As of Monday, March 20, 2023

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STEVEN GARDINER

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#It was a big outdoor season opener for World and Olympic champion Steven Gardiner at the 17th Annual Spring Break Classic in Carolina, Puerto Rico.

#In his continued comeback this year from injury, Gardiner won the men’s 300 metres on Friday at the 2023 World Athletic Continental Tour – Challenger meeting in a quick time of 31.59 seconds, which was just shy of his Bahamian national record of 31.52.

#The 27-year-old native of Abaco is now ranked at number eight on the world’s 300m all-time list outdoors as he prepares to regain his 400m title at the World Athletics’ 2023 World Championships in Athletics in July in Budapest, Hungary.

#Gardiner, who missed the defence of his title at the 2019 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon due to tendon inflammation last summer, came off a pair of victories in the 300m indoors with a season’s best of 33.03.

#Trailing Gardiner in Puerto Rico was British Virgin Islands Olympic 500m hurdles fourth-place finisher Kyron McMaster, who ran 32.96 for second place, while Ian Gutiérrez Almedina completed the top three spots in 33.10.

ANTHAYA CHARLTON

#Charlton leads way in Orlando

#Fresh off her first National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Indoor Championships, Anthaya Charlton opened her outdoor campaign for the University of Kentucky at the Black & Gold Invite at the University of South Florida with a double dose of victory.

#On Friday, she leapt a personal best of 21-feet, 81/4-inches or 6.61 metres on her third attempt to break Sha’Keela Saunders’ UK freshman outdoor long jump record of 21-1 ¼ (6.43m) that she had previously established in 2014.

#Charlton came back on Saturday and had another spectacular showing in the women’s 100m where she ran a lifetime best of 11.38 for her second victory in a time that has placed her at number seven in the NCAA rankings so far this year.

#Paige Archer, a freshman at the University of Central Florida, ended up 10th in 11.88. On Friday, Archer, a graduate of Queen’s College, came through in 6th place in the women’s 200m in 24.52.

#Megan Moss, now in her junior year, picked up a fifth place in the women’s 400m in 54.35 right behind her team-mate Karimah Davis, who ran 53.74.

#Moss also ran the third leg on her Kentucky team of Karimah Davis, Dajour Miles and Tamila Fuller for the win in 3:36.37 for the fourth fastest NCAA time.

#Charlton also competed on the third leg of the other Kentucky team, including Mahogany Mobley, Reynei Wallace and Colleen Branch for fourth place in 3:44.32 for 12th in the rankings.

#Also at the meet, Stephan Farquharson, competing for Albany, was seventh in the men’s long jump on Friday with a leap of 23-10 (7.26m). Farquharson also anchored Albany men’s 4x100m relay team to fourth place in 40.85.

#And in the men’s 200m, Joel Johnson, representing SPIA Athletics, was 19th in 21.55.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/20/gardiner-charlton-open-outdoor-seasons-wins/?news

Photos: Vandyke Hepburn/BIS

As of Monday, March 20, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#GRAND Bahama — Veteran coach Pat Henry remembers his last trip to The Bahamas in October to participate in the homegoing service for his former Olympic sprinter Shavez Hart. This time, he was in a more celebratory mood as his Texas A&M Aggies captured the inaugural Island Relays over the weekend.

#Henry, now in his 18th season as the head coach at Texas A&M, watched as his Aggies dominated the men’s division with a 58-point advantage over the Arizona Wildcats and trailed the Oklahoma Sooners by 36 in the two-day meet that concluded on Saturday at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex.

#“It’s a great place to come. I think my team had a great time. We’ve been here since Monday and the people have been so kind to us,” Henry said. “It’s the week after our NCAA appearance and for some people, we hit it hard and for others, we took it easy.

#“But for the most part, what we tried to get done here this weekend is we just wanted to take it easy and get through this week without any injuries.”

#Henry, who has coached at Texas A&M for the past 18 years after spending 19 years at Louisiana State University where he coached strongwoman Laverne Eve, said it was hard to come here for the funeral of the 29-year-old Hart in January, but because they enjoyed their time here this weekend, he’s looking forward to bringing the Aggies back in the future.

#Texas A&M took the men’s crown with 198 points over Arizona, who had 140. Oklahoma was third with 132, the South Carolina Gamecocks were fourth with 125 and the University of the Bahamas Mingoes rounded out the field with 19.

#On the ladies’ side, the Sooners took the title with 193 with the Aggies following with 157. The Wildcats got third with 152, the Gamecocks were fourth with 99, the Vanderbilt Commodores were fifth with 54 and the Mingoes completed the table with just one.

#The Aggies got something to celebrate on the ladies’ side as Camryn Dickson took the title of the fastest woman at the meet in the 100m in 11.81, holding Arizona’s Neysia Howard, who was second in 11.96 with Mikayla Hayes of Oklahoma getting third in 12.14.

#“I just really wanted to get out and save my drive phase for as long as I could,” Dickson said. “It was a little windy today, so I just let the momentum carry me through to the line since I was tired going through the line since I was a little tired from the last 60-40 metres.”

#Coming off what she felt was a pretty good indoor season, Dickson said she is looking forward to the rest of her outdoor season, especially getting it started here in the Bahamas where “it’s amazing and I’m so blessed that track has brought me all the way here.”

#In the men’s 100m, it came down to a photo finish as Anthony Greenhow of South Carolina nipped Trayvion White- Austin of Arizona, in times of 10.66 and 10.67 respectively. Demarius Smith, unattached, clocked 10.76.

#“I was just coming off the 4×1 and so I had to rest my legs, so I just tried to stay strong,” Greenhow said. “I don’t have the best start, so I knew the guy who came second had a really good start, so I had to stay to my race, which is my finish.”

#Greenhow said he couldn’t ask for a better place to be in than in the Bahamas.

#Portugal native Rogerio Amaral, representing South Carolina, won the men’s 1,500m in 3:54.80 ahead of Arizona’s Iker Sanchez Lopez and Cooper Quigley, who had to settle for second and third respectively in 3:55,15 and 3:56.97.

#“I love it. I love the culture and the music. It made me feel like I was home,” said Amaral, who noted that his trip here was wonderful.

#“With this crowd cheering all of us on, I just wanted to go out there and put on a show for them. None of the guys wanted to make a move, so I waited for the final stretch, which is something I like to do in Arizona.”

