnson-Sills and player Diane Maillis pose above at yesterday’s press conference.

As of Tuesday, November 28, 2023

• Sign in to favorite this
• DiscussComment, Blog about
• Share thisEmail, Facebook, Twitter

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#WITH a slightly different team that played in their first Gold Cup match, head coach Ricqea Bain is confident that the women’s national soccer team will perform much better as they christen the newly renovated field at the Roscoe Davies Developmental Center.

#The women’s team, coming off a 0-0 draw to the US Virgin Islands on the road on October 29, will host the US Virgin Islands in a rematch on Wednesday, starting at 3pm in their CONCACAF Road to the World Gold Cup. The match is open free to the general public and Rolle and the rest of the team are encouraging all to come out and support them.

#“Despite facing adversities, including a tough loss, a red card and subsequent challenges, our team showcased unweaving determination,” she said. “The journey may not be as fast as we would like, but we are moving in the right direction, establishing a foundation for future success.”

#After losing their first game to Grenada, Bain said they have refined the team to help them overcome the deficiencies that they encountered as they look forward to improving on their performances this time around as they elevate themselves and secure positive results on the field.

#“At the beginning of our journey on our home turf, we celebrated our inaugural goal, symbolising our strength in familiar settings,” she pointed out. “With the majority of our players under the age of 21, coupled with more exposure and development, our team is poised for continued improvement.”

#She thanked the public who came out and supported them against Grenada and she encouraged them to come out and support them in Wednesday’s game against the US Virgin Islands.

#Bahamas Football Association’s deputy general secretary Carl Lynch said the game is not just a highlight for women’s soccer in the Bahamas, but a celebration of their team’s participation in the tournament.

#“We are excited and we would like to share this moment with you. We would like to see as many of you cheering on our team,” he said. “Just a reminder, the event is a free event, so please come early and get your seat to support our national team as they bring home the victory.”

#While the team is playing in League C, the Bahamas would have to finish on top of the standings in order to be promoted to continue play in the Gold Cup next year. But Bain indicated that it’s out of their realm, so the best they can do is finish in second place if they can beat the US Virgin Island on Wednesday.

#Named to the team to play against the US Virgin Islands are Rokesia Sands, defender; Dalexis Huyler, defender; Samantha Ramirez, defender; Jada Thelamour, defender; Jade Thelamour, defender; Meaghan Smith, defender; Samina Moss, defender; Karen Wert, defender/midfield; Rachel Rolle, midfield; Janeka Edey, midfield; Kenyonique Thompson, midfield; Hadassah Knowles, midfield; Giselle Laing, forward; Ashya Butler, forward; Demitra Mcclure, forward; Diane Maillis, Forward; Valtinique Simmons, forward; Kyrah Miller, forward; Kendi Outten, goalkeeper and Raynia Russell, goalkeeper.

#Rachel Rolle, a 20-year-old student of Allen University in Colombia, South Carolina, said they are going to put their best foot forward. “I think we are all excited to play with each other and we look forward to pulling off the match,” Rolle stated.

#Maillis, following in the footsteps of her father George Maillis, who played previously as a teenager for the men’s national team, said at the age of 27, she is excited to play in honour of our country.

#“I go into this game, winning on my confidence on and off the ball, movement without the ball ensuring that I get this, I’m on the team for a reason and I just have to make the most of it,” she stated.

#Kelsie Johnson-Sills, the director of sports in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, congratulated Team Bahamas.

#“Women in sports is truly a good thing and to have a 17-year-old (Maillis) making a national team and talking about some of the things she wants to do in the game, truly gave me some feedback to when I used to play on the national team,” said Johnson-Sills, who excelled as a high jumper and a member of the women’s national volleyball team.

#She encouraged the general public to come out and support the team, which is being coached by a young lady. The team, by the way, consists of no player or member of the coaching and management staff over the age of 30.

FLORIDA BOUND: Russell Miller joins coaches Kevin Major Jr, Philip Major Jr and Marvin Rolle with some of the players heading off to the college tennis showcase in Florida.

As of Tuesday, November 28, 2023

• Sign in to favorite this
• DiscussComment, Blog about
• Share thisEmail, Facebook, Twitter

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#SEVEN of the country’s top junior players are heading off to Maples, Florida to participate in a college showcase, thanks to their involvement in Island Tennis Bahamas at the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island.