#And all the way from Germany, another South Carolina representative Svenja Sommer took the women’s 1,500m in a sprint as well in 4:35.25, well ahead of Sailor Hutton of Arizona, who did 4:36.81 for second. Gabi Barrara of Oklahoma was third in 4:40.38. “I love it. It was always my dream to come here. I love the weather, I love the beach and everything here,” said Sommer, who had to display a little bit of tactics to win her race. “Nobody wanted to take the lead in my race, but after my team-mate did, I was glad that I had a little bit of power left. Now that I am finished, I can enjoy the rest of my time here.”

#And while there was a clean sweep by Arizona in the women’s high jump, Tallie Bonds and Alexa Porpaczy Arizona matched the same height of 5-feet, 10 ½ -inches or 1.79m to share the victory with Emma Gates take third with 5-7, 1.70m.

#Bonds said they all have had “so much fun here with their beach day and training” that she “never wants to leave.”

#But she said despite all of the distractions, she performed as best as she could, but she will never “forget this experience. This was one of my best ones, so I’m sure I will be back.”

#Marvin Henfield, who helped organise the meet, called it an “amazingly successful event.”

#While the meet was originally scheduled for 2021 to help bring some economy to Grand Bahama in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, he said he’s glad that they finally got it off the ground two years after the shutdown by COVID- 19. “There’s so much I’ve learnt this weekend,” said Henfield, one of the country’s top basketball trainers. “Track and field is new to me, but there’s so much that I learned in the planning of this event over the past four years.”

#Henfield said they already have 12 verbal commitments for next year with the numbers expecting to double, but he’s not sure if he’s ready to take on that many. He just wants to see where it goes because Grand Bahama pulled out all the stops to make it happen. “If there’s one word I can describe this experience here, it’s ‘hungry.’ The people here are hungry and ready to get back to work and to be gainfully employed. So we’re happy that we were able to bring a little of that to the economy here.”

#Not only did the fans, who showed up in great numbers, get to watch the visiting athletes compete against some of the members of the University of the Bahamas, they also got to see their own local high school athletes in action as many of them are preparing to travel to New Providence this weekend for the joint National High School Championships and final CARIFTA trials.

#• Here’s a look at the top three finishers in the events contested during the meet:

#100m – Camryn Dickson, Texas A&M, 11.81; Neysia Howard, Arizona, 11.96; Mikayla Hayes, Oklahoma, 12.14.

#Women’s 200m – JaylaJa Jamison, South Carolina, 23.28; Jermaisha Arnold, Texas A&M, 23.38; Charokee Young, Unat-Texas A&M, 23.57.

#Women’s 400m – Jania Martin, Texas A&M, 52.56; Jahnile Registre, South Carolina, 53.28; Aallliyah Francis, South Carolina, 53.29.

#800m – Sylvia Chelangat, South Carolina, 2:05.99; Alisa Lyesina, Arizona, 2:06.02; Yazmine Wright, Oklahoma, 2:08.12.

#Women’s 1,500m – Svenja Sommer, South Carolina, 4:35.25; Sailor Hutton, Arizona, 4:36.81; Gabi Barrara, Oklahoma, 4:40.38.

#Women’s 3,000m – Julia Abell, Texas A&M, 9:59.58; Abbey Santoro, Texas A&M, 10:00.23; Grace Plain, Texas A&M, 10:00.41.

#Women’s 100m hurdles – Jaiya Covington, Texas A&M, 13.74; Talle Bonds, Arizona, 13.80; Taylor McKinnon, Vanderbilt, 14.76.

#Women’s 400m hurdles – Ashonti Warner, Oklahoma, 57.38; Daneeshaa Davidson, Oklahoma, 57.91; Elena Kelety, South Carolina, 58.19.

#Women’s 4 x 100m relay – Texas A&M (Jania Martin, Leeah Burr, Camryn Dickson and Jaiya Covington) 44.33; Oklahoma (Kennedy Blackmon, Eva Kubickova, Amanda Obijaku and Mikayla Haynes) 44.50; Arizona (Neysia Howard, Jenica Bosko, Lauryn Ford and Taylen Wise) 44.85.

#Women’s 4 x 400m relay – Texas A&M (Leeah Burr, Sanu Jallow, Kennedy Wade and Joniar Thomas) 3:34.10; Oklahoma (Ashonti Warner, Jenna James, Alyia Green and Jade Arkinson) 3:39.72; Vanderbilt (Nicole Anderson, Taiya Shelby, Kaira Brown and Allyria McBride) 3:54.23.

#Women’s 4 x 800m relay – South Carolina (Elena Kelety, Sylvia Chelangat, Kieley Gayle and Grace Zamrowski) 8:56.91; Vanderbilt (Taiya Shelby, Nicole Anderson, Kaira Brown and Allyria McBride) 9:01.03; Vanderbilt (Lainey Phelps, Julia Rosenberg, Emma Curry and Mackenzie Culpepper) 9:20.15.

#Women’s hammer throw – Ava David, Arizona, 58.83m; Abby Moore, Oklahoma, 57.93m; Geraldine Udo, Oklahoma, 55.53m.

#Women’s javelin throw – Katelyn Fairchild, Texas A&M, 53.40m; Lianna Davidson, Texas A&M, 52.25m; Erin Tack, Texas A&M, 44.86m.

#Women’s shot put – Payden Montana, Oklahoma University, 56-4 (17.17m); Paige Low, Oklahoma University, 53-101/2 (16.42m); Mackenna Orie, Arizona, 52-9 (16.08m).

#Women’s pole vault – Cassidy Bradshaw, Oklahoma, 13-1 ½ (4.60m); Ava Riche, Texas A&M, 12-1 ¾ (3.70m); Heather Abadia, Texas A&M, 12-1 ¾ (3.70m).

#Women’s long jump – Symone Washington, Oklahoma, 20-4 (6.20m); Jenica Bosko, Arizona, 19-11 ¾ (6.09m); Joniar Thomas, Texas A&M, 13-81/2 (6.01m).

#Women’s high jump – Alexa Porpaczy, Aruizona, 5-10 ½ (1.79m); Talie Bonds, Arizona, 5-10 ¾ (1.79mm); Emma Gates, Arizona, 5-7, 1.70m.

#Women’s triple jump –

#Men’s 100m – Anthony Greenhow, South Carolina, 10.66; Trayvion White- Austin, Arizona, 10.67; Demarius Smith, unattached, 10.76.

#Men’s 200m – Zarik Brown, Oklahoma, 21.02; Jordan Chopane, Texas A&M, 21.02; Muzuri Mattar, Oklahoma, 21.05.