#“We’re proud to see that the kids are growing and their perseverance is starting to pay off for them,” said Philip Major Jr, who along with Kevin Major Jr started the programme to get more young tennis players performing at the next level.

#“Kudos to them and we wish them every success for reaching such a milestone in their lives. Hopefully we can have more stuff like this going on in tennis where the players are given a chance to perform in front of the college scouts and coaches.”

#Dentry Mortimer, Saphire Ferguson, Leila O’Brien, Khai Reese, Sharano Hanna, Savanno Hanna and Sierra Rogers are expected to showcase their talent before more than 80 schools as they participate in the event.

#They are scheduled to leave town today with Philip and Kevin Major Jr and return home on Friday.

#Major Jr thanked president/managing director Audrey Oswell, Russell Miller, executive vice president of hotel operations at the Atlantis resort, for providing the opportunity for Island Tennis Bahamas to call their tennis facility their home where they get the chance to work and groom these young tennis players for the future.

#“It’s a beautiful and safe environment where the players get to hone their skills,” Major said. “Atlantis has not only accepted us, but they have developed a bond with the tennis players as they assist us in so many ways.”

#Hopefully through this partnership, Major said they anticipate that there will be a lot more players getting the opportunity through Island Tennis Bahamas to follow in the footsteps of these first to go on a college tour through their organiSation.

#“These players have been doing a lot of great things. They have put in the hard work and it has shown as they prepare for this moment,” Major Jr said.

#“So we’re definitely looking forward to them going to Florida and doing very well.

#“They’ve come a long way in the past 4-5 years and so we as coaches can look forward to seeing them get off to college and to continue to perform at their best. We just hope that the trip is a successful one for all of them.”

#During the showcase, the players will participate in a series of single and doubles matches in a field of more than 100 players. They will get to demonstrate their level of play in front of the coaches and scouts to be able to secure their athletic scholarships.

University of North Carolina at Greensboro Spartans celebrate after winning the Baha Mar Hoops Nassau Championships yesterday in the Convention Center at Baha Mar. Photos: Dante Carrer

As of Monday, November 27, 2023

• Sign in to favorite this
• DiscussComment, Blog about
• Share thisEmail, Facebook, Twitter

#y BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#University of North Carolina at Greensboro Spartans’ forward Mikeal Brown-Jones called the Baha Mar Hoops Nassau Championships one of the greatest tournaments he’s ever played in.

#His comments came amidst the Spartans’ glowing celebrations after they captured the championship title yesterday with a nail-biting 58-57 victory over the University of Illinois at Chicago Flames in the Convention Center at Baha Mar.

#“I had a lot of fun here in the Bahamas. I’m just happy we won the championship,” stated Brown-Jones of the Spartans. “I knew we would pull it off. We’re a together team. In a tough game like this, it just shows who’s the toughest team.”

#To add to his excitement about being in the Bahamas, Brown-Jones carted off the most valuable player award and he was named to the All-Tournament team with team-mate Keyshaun Langley, Delaware’s Jyare Davis, George Washington’s James Bishop IV and UIC’s Isaiah Rivera.

#“All praise to the Lord,” said Brown-Jones on receiving his special awards. “It’s all his doing.”

#Brown-Jones and UNC, coached by Mike Jones, joined previous champions in Vermont in the initial year in 2017, followed by George Southern in 2018, Liberty in 2019, Toledo in 2021 and the University of North Carolina Wilmington took the title last year.

#Jalen Breath converted a pair of throws with 3.5 seconds to seal a 58-57 lead for the University of North Carolina Greensboro.

#The charity shots came just after Jaden Brownell canned a two-point with 9.4 on the clock to push UNC ahead 57-56 after a review to determine if it occurred before the shot clock expired.

#Brown-Jones finished with a game high 15 points, nine rebounds and two block shots to lead UNC.

#Donovan Atwell had 11 points and both Keyshaun and Kobe Langley had 10 points apiece.

#UIC, coached by Luke Weasley, got 14 points from Isiash Rivers, who also had five rebounds.

#Steven Clay had nine points and three rebounds, Filip Skobalj also had nine points and both CJ Jones and Jaden Brownwell added eight points each.

#Meanwhile, the George Washington Revolutionaries, coached by Mike Martin, clinched the consolation third place after they pulled away from the Delaware Blue Hens in the second half for an 81-71 victory.