#Men’s 400m – Edward Richardson, South Carolina, 47.01; Carl Hicks, Arinoza, 47.14; Isaac Davis, Arinoza, 47.37.

#Men’s 800m – Isaac Barrera, Oklahoma, 1:54.27; Aidan Hatton, South Carolina, 1:54.32; Cade Russo, Arizona, 1:54.76.

#Men’s 1,500m – Rogerio Amaral, South Carolina, 3:54.80; Iker Sanchez Lopez, Arizona, 3:55.15; Cooper Quigley, Arizona, 3:56.97.

#Men’s 3,0000m – Gavin Hoffpauir, Texas A&M, 8:40.49; Cooper Cawthra, 8:40.55; Eric Casarez, Texas A&M, 8:41.38.

#Men’s 110m hurdles – Filip Demsar, South Carolina, 14.15; David Warmington, Oklahoma, 14.73; Zachary Extine, Arizona, 14.77.

#Men’s 400m hurdles – Felipe Medrado, Texas A&M, 58.03.

#Men’s 3,000m steeplechase – Colin Caso, Oklahoma, 9:50.29.

#Men’s 4 x 100m relay – Oklahoma (Josh Bour, Carter Cukerstein, Zarik Brown and Muzuri Martar) 39.40; Arizona (Trayvion White-Austin, Brian Limage, Carl Hicks and James Onanubosi) 39.81; South Carolina (Blair Brooks, Filip Demsar, Emory Floyd and Anthony Greenhow) 40.11.

#Men’s 4 x 400m relay – Texas (Sam Presnal, Cutler Zamzow, Omajuwa Etiwe and Christian Rosales) 3:11.58; South Carolina (Filip Demsar, Anthony Greenhow, Jackson Junkins and Gatlin Lawson) 3:11.58; Arizona (Carl Hicks, Isaacs Davis, Trayvion White- Austin and Lynicc Lopez) 3:13.34.

#Men’s 4 x 800m relay – Texas A&M (Cooper Cawthra, Chandon Chhikara, Gavin Hoffpauir and Victor Zuniga) 7:47.35; South Carolina (Rogerio Amaral, Aidan Hatton, Jack Mensch and William Spencer) 7:53.21.

#Men’s hammer throw – Jordan Geist, Arizona, 73.94m; Ben Ryer, Oklahoma, 59.16m; Alessio Pirruccio, Texas A&M, 54.93m.

#Men’s javelin throw – Sam Hankins, Texas A&M, 70.59; Jared O’Riley, Arizona, 69.15m; Julian Stoicoviclu, Texas A&M, 63.04m.

#Men’s shot put – Bryce Foster, Texas A&M, 62-83/4 (19.12m); Youssef Koudssi, Arizona, 61-113/4 (18.89m); Dylan Targgart, South Carolina, 60-11 (18.57m).

#Men’s discus throw – Youssef Kopudssi, Arizona, (55.18m); Zach Landa, Arizona, (52.56m); Ethan Sanders, Texas A&M, 52.20m.

#Men’s high jump – Carter Bajoit, Texas A&M, 6-11 ½ (2.12m); Kobe Franklin, South Carolina, 6-6 ¾ (2.00m); Jaidyn Brown, University of the Bahamas, 6-0 ¾ (1.85m).

#Men’s long jump – Reinaldo Rodrigues, Arizona, 24-9 ¾ (7.56m); Ricky Smith, Oklahoma, 24-5 (7.44m); Blair Brooks, South Carolina, 23-11 ¾ (7.31m).

#Men’s triple jump –Brandon Green, Oklahoma, 51-6 (15.70m); Blair Brooks, South Carolina, 47-10 1/ 2 (14.59m); Kunle Akinlosolu, Oklahoma, 45-7 ¼ (13.90m).

#Men’s pole vault – Zach Davis, Texas A&M, 15-11 (5.85m); Gregston Connor, Texas A&M, 15-11 (4.85m); Jack Mann II, Texas A&M, 15-5 (4.70m).

#Age Group Division

#Girls 100m – Shatalya Dorsett, 12.57; Phebe Thompon, 13.05; Kianna Henchell, 13.27.

#Boys 100m – Tervon Clarke, 11.43; Michael Riley, 11.44; Aiden Kelly, 11.65.

#Girls 400m – Quincy Penn, 57,33; Shaniyah Addwerkey, 1:00.80; Janiyah Rolle, 1:01.71.

#Boys 400m – Akerman Bowleg, 49.79; Javano Bridhgewater, 50.03; Jayden McGregor, 50.77.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/20/texas-m-aggies-win-island-relays-bahamas/?news

Mississippi head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin reacts after winning against Stanford during the second half of a second-round college basketball game in the women’s NCAA Tournament, Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Josie Lepe)

As of Monday, March 20, 2023

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#By JANIE McCAULEY

#AP Sports Writer

#STANFORD, Calif. (AP) — Sobbing as she received hugs from friends, family and administrators, Mississippi coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin tried to grasp the magnitude of her team’s stunning win against top-seeded Stanford when someone reminded her there’s more basketball to be played.

#Her two young daughters danced for joy on the floor.

#Her proud father provided a shoutout to everybody back home in The Bahamas.

#Her team posed at midcourt and shouted, “Seattle!” That’s where the Rebels are headed next.

#Madison Scott hit a pair of free throws with 23 seconds left that gave Mississippi the lead for good, Angel Baker scored 13 points, and the Rebels delivered on their declaration to get defensive, stunning top-seeded Stanford 54-49 on Sunday night to reach the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 for the first time in 16 years.

#“First of all just incredibly grateful. I have a lot of mentors in my life and one of my mentors would always say to me that the person with the experience is at the mercy of the one with the anointing,” the 40-year-old McPhee-McCuin said in reference to Hall of Famer and winningest women’s coach Tara VanDerveer. “He spoke that over my life maybe 10 years ago. And so to be in this situation right now, to take down an historical program like Stanford, a coach and a woman that I admire I have watched is incredible.”

Mississippi head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin gets emotional with her dad Gladstone McPhee, right, after winning against Stanford. (AP Photo/Josie Lepe)

#Behind the entire game and never with a lead, Stanford called timeout with 28 seconds left then Hannah Jump turned the ball over and Scott converted. Haley Jones lost the ball out of bounds on the Cardinal’s last possession with a chance to tie then again in the waning moments.

#Marquesha Davis hit a pair of free throws with 15.4 seconds to play as Ole Miss overcame not making a field goal over the final 5:47, going 0 for 8.

#“This is such a big accomplishment. A lot of us came here to make history and that’s what we’re doing,” freshman Ayanna Thompson said.

#These upstart Rebels (25-8) advance to the Seattle Regional semifinal next weekend, while VanDerveer’s Stanford team (29-6) is eliminated far earlier than this group envisioned — the season ending on the Cardinal’s home floor. Jones fought tears after her final game, finishing with 16 points and eight rebounds but five turnovers.

#“Some of the things we did were self-inflicted. The turnovers really hurt us,” VanDerveer said. “They’re really a tough team, they’re a lot better than (No.) 8 teams we’ve played before. Sometimes you don’t have a really good matchup.”

#Only four No. 1 seeds had lost before the Sweet 16 since 1994, with Duke the last one in 2009. Stanford did so once before, falling to 16th-seeded Harvard in the first round of the 1998 tournament.

#The Cardinal had reached 14 straight Sweet 16s and hadn’t lost in the first or second rounds since No. 10 seed Florida State shocked the fifth-seeded Cardinal 68-61 at Maples Pavilion in the second round exactly 16 years ago to the day before on March 19, 2007.

Mississippi forward Madison Scott, right, takes a shot to score against Stanford guard Haley Jones (30) during the second half of a second-round college basketball game in the women’s NCAA Tournament, Sunday. (AP Photo/Josie Lepe)

#Cameron Brink came back from a one-game absence because of a stomach bug to finish with 20 points, 13 rebounds and seven blocked shots, but Stanford never led and tried to come from behind all night. The program’s career blocks leader, the junior star finished with 118 on the season and has 297 total.

#“Cam wasn’t 100% today but I thought she really battled,” VanDerveer said.

#Stanford had won 21 consecutive NCAA games on its home floor and is 41-5 all-time at Maples during March Madness.

#Ole Miss led the entire first half on the way to a 29-20 advantage at the break at raucous Maples Pavilion, where the crowd went wild when Brink blocked three straight shots in the same sequence by Rita Igbokwe midway through the second quarter. About two minutes later, Igbokwe grabbed at her mouth after being hit.

#The Rebels got a scare when senior guard Myah Taylor went down hard grabbing at her chest with 6:41 left in the third after colliding with Francesca Belibi while moving to defend Indya Nivar. After a short break to catch her breath, Taylor was back running the point.

#The Rebels declared from Day 1 arriving in the Bay Area they were ready to play their tenacious defense to make a mark on the NCAA Tournament. Stanford’s layups regularly rolled out. The Cardinal got called for repeated offensive fouls. They made mistakes when it mattered most.

#“It brought tears to my eyes,” said Gladstone McPhee, coach McPhee-McCuin’s father. “It’s beautiful. This is what you wait for.”

#BIG PICTURE Ole Miss: Parents Gladstone and Daisy cheered on fifth-year coach McPhee-McCuin as her team reached the second round after last year’s first-round exit by South Dakota. Her daughters, 10-year-old Yasmine and Yuri, 5, rooted the team all the way, with Yasmine yelling, “That’s my mom!” when Ole Miss came out before tipoff. … The Rebels advanced to the Elite Eight in 2007. After grabbing 24 offensive rebounds in the win against Gonzaga, the Rebels crashed the boards again to create second chances with 20 more.

#Stanford: The Cardinal also never led in the first half of 55-46 loss at USC on Jan. 15. … They had a 14-game home winning streak since a 76-71 overtime loss to No. 1 South Carolina on Nov. 20. … VanDerveer announced Jump plans to return for another year of eligibility. Jones will turn pro and Belibi has been accepted into a program at Harvard.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/20/yolett-mcphee-mccuin-and-rebels-stun-stanford-reac/?news

STUDENTS are flanked by Ministry of Education and Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture officials along with Bahamas Golf Federation executives.

As of Tuesday, March 21, 2023

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ACTING Director of Sports Kelsie Johnson-Sills speaks as Zane Lightbourne, Gina Gonzalez-Rolle and Georgette Rolle-Harris look on. Photos: Jevone Williams

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#AFTER hosting two successful events in 2021 and 2022, the Bahamas Golf Federation’s Junior Golf Association is eager to put on the third edition of the Inter-School National Golf Championships.

#This year’s event is scheduled for April 17-21 at the BGF’s 9-hole Driving Range at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex and is expected to be staged in eight different categories, ranging from the lower and upper primary schools and junior and senior high schools for boys and girls.

#In a joint announcement yesterday in the foyer of the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the Ministry of Education joined the BGF and the Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy in releasing details for the event, which was accepted into the Ministry’s curriculum in the fall of 2020.

#Acting Director of Sports Kelsie Johnson-Sills, representing the Minister of Sports Mario Bowleg, said they are partnering with the Ministry of Education, to provide another sporting discipline for the young people of the nation to be exposed to.

#“The sport of golf teaches you discipline. The sport of golf teaches you how to be focused and honest as a player,” Johnson-Sills said.

TYLER Rolle speaks as Anthony Hinsey, Zane Lightbourne and Gina Gonzalez-Rolle look on.

#“The game is in your hands. It’s not a team shot, so every shot counts. Everything that you do is scored for you.”

#Through the sport, Johnson-Sills said the Bahamas could see its first Tiger Woods, so she encourages the young players to go out and do their best.

#One of the youngsters present was Tyler Rolle, a seven-year-old student from Nassau Christian Academy. He thanked everybody for making it possible for them to participate in the tournament.

#As a former junior golf player, pro volleyball player Byron Ferguson, the liaison officer for golf in the Ministry of Sports, said the sport has helped him in many ways to develop discipline and just to be focused.

#“I want to encourage the parents to stick with golf because it can open many doors for their children,” he said. “It’s a sport that keeps you focused.”

#Zane Lightbourne, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, congratulated the Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy and the BGF for providing the collaboration of the ministries for making the tournament available for the players to fulfil their dreams of becoming the next Tiger Woods.

#“We know that golf is identified as an individual sport but it teaches a person so much and there are so many opportunities that are available in the sport of golf,” said Lightbourne, who noted that he too enjoys playing the game.

#“We all know the name Tiger Woods and we know that when you aspire to be great, you always aspire to follow the greatest in the sport. So we encourage you to go out and be the best you can be.”

#Lightbourne, an advert basketball player, said the physical education teachers in their schools now have to learn the sport so that they can teach it to their students because it’s now a part of their curriculum and it’s an event that is on the calendar.