#James Bishop IV scored as game high 28 points with five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Maximus Edwards had 24 points, eight rebounds and two steals and Darren Buchnan Jr added 13 points with eight rebounds and two assists.

#Delaware, coached by Martin Ingeisby, was led by Jyare Davis with 23 points, nine rebounds and two steals.

#Gerald Drumgoole Jr had 12 points and a pair of rebounds and assists, Cavan Reilly had 11 points and three rebounds, Christian Ray had 10 points, six rebounds and four assists and Niels Lane helped out with nine points.

#Results of the placement games played yesterday as well are as follows:

#Bobcats 77, Bears 77: Ohio, coached by Jeff Boals, clinched the consolation third place as Shereef Mitchell scored 24 points with three steals to lead their attack.

#Jaylan hunter had 21 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals and Elmore James added 18 points with eight rebounds and four assists. AJ Brown helped out with eight points.

#In a losing effort for Brown, coached by Mike Martin, Kino Lilly Jr scored 21 points, three rebounds and two assists, Nana Owusu-Anane had 19 points, 11 rebounds and three assists, Kalu Anya had 12 points, six rebounds and three assists, Aaron Cooley had 10 points and five rebounds and Felix Floman had nine points.

#Blue Raiders 63, Roos 59: In winning their only game of the tournament, Middle Tennessee, coached by Nick McDewitt, finished in seventh place as Jalen Jordan had a game high 21 points.

#Justin Bufford had 13 points and five rebounds, Jared Coleman-Jones had nine points with six rebounds, four assists and three steals and Justin Porter added eight points.

#Kansas City, coached by Marvin Menzies, remained winless for eighth place.

#Artese Stapleton led the way with 14 points, four assists and three rebounds and Jamar Brown helped out with 13 points and five rebounds. In games played over the first two days of competition, George Washington def. Ohio 99-4, UIC def. Middle Tennessee 70-40, Delaware def. Brown 67-59, UNC Greensboro def. Kansas City 76-64, Brown def. Kansas City 93-83, Ohio def. Middle Tennessee 80-68, UNC Greensboro def. Delaware 88-77, UIC def. George Washington 89-79.

#* The original version of this story incorrectly stated that the Flames had won the title.

VILLANOVA Wildcats celebrate after adding a third Battle 4 Atlantis title to their collection after they triumphed 79-63 over the University of Memphis Tigers in the championship game at the Imperial Arena, Paradise Island, on Friday. Photo: Dante Carrer

As of Monday, November 27, 2023

• Sign in to favorite this
• DiscussComment, Blog about
• Share thisEmail, Facebook, Twitter

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE Villanova Wildcats added a third Battle 4 Atlantis title to their collection after they triumphed 79-63 over the University of Memphis Tigers on Friday in the championship game at the Imperial Arena, Paradise Island.

#The third championship victory, following their wins in 2013 and 2017, made the Wildcats the team with the most titles in the history of the men’s tournament to date.

#Additionally, they hold the best win/loss record in the tourney’s history books with 9-0.

#Meanwhile, the North Carolina Tar Heels won in convincing fashion against the Arkansas Razorbacks 87-72 in the third place game. Defence was a major key to the Wildcats pulling off the 16-point win over the 5-1 Tigers.

#Within the first six minutes of the opening half, the Wildcats got out to a 16-2 lead.

#During this period, the Tigers were ice cold and held to 1-for-10 shooting from the field.

#Meanwhile, Villanova were on fire from behind the arc, shooting 5-for-8 on threes.

#Kyle Neptune, who is in his second season as the Wildcats head coach, talked about the team’s tough defensive effort.

#“I really thought we came out and set the tone. I was really proud of the guys, especially in the first 10 minutes or so,” the Wildcats head coach said.

#The Big East team pushed out to a 23-8 advantage with under eight minutes remaining in the first half of the contest and closed out the segment leading 44-18.

#At the halfway mark, the Tigers were held to under

#15 per cent shooting from the field and shot 1-for-12 from three-point range. The second half began and saw the Wildcats’ three-point shot stop falling after they missed their first five attempts in the opening minutes. However, despite the slight dip from the newly-crowned champions on offence, the Tigers were unable to capitalise within those minutes and fell behind 49-20.