#Gina Gonzalez-Rolle took the opportunity to interview Aiyanna Hernandez, an 11-year-old student of the defending champions Eva Hilton Primary School.

#“I started golf when I was in grade four,” said Hernandez, one of the top performers last year. “Golf is an amazing game. It helps me a lot in school. It actually helps me to bring up my grades in school.”

#Gonzalez-Rolle said they are eager to watch the growth and development of so many young players who participated in the sport.

#“So many dreams have become a reality and really it’s just the beginning,” said Gonzalez-Rolle, who was able to assist a single parent mother in securing a golf scholarship to a division one Ivy League school for her daughter.

#Gonzalez-Rolle noted that all of their students who have received scholarships are not just excelling on the golf course, but they are doing extremely well in the classroom.

#“I put it to you that the Bahamas has been put on the map through track and field, swimming, baseball and basketball, but give us three years to the most and you will see our Tiger Rolles or Renee Sands,” she stated.

#Not only has the sport attracted students from the public and private schools, they are on the golf course competing against each other in fierce competition as golf is now a part of the school curriculum, and it will be one of the disciplines featured in the Bahamas Games this summer.

#She thanked the two ministries, the BGF, the Junior Golf Association, Georgette Rolle-Harris and Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy, the parents, the sponsors – Lightbourne Trading with M&Ms and Mars bars, R&A, Aquapure and the Baha Mar Foundation – and the media for all of the contributions they have made to the success of the tournament.

#Rolle-Harris, the tournament director, said each team will be allowed to field a minimum of three players with a maximum of five players, although only the best three schools will count.

#And the school which does not have three players, according to Rolle- Harris, can enter their players as individuals, who will be eligible to compete for the top prizes. The top teams and the top individuals, who are not already a part of the team, make it to the finals.

#“As we grow, we are increasing the numbers. In the first year, there weren’t many teams so we allowed up to 18 players per division,” Rolle-Harris said.

#“The second year, we increased to the top four teams in some cases and the top five individuals not a part of a team.

#“I believe that this year, due to the interest, we will increase to the top five teams and top 11 individuals not already a part of a team. The maximum players per division making it to the finals will be 36.”

#Rolle-Harris, however, said while they have started at the Driving Range, they hope that eventually they can take the tournament to one of the major golf courses where the competition will be intensified.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/21/inter-school-national-golf-championships-april-17-/?news

MICHAEL Major Jr signs his letter of intent as his parents Michael Sr and Bernadette Major look on.

As of Tuesday, March 21, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#AS he prepares to complete his high school education at Windsor High School, Michael Major Jr is now looking forward to making the transition to college.

#Major Jr, one of the country’s most promising junior athletes, has officially signed his letter of intent to further his education at Howard University where he will be playing for the Bison men’s tennis team, coached by Nicholas Askew.

#Major Jr, who represented the Bahamas on a number of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s junior national tennis teams with the latest being the Jr Davis Cup in 2022, said he’s excited about being accepted to the division one college in Washington DC.

#“I think this is very good for me and my family, my coaches and even my team-mates and friends at school to see all of the hard work that I’ve put into finally paying off for me,” Major Jr said. “It’s really a surreal feeling for me.”

#Major Jr, who will be leaving school a year earlier at age 16 because of his strong academic achievement at Windsor High School, said he decided to go to Howard after he met the coaches and the players on the team.

#“Howard has a rich history and I can learn a lot about the black history, so it just felt like a homely environment for me,” Major Jr said. “I felt like I’m already a part of the team when I visited them. I felt like this was the place that I want to be.”

#According to Major Jr, the Bison has not given him an expectation for him when he comes in August. But he said he told them that it’s his goal to help Howard win the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championships in his freshman year.

#“I will continue to stay focused, trust my coaches and remain humble,” said Major Jr in his final months before he graduates in June. “I want to continue doing what I’ve been doing, but I want to do it at 100 percent and not let up.

#“I’m coming out a year early because of my academics, but I know I will be prepared for the task ahead of me.

#“I just want to thank my parents (Michael Sr and Bernadette Major) and all of my coaches at Windsor and Albany and in the BLTA for helping me to get to this point. I promise to make you all proud when I head off to school.”

#Richele LeSaldo, the director of the Tennis Academy at Albany, said she had the opportunity to coach Major Jr for the past two years and based on his achievement, they are all excited about his future developments on the collegiate scene.

#“MJ came into the academy as one of our scholarship players. I really wanted him in the academy, but in my first year here, I didn’t have all of the financial requirements to get him in,” she said. “As soon as we got the funding, I got him in.

#“It’s been an incredible three years. He epitomizes what a student-athlete is and should be. His work ethic is amazing. He is a true ambassador for the academy the way he carries himself on and off the court and out in the community.”

#LeSaldo, who has afforded scholarships to a number of Bahamians at Windsor High School through the Albany Tennis Academy, congratulated his parents for the morals they instilled in their son.

#“On a day when he’s off, he’s not feeling well, but he still goes out and gives it his best shot,” she added. “He makes it so easy as an athlete to coach. It’s been a pleasure to be a part of this journey with this incredible athlete, who is wrapping up his education one year early than most students.

#“Howard is the perfect match for him, so I’m just happy for him. It’s just the beginning of the next step for him. I know he will strive academically and continue to pursue his dream of becoming a professional tennis player.”

#LeSaldo feels Major Jr could become the Bahamas’ next big talent in the sport.

#Over the past two years while he spent a lot of time training in the Bahamas at Albany, Canadian tennis player Milos Raonic said he and Major Jr have been hitting partners after he shared time with Jacobi Bain before he left for school. “He’s been able to help me in my workouts in the mornings before he goes to school and whenever we could after school,” said Raonic, who started their relationship in 2020. “He’s a very good kid. He plays a very good tennis and so I’m pleased that we get to hit together.”

#As Major Jr gets ready for college, Milos said he feels he will be ready for the next step in his career.

#“I think everything is coming together for him as a college tennis player,” he said. “He is a very good tennis player, but when he heads to college and he has to practice and play every weekend, he will definitely take his game to the next level.

#“When you are on an island like this and you are one of the best players, you don’t always reach your full potential. But now he will compete every Friday and Saturday to play tennis and I think that will help his game to come together.”

#Playing against players who are 20-21 years old will also help to push Major Jr’s game even further, according to Milos, who hopes to get his season started on the grass circuit in a few months.

#Raonic was ranked in 2016 as the number three player in singles by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). He is also the first Canadian male player in the Open Era to reach the Australian Open semifinals, the French Open quarterfinals and Wimbledon final. He has won a total of eight ATP Tour titles.

#Major Jr’s father Major Sr thanked LeSaldo and Raonic, along with a number of persons who assisted in some way in their son’s development over the years.

#“Special thank you to Esper and Linda Major, MJ’s grandparents; Mark and Vickie Knowles; coaches Richele and Glen; Bommer George; Hugo Bethel, Cassie Smith, Kaylana, Lale, Smiley, BLTA, Ricardo, Greg Clarke, Gowen Bowe, Donald Archer, Nicholas Rees, Island Luck, Asure Win, Dominic, Citi Bank staff, Marvin Rolle, Switcha Bahamas, coaches at Albany, Oneal.

#“Teachers at Windsor and St John’s, Tia, staff at the Atlantis resort and Baha Mar, KJ and PJ Major, the McPhee family, Danny Rigby, coach Bain and family and Members of Parliament Leroy Major and Frankie Campbell,” Major Sr said.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/21/rising-tennis-star-major-jr-signs-athletic-scholar/?news

As of Tuesday, March 21, 2023

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#THE Bahamas Football Association (BFA) proudly announces the upcoming Concacaf Nations League match, scheduled for 4pm March 24 at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium.

#Soccer fans across the nation eagerly anticipate the thrilling showdown between the men’s national soccer team and Trinidad & Tobago. “This match is an excellent opportunity for our talented players to showcase their skills on the international stage, and we are excited to bring this incredible event to the Bahamian soccer community,” said Carl Lynch, BFA deputy general secretary.

#“We encourage everyone to come out, support our national team, and be a part of this unforgettable experience.”

#The Concacaf Nations League unites national teams from North America, Central America and the Caribbean in a competitive league structure, fostering regional rivalries and offering teams the chance to improve their global FIFA ranking.

#The men’s national soccer team, featuring prominent players such as goalkeepers Ian Lowe, Michael Butler, and Vance Wheaton; defenders Troy Pinder, Lesly St. Fleur, Miguel Thompson, Phieron Wilson, Quinton Carey, Roen Davis, Elijah Mitchell & Ian Harris; midfielders Michael Massey, Deron Ferguson, Omari Bain, Christopher Rahming, Reuben Edgecombe, William Bayles, Marcel Joseph, and Nicolas Lopez; and forwards Jordin Wilson, Wood Julmis, and Nahum Johnson, are set to make a mark in this highly anticipated event.

#The team is supported by a dedicated coaching staff, including head coach Nesley Jean, assistant head coach Kevin Davies, goalkeeper coach Avery Kemp, manager Larry Minns, equipment manager Steven Sorilien and team physician Sandeep Goud.

#Ticket prices have been set to ensure accessibility for all fans.

#VIP tickets are priced at $25, Adults General Admission tickets cost $15, and Kids under 12 can attend the match for just $7. Fans can purchase their tickets online at bahamasfa.net, or visit the NSA office at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium Western Grandstand starting Monday, March 20 until Match Day.

#The BFA invites soccer enthusiasts and proud Bahamians alike to come out and support the men’s national soccer team in this vital international match.

#The event promises to deliver an exhilarating experience, a unique opportunity to unite as a nation, and showcase the Bahamian soccer talent on a global platform.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/21/concacaf-nations-league-bahamas-vs-trinidad-march-/?news

McPhee-McCuin and Ole Miss Rebels stun Stanford, reach first Sweet 16 in 16 years

MISSISSIPPI head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin gets emotional with her dad Gladstone McPhee, right, after winning against Stanford during the second half of a second-round college basketball game in the women’s NCAA Tournament on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Stanford, California. (AP Photo/Josie Lepe)

As of Tuesday, March 21, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#Coach Yolett ‘Yo’ McPhee-McCuin and her University of Mississippi Lady Rebels are now into the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Sweet 16 of the women’s national basketball tournament for the first time in 16 years.

Mississippi head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin reacts after winning against Stanford during the second half of a second-round college basketball game in the women’s NCAA Tournament, Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Josie Lepe)

#Grand Bahama native McPhee-McCuin and her Lady Rebels booked their ticket to the NCAA Regionals in Seattle, Washington, this weekend as they pulled off a 54-49 win over the three-time national champions and number one seed Stanford Cardinal on Sunday night at Stanford’s Maples Pavilion.

#“Everyone, especially on social media say, ‘Yo can’t win the big one,’ so for our team to do this, I’m full of gratitude,” stated McPhee- McCuin, a product of her father, legendary men’s national team basketball coach and Catholic High Crusaders’ famed coach Gladstone ‘Moon’ McPhee and her principal mother Daisy McPhee, who were both in attendance.

DAISY MCPHEE, left, mother of Mississippi head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, and daughter Yasmine McCuin, right, react after Mississippi won at the end of the second half of a second-round college basketball game in the women’s NCAA Tournament on Sunday. (AP Photos/Josie Lepe)

#“This is for the people with a dollar and a dream. I’m a little girl from The Bahamas that was given an opportunity. I wasn’t Ole Miss’ first choice, but I was the right one. I wasn’t naïve to think that I could do it and that’s what no ceilings mean, that there’s no limit. So I’m just really proud to be the head coach here.”

#The Rebels, 25-8, now await the winner of the match-up on Monday night between No.4 seed Texas and No.5 seed Louisiana, but McPhee-McCuin said it doesn’t matter. They are packed and heading to the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, starting on Friday.

#“I love Seattle,” an emotional 40-year-old McPhee-McCuin stressed. It was the first time since 2009 that a No.1 seed failed to reach the Sweet 16 in the women’s NCAA Tournament. The Cardinal, 29-6, had not been eliminated in the second round since 2007. The 2021 national champion made 14 consecutive appearances in the Sweet 16 for the third best mark of all-time behind the University of Connecticut Huskies and the Tennessee Volunteers, who did it 28 and 27 times respectively.

MISSISSIPPI head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin kisses her daughter, Yasmine, after winning against Stanford after the second half of a second-round college basketball game in the women’s NCAA Tournament, Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Stanford, California.

#For Ole Miss, it was the first appearance for the Rebels in the Sweet 16 since 2007.

#For McPhee-McCuin, now in her fifth year after making the trek from Jacksonville University where she began herhead-coaching sting from 2013-2018 (following stints as an assistant at Frank Phillips College, Arkansas – Pine Bluff, University of Portland, and Clemson), the Sweet 16 appearance couldn’t come at a better time.