#The momentum shifted slightly in Memphis’ favour when they stormed out to a 24-3 run to show some signs of life and make the score 67-53. Although the team seemed poised to make a comeback, the Wildcats held them off due to a balanced scoring effort. The 6-1 team had five starters score in double digits, including the tournament’s MVP Eric Dixon who finished with 11 points and eight rebounds.

#Dixon averaged 21.6 points and eight boards in the three games played at the 12th Battle 4 Atlantis men’s tournament.

#The head coach said the team has grown a lot over the last few games. “We always have a growth mindset. I thought we got a lot better defensively, especially these last three games. That has always been our mindset.”

#“We learned a lot about our team here. We were tested and were resilient. We were in some battles, that is what you want. You want to be tested, that is a big thing for a team. We are glad it ended up the way it did,” he said.

#On Friday night, the Wildcats shot 43 per cent from the field compared to 35 per cent from their opponents. Additionally, they splashed 37 per cent of their shots from behind the arc. The team collectively dished out 14 assists while the Tigers racked up seven dimes in the championship game.

#The third place game between the Razorbacks and Tar Heels saw RJ Davis and Tramon Mark put on an offensive show. The former dropped a career-high 30 points and picked up two assists in the third place win.

#For the opposing team, Mark poured in a game-high 34 points to pair with 5 boards in the loss.

#The Battle 4 Atlantis women’s and men’s tournaments are officially done with the University of Mississippi Ole Miss Rebels and Villanova Wildcats taking home the respective titles for 2023.

As of Monday, November 27, 2023

• Sign in to favorite this
• DiscussComment, Blog about
• Share thisEmail, Facebook, Twitter

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#WITH sailing now officially declared the national sport of The Bahamas, the hype has intensified as the skippers and their crew get their boats ready to compete in the sixth Best of the Best Sloop Sailing Regatta in Montagu Bay this weekend.

#The event is expected to feature more than 80 boats competing in classes A, B, C and D as well as a junior segment and according to Clyde Rolle, one of the members of the organising committee, they anticipate that the competition will be extremely fierce.

#Boats from Long Island, Exuma, Acklins, Ragged Island, Cat Island and Mayaguana will participate in the four classes when the

#competition gets started on Thursday and wraps up on Sunday.

#However, Rolle said a lot of excitement will be brewing during the Skippers party 7pm Tuesday at Government House.

#“This is definitely the biggest and the best sailing event in the country,” Rolle said. “All of the top boats will be competing, except the Tida Wave and Lady Muriel, who might be competing because they were under repairs.

#“We have been looking forward to this event all year and now it’s here. The skippers and the sailors have been preparing themselves and so we anticipate that we will have some very keen competition on the waters in Montagu Bay.”

#For those who are interested, Rolle said there will be all sorts of entertainment onshore for both the adults and the children and vendors have been preparing a number of scrumptious Bahamian meals from all of the Family Islands to satisfy a hungry person’s taste buds. The event will be livestreamed once again and large televisions are expected to be displayed on the site for persons to follow the action on the water.

#After years of deliberation, the Bahamas Government finally announced in April that sailing is now the official sport of the country, replacing cricket, which was on the books for a number of years.

As of Monday, November 27, 2023

• Sign in to favorite this
• DiscussComment, Blog about
• Share thisEmail, Facebook, Twitter

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#THE inaugural Bahamas Law Enforcement Co-Operative Credit Union Limited’s Law Enforcement Track and Field Classic on Saturday was termed a tremendous success, not just by the organisers, but the participants as well.

#The meet was staged in two sections with the high schools and clubs competing earlier in the day, while the Customs, Immigration, Road Traffic, Royal Bahamas Police and Defence Force and the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services went head-to-head for bragging rights.

#Omar Neely, chairman of the board for the Credit Union, said they wanted to spread their message to the law enforcement agencies that they are their friends

#and are here to work hand-in-hand with them. “We started our Credit Union in 1985 as a Police Credit Union, but since then, we have opened our doors to all of the law enforcement agencies, including the Prison, Defence, Customs, Immigration, Road Traffic and the Judiciary,” Neely said.

#“So, as a result of that, we thought we would have an event to make it known that we are opened to all law enforcement and we invite them to come in the spirit of camaraderie on the track.”

#Neely said they were pleased with the turnout in both segments and they hope to build on the event as they prepare to make it an annual one.

#While the high schools and clubs competed primarily in relay competition, there were number of exciting battles that were contested during the law enforcement branches, although they were limited to just one competitor in each event.

#Janton Gibson, the winner of the men’s 200m, was a former member of the Swift Athletics Track Club and as graduate of CI Gibson Secondary High, said he felt good competing out there again.

#“I haven’t raced in a minute,” said Gibson, now in his second year on the Defence Force. “But when I came off the back stretch, I had some catching up to do. I made it happen.”

#As he crossed the finish line ahead of his rivals, Gibson made a salute as he “paid his respect to the senior men.”

#He said it was good to get an opportunity to compete against his peers in law enforcement.

#Philicia Sargent, a 12-year-veteran on the Defence Force, captured the women’s 200m title after a hiatus of almost 20 years from the sport.

#“Coming back, it’s a mind thing. We knew that we had one goal and that was to get to the finish line. That was my goal,” she said. “From start to finish, I pushed to get them. I had a pretty good start, but as the race progressed, I had to step it up some more to get the win.”

#Trevor Outten, a graduate of CC Sweeting Secondary High and a former member of Swift Athletics, said he was pleased with his performance in winning the men’s 1,500m for the Defence Force.

#“I just paced myself and wait until it was time for me to put myself in a position to bring it home,” he said. “It was a tough run, so I had to do my best.”

#Mileke Wood, a graduate of CV Bethel Secondary High, who competed for T-Bird Flyers and Bahamas Speed Dynamics, said he was delighted to be the men’s 800m champion.

#“I never practiced, so coming out here, I was a bit nervous,” he said. “After they passed me on the first lap, I got a little speed boost, stayed composed and went out there and did what I had to do to win.”

#Augustine, a graduate of RM Bailey Secondary High where she was trained by David Ferguson, said she knew she still had something in the tank to win the women’s 800m. “It was great. It was quicker than I expected. The wind on the back stretch was crazy, but just had to fight through it,” she said. “

#Perez Burrows, a graduate of St Augustine’s College, captured the title of the fastest man in law enforcement after he took the 100m crown for the Police Force.

#“It felt good, even though I had some problems with my hamstring. I was still able to pull through. It was a good race” he said. “The competition was good. They gave me a good run for my money, but I just was able to pull through.”

#Helen Johnson, a Grand Bahamian who competed for Fast Track and the Golden Eagles Track Clubs, emerged as the fastest female, winning the 100m.

#“It feels good to be back. I’m a little older, but I kept pushing,” said Johnson, who has been on the force for the past two years.

As of Monday, November 27, 2023

• Sign in to favorite this
• DiscussComment, Blog about
• Share thisEmail, Facebook, Twitter

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

Veteran boxer Carl Hield.

#LESS than a week removed from his second professional win, veteran boxer Carl Hield will be back in the ring again on Tuesday.

#The professional boxer is set to take on Colombia’s Edinson Jimenez in Santa Marta, Colombia, at Fight Night 2 in the super welterweight division. The professional bout is slated to begin at 6pm.

#Hield shared his expectations going into his third professional fight on Tuesday.

#“My third match is going to have the same outcome. My mindset is to go in and do what I have to do and if the knockout comes, it would be good. I am just trying to stay as active as I can for next year’s Olympic qualifiers and try to put myself in a position to fight for a world title as well,” he said.

#After two successful bouts, the Bahamian boxer has an undefeated 2-0-0 (win/loss/draw) record headed into his next match against Jimenez.

#The latter has been a pro boxer since 2001 with a 65-5-3 record in 73 matches. The Colombian’s last professional win came against Jasit Cera, who was making his pro debut, in 2013.

#As for Hield, in his previous two matches he was victorious, earning technical knockout victories in both. The seasoned boxer’s first win came against Colombian Elkin Bolaño in his pro debut at the International Knockout Night in Cartagena, Colombia. He followed this feat with one of his most impressive wins yet against Colombia’s Diomedes Miranda, who sported a 21-5-0 record, last week Wednesday at the Fight Night in Santa Marta, Colombia.

#Hield said he has learned a lot from his two fights in the professional ranks.

#“The pros are a bit different from the amateurs. After the first and second fight I am now more patient and relaxed. I realised in my second fight I was waiting for the punches, instead of rushing and throwing punches like I did in the first fight. As time goes during training and preparing for fights, I am adapting more to the professional side of boxing,” he said.