#“Everyone had a dream coming up,” said McPhee- McCuin, who graduated from Catholic High in 2000 and went on to play as a point guard for Miami- Dade Community College from 2000-2002 and the University of Rhode Island’s Rams from 2002- 2004, finishing with a BA in business management.

#“I’m a dreamer, and I try to be a dream merchant for my players. But how cool is it to take down someone that you admired (in Stanford’s coach Tara VanDerveer). Like, that was pretty freaking cool. So I’ll never forget this.”

#The Lady Rebels, whose entire team started their season with their first trip to The Bahamas to participate in a pre-season tournament at Baha Mar in November, has had another high point to reflect on this past season.

#Last month, Ole Miss had an impressive run against national champions South Carolina in a Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular match-up, taking the undefeated Gamecocks to overtime in a nine-point loss.

#But against the Cardinal, the Lady Rebels led from start to finish, opening as much as a 13-point lead in the third quarter with three players leading the Lady Rebels in double digits. Angel Baker had 13, Marquesha Davis 12 and Rita Igbokwe added 11.

#The difference in the outcome of the game, according to McPhee-McCuin, was what wins games – defence.

#”We knew that Stanford’s size and length would be a little problematic for us, but we also knew we could defend,” she summed up.

#Cameron Brink, who missed the Cardinal opening game in the tournament due to a stomach bug, had a game high 20 points, 13 rebounds and seven block shots, but it wasn’t enough for Stanford to stay alive.

#“People tried, but it was a struggle,” said Stanford’s coach VanDerveer, the Hall of Famer and winningest women’s coach.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/21/mcphee-mccuin-and-ole-miss-rebels-stun-stanford-re/?news

 Home|Sports|Team Bahamas set to host Trinidad and TobagoSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailMarch 20, 2023 288 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The Bahamas senior men’s national soccer team has been preparing for its final window of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Nations League B Group C action. They will kick off that window with a key match against Trinidad and Tobago at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium this Friday at 4 p.m.

The Nassau Guardian caught up with the team during one of its practice sessions at the Roscow A.L. Davies Soccer Field, as overseas players flew in to join the local players.

Head Coach for The Bahamas Nesly Jean said that he and his coaching staff, that includes Kevin Davies and Avery Kemp, have been looking at the new players over the past few weeks, integrating them into the team’s sessions.

“We had some friendly games against Turks and Caicos, so it was good to look at them. We were able to look at the team and see how far we are, and how far we are with the new guys,” Jean said.

Veteran ‘Swiss Knife’ Lesly St. Fleur returns to the team and looks to guide the young squad into this next window.

“Playing with the young guys is a pleasure – to do so with my experience and to give my knowledge to them about the game is something that I welcome. They are the future. It’s going to be an exciting game (against Trinidad and Tobago), knowing that we drew 0-0 with them the last time we played here. They have something to prove so they are coming to play hard, and we will be ready for the task ahead,” St. Fleur said.

St. Fleur has scored the lone goal for The Bahamas in Group C play.

The overseas players are in the country and Jean is anticipating them and the local players getting on the same page.

“I am looking forward to seeing these players come in and perform well,” Jean said. “I want to see them step up to the level that they have been playing overseas and bring up the local guys to the same level. Once everyone is on the same page, I think we will do well.”

One of those overseas players, Christopher Rahming, came in last week. The towering midfielder said he is anticipating that they will do well.

“We have to win these games to stay in League B. I am hoping we get control of the game early on Friday, ensure that everyone get a touch on the ball early and build up confidence. That is one thing that we didn’t do during the Trinidad game the last time, where it seems we were afraid to pass the ball. That is the main focus for me,” Rahming said.

The Bahamas sits in third place in the group with a 1-3 win/loss record and three points. Trinidad and Tobago are in second place with a 3-1 record and nine points. In its second game in this window, The Bahamas will head to St. Vincent and the Grenadines to play that nation. St. Vincent and the Grenadines sport a 0-1-3 win/draw/loss record and have one point. They sit in fourth place in the group. The Bahamas’ only win in the group came against St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a 1-0 victory.

The Bahamas is hoping to get a spot in the CONCACAF Gold Cup qualification tournament this summer. They will need to win both matches and get some help from Nicaragua for a chance to play in that tournament.

“Some of these guys felt Gold Cup for the first time a few years back,” Jean said. “They are excited about the games coming up. I think we have a chance as well looking at the points in our group. I feel like if we make that step and work hard and give everything on the field these two games, we will have a chance to go through to the Gold Cup.”

Jean said that it is good to see that The Bahamas can compete with teams like Trinidad and Tobago.

“Most of the players from Trinidad and Tobago play at a high level professionally,” Jean said. “It only encourages us in that we have made a step forward as we can compete in the region. We have analyzed their videos and watched their games for the past few years and see how we can try and go through their lines and score some goals. We don’t want to sit back because we feel that we can compete and play with them.”

The 22-man roaster will officially be named today.

https://thenassauguardian.com/team-bahamas-set-to-host-trinidad-and-tobago/

 Home|Sports|Let the madness begin!Sports

Let the madness begin!

Sheldon LongleySend an emailMarch 20, 2023 239 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Bahamian Bryan Clarke and the University of Houston Cougars are rolling right along in the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division I (DI) Men’s Basketball Tournament, reaching the Sweet 16 over the weekend at the Legacy Arena inside the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex in Birmingham, Alabama.

Listed as the number one seed in the Midwest Region, the Cougars had their share of struggles in both rounds so far, but turned it up when they needed to, to win two games and book their ticket into the Sweet 16.

Clarke, a former standout athlete at St. John’s College and Texas Southern University (TSU), sits on the Cougars’ bench as the sports performance assistant coach.

On Thursday, the Cougars took down the number 16 seeded Northern Kentucky Norse, 63-52, pulling away in the second half for the double digit win. The game was close throughout the first half, and after the upset-minded Norse pulled even at 34 early in the second, the Cougars went on a 19-9 scoring run to open their first double digit lead of the game and they never looked back. The Norse got to within five at 55-50, but the Cougars sensed the danger and closed the game on an 8-2 run.

As expected, the Cougars faced an even tougher task in the second round, having to battle back from a 10-point halftime deficit against the Auburn Tigers. They more than doubled up the Tigers in the second half, 50-23, to win comfortably, 81-64. The Cougars trailed 41-31 at the half, but scored five quick points at the start of the second half to trim the deficit in half.