#Before his transition to pro boxing in October, Hield was one of the country’s most decorated boxers at the amateur level.

#During his amateur tenure, the 36-year-old competed in 51 total matches and ended with a 15-36 record (including one knockout win). He had a strong message for those following his professional journey.

#“I want to show people that whatever you believe in can turn into reality, just focus and keep going about your dream. It is never too late, you are never too young and never too old, the right time will come,” he said.

#He is committed to honouring the memory of his late mother Norma Hield through his hardwork and dedication.

#A special thanks was offered to sponsors Jet Wave, West End Contracting & Repair, Create Escapes (Landscape and Maintenance), Rigger Life 242, the Bahamas Boxing Federation and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.

• Sheldon Longley
• 7 hrs ago
•  0

• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• Email

• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• Email
• Print
• Copy article link
• Save

Back home in The Bahamas, as one of the honorees from the Golden Jubilee Independence Awards of Special Honour, current Olympic and former World Champion Steven Gardiner said he’s thrilled to be recognized for his dedication and hard work.

Additionally, Gardiner said he’s 100 percent recovered from a grade one sprain of the tendon extending into his knee from the right posterior thigh. He’s back to training in Orlando, Florida, with American coach Gary Evans and the Empire Athletics elite group.

The Bahamian quarter-miler was one of 102 Bahamians honored at the awards ceremony at Baha Mar on Monday, a number of whom were sports athletes.Up Next – Monday’s news in < 10 minutesUp Next – Monday’s news in < 10 minutesclosehttps://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.605.0_en.html#goog_234873752Ad 1 of 1 (0:07)NextStay

volume_off-0:07fullscreenAuto (225p)225p360pSubtitles OffSubtitles ENEnglish

Up Next – Monday’s news in < 10 minutesSonny Gray agrees on a three-year contract with the Cardinals, plus Kenta Maeda agrees to a deal with the Tigers on this edition of FastCast

Monday’s news in < 10 minutesMLB | 4:08

Stephen Vogt on coaching staffMLB | 1:20

Recent moves, effect on prospectsMLB | 2:34

Under the radar free agentsMLB | 0:55

2023 MLS Best XI presented by Continental TireMLS | 2:20

Top 10 Plays of the Day, 11/27/2023NBA | 3:19

2023 Landon Donovan MLS MVP: Luciano AcostaMLS | 3:14

LAFC march past Seattle Sounders | Audi MLS Cup Playoffs RewindMLS | 5:42

HIGHLIGHTS: Seattle Sounders FC vs. Los Angeles Football Club | November 26, 2023MLS | 7:01

WATCH: Brick wall! Maxime Crépeau robs Seattle SoundersMLS | 0:52

“It feels amazing to be recognized for the hard work that we have put in for the country, and also to celebrate 50 years of Independence,” said Gardiner. “It’s just a good feeling to be here and to be honored along with everyone else. I took some time off from training to be here. I’m just excited.”

Gardiner was on track to win the world title in the men’s 400 meters (m) at the 19th World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, this year, but pulled up with the grade one tendon sprain coming around the second curve of the semifinals of that event where he was the clear leader. He was in full control of the race and was an overwhelming favorite to win gold, having turned in the world leading time of 43.74 seconds and breezing through the opening round in Budapest. Just two athletes ran sub-44 second races during the season.

Gardiner said he feels fantastic and is thrilled to be back in training, doing what he loves to do. The ultimate goal for the 2023-2024 season is to win gold at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.

“I feel like I’m back to 100 percent,” he said. “Between my coaches and the doctors, we are all on one accord to take it slowly at the beginning of the season and begin to get ready for Paris 2024. I’m looking forward to defending my title and winning gold again – that’s the main goal. I just want to do it all over again.”

Taking it slowly at the beginning of the season will likely encompass skipping indoor competition and preparing for the outdoor season. Last season, Gardiner competed in just seven 400m races, including two at the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) Junior and Senior National Track and Field Championships, and two at the Budapest World Championships.https://46acd15611e6b8236301c467ec943dd6.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

His injury at the world championships ended his season.

Other Bahamian athletes honored at the Golden Jubilee Independence Awards Ceremony on Monday were Olympic Champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo, Jasrado ‘Jazz’ Chisholm Jr. of the Miami Marlins in Major League Baseball (MLB), ‘Golden Girl’ Pauline Davis-Thompson and Mychal ‘Sweet Bells’ Thompson. The late Andre Rodgers, the first Bahamian to play in the major leagues, the late Captain Rolly Gray, the late Thomas A. Robinson, and the late Sir Durward Knowles, the first Bahamian Olympic gold medalist, were honored posthumously.

• Sheldon Longley
• 7 hrs ago
•  0

• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• Email

• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• Email
• Print
• Copy article link
• Save

Back home in The Bahamas, as one of the honorees from the Golden Jubilee Independence Awards of Special Honour, current Olympic and former World Champion Steven Gardiner said he’s thrilled to be recognized for his dedication and hard work.

Additionally, Gardiner said he’s 100 percent recovered from a grade one sprain of the tendon extending into his knee from the right posterior thigh. He’s back to training in Orlando, Florida, with American coach Gary Evans and the Empire Athletics elite group.

The Bahamian quarter-miler was one of 102 Bahamians honored at the awards ceremony at Baha Mar on Monday, a number of whom were sports athletes.Up Next – Monday’s news in < 10 minutesUp Next – Monday’s news in < 10 minutesclosehttps://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.605.0_en.html#goog_234873752Ad 1 of 1 (0:07)NextStay

volume_off-0:07fullscreenAuto (225p)225p360pSubtitles OffSubtitles ENEnglish

Up Next – Monday’s news in < 10 minutesSonny Gray agrees on a three-year contract with the Cardinals, plus Kenta Maeda agrees to a deal with the Tigers on this edition of FastCast

Monday’s news in < 10 minutesMLB | 4:08

Stephen Vogt on coaching staffMLB | 1:20

Recent moves, effect on prospectsMLB | 2:34

Under the radar free agentsMLB | 0:55

2023 MLS Best XI presented by Continental TireMLS | 2:20

Top 10 Plays of the Day, 11/27/2023NBA | 3:19

2023 Landon Donovan MLS MVP: Luciano AcostaMLS | 3:14

LAFC march past Seattle Sounders | Audi MLS Cup Playoffs RewindMLS | 5:42

HIGHLIGHTS: Seattle Sounders FC vs. Los Angeles Football Club | November 26, 2023MLS | 7:01

WATCH: Brick wall! Maxime Crépeau robs Seattle SoundersMLS | 0:52

“It feels amazing to be recognized for the hard work that we have put in for the country, and also to celebrate 50 years of Independence,” said Gardiner. “It’s just a good feeling to be here and to be honored along with everyone else. I took some time off from training to be here. I’m just excited.”

Gardiner was on track to win the world title in the men’s 400 meters (m) at the 19th World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, this year, but pulled up with the grade one tendon sprain coming around the second curve of the semifinals of that event where he was the clear leader. He was in full control of the race and was an overwhelming favorite to win gold, having turned in the world leading time of 43.74 seconds and breezing through the opening round in Budapest. Just two athletes ran sub-44 second races during the season.

Gardiner said he feels fantastic and is thrilled to be back in training, doing what he loves to do. The ultimate goal for the 2023-2024 season is to win gold at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.

“I feel like I’m back to 100 percent,” he said. “Between my coaches and the doctors, we are all on one accord to take it slowly at the beginning of the season and begin to get ready for Paris 2024. I’m looking forward to defending my title and winning gold again – that’s the main goal. I just want to do it all over again.”

Taking it slowly at the beginning of the season will likely encompass skipping indoor competition and preparing for the outdoor season. Last season, Gardiner competed in just seven 400m races, including two at the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) Junior and Senior National Track and Field Championships, and two at the Budapest World Championships.https://46acd15611e6b8236301c467ec943dd6.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

His injury at the world championships ended his season.

Other Bahamian athletes honored at the Golden Jubilee Independence Awards Ceremony on Monday were Olympic Champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo, Jasrado ‘Jazz’ Chisholm Jr. of the Miami Marlins in Major League Baseball (MLB), ‘Golden Girl’ Pauline Davis-Thompson and Mychal ‘Sweet Bells’ Thompson. The late Andre Rodgers, the first Bahamian to play in the major leagues, the late Captain Rolly Gray, the late Thomas A. Robinson, and the late Sir Durward Knowles, the first Bahamian Olympic gold medalist, were honored posthumously.