They took their first lead since the 5:33 mark of the first half on a three-point shot from Marcus Sasser with 12:57 left to go in the game. Houston took the lead for good on two free shots from Jamal Shead with 9:32 left in the game, going up 52-50. They outscored the Tigers 29-14 the rest of the way.

The Cougars are into the Sweet 16 for the 14th time in program history and are trying to reach the Final Four for a third consecutive season. If they make it through their next two opponents, the Cougars will play in the Final Four at home in Houston, Texas.

They earned their number one seed in the Midwest Region after one of their best seasons in program history, posting a 31-3 overall win/loss record and capturing a third straight American Athletic Conference regular-season title, and fourth in the last five years. They will take on either the Miami Hurricanes or the Indiana Hoosiers in their Sweet 16 game next weekend. The Hurricanes led that game, 40-35, at the half, up to press time, last night.

Fredrick King and the Creighton University Bluejays took out the North Carolina State University Wolfpack, 72-63, in their first round game at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, on Friday.

King, a 6’10” post player weighing 234 pounds, experienced just two minutes on the floor in that game and finished with just one rebound on the statistics sheet. He and the Bluejays took on the third-seeded Baylor Bears in the round of 32 last night, and came out on top, 85-76, advancing to the Sweet 16 for the second time in three years.

King again finished with a rebound. For the season, he is averaging 3.6 points and 2.5 rebounds in 8.9 minutes per game. He is shooting 60.5 percent from the floor. His season-high in points and rebounds are 16 points against Marquette back in December and 11 rebounds against Arizona State, also in December. He also had five blocks in that game against Arizona State.

King, who hails from Andros, is looking for more playing time as the tournament progresses. The Bluejays are coming off a third-place finish in the Big East Conference and are listed as the sixth seed in the South Region of the NCAA Tournament. King and the Bluejays will take on the ‘Cinderella’ team of the tournament so far, the 15th seeded Princeton Tigers, in their Sweet 16 game on Friday. That game will be played at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky.

On the women’s side, Bahamian head coach of the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) Lady Rebels women’s basketball program Yolett McPhee-McCuin and her team experienced action in the round of 32 last night, but the result of their game was unavailable up to press time.

In their opening game, they relied heavily on their defense, taking out the ninth seeded Gonzaga University Bulldogs, 71-48, inside the Maples Pavilion in Stanford, California. The Lady Rebels led by as much as 28 points in the game, winning comfortably on Friday night.

They were scheduled to take on the number one seeded Stanford Cardinal last night, but the result of that game was unavailable up to press time. The winner of that game advances to the Sweet 16. The Rebels earned an at-large bid for the tournament and are listed as the eighth seed in Seattle 4 Region.

McPhee-McCuin is making her second trip to the NCAA DI women’s tournament as the head coach of the Rebels. They advanced to the semifinals of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Tournament for the past two years and were 11-5 in conference play this year. They finished with an overall record of 23-8. It is the second consecutive season in which they have won 20-plus games and 10-plus in the SEC.

March Madness continues with the Sweet 16 in both the men and the women next weekend.

https://thenassauguardian.com/let-the-madness-begin/

 Home|Sports|BAARK! Powerade Potcakeman Triathlon deemed a successSports

Sheldon LongleySend an emailMarch 21, 2023 257 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

BAARK!, Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness, completed its 10th annual Powerade Potcakeman Triathlon on Sunday March 5, and it was a resounding success.

Launy Duncombe, of Freeport, Grand Bahama, a CARIFTA triathlon team member, emerged as the overall male winner with a time of 1:04:38. He was followed closely by Jorge Marcos with a time of 1:04:57, and rounding out the top three finishers was Simone Bertoldo, last year’s winner, with a time of 1:06:44.

In the female category, the overall winner was Kami Roach, also a CARIFTA triathlon team member. She clocked the winning time of 1:12:30. Sylvia Bateman, of Freeport, Grand Bahama, an assistant coach for the last CARIFTA Triathlon’s team, finished second in 1:13:25, and Suzy Eneas, last year’s winner, rounded off the top three finishers with a time of 1:13:39.

The sprint relays, which are always a crowd favorite, didn’t disappoint this year. The overall winner of the male sprint relay was the ‘East Side Eagles’, consisting of Justin Higgs, Giles Sawyer and Geren Albury. They finished in 1:07:24. ‘Tri’ing Hard’ with Ragh and Ragil Cordova as team members, clocked 1:11:08 to finish second.

In the mixed sprint relay, ‘St. Andrew’s School’ with Giada Bertoldo, Gordon McKenzie and Robert Holcombe as team members, were victorious with a time of 1:03:15. ‘Slow Down for What’, featuring Cameron Roach, Felix Neely and LeiLei Lightbourne, finished second with a time of 1:05:42. Rounding off the top three finishers was ‘Session Box’ with Maggie Shehan, John Mollen and Amanda Darville as team members. They finished in 1:12:48.

SunCash, a bronze sponsor, provided gift cards to the overall winners.

In the Male (16-19) category, Enea Gervasini was first in 1:09:17, Barron Musgrove finished second in 1:12:49 and Jason Cates finished third in 1:13:24. In the Female (16-19) category, Erin Pritchard won in 1:14:44. In the Male (20-29) division, Justin Higgs won in 1:13:27, Michael Holowesko was second in 1:16:23 and Kohen Kerr finished third in 1:29:01. In the Female (20-29) category, Arianne Evans won in 1:32:30.

In the Male (30-39) division, Daniel Freire won in 1:13:31, Peter Wagner was second in 1:15:31 and Ferhat Sen finished third in 1:29:11. In the Female (30-39) category, Wima Stefanutti was first in 1:23:57 and Britt Christensen finished second in 1:29:31. In the Male (40-49) division, Cameron Roach won in 1:07:52, Andrew Ratcliffe was second in 1:10:17 and Daniel Belton finished third in 1:11:41. In the Female (40-49) category, Ilaria Gervasini won in 1:21:16 and Samantha Cartwright was second in 1:35:57.

In the Male (50-59) division, Simon Townend won in 1:11:15, Sean Farrington was second in 1:11:35 and Edward Bethel came in third in 1:15:51. In the Female (50-59) category, Sarah Farrington prevailed in 1:33:55. In the Male (60-69) division, Gerald Wathen won in 1:24:02, and in the Male (70-plus) division, Ulrich Filser won in 1:32:36.

In the Puppy Category (Boys 8-and-Under), Caiden Bain won in 6:48, Alan Gervasini was second in 8:04 and Kai Weightman finished third in 8:37. In the Puppy Category (Boys 9-10), Stafford Sweeting won in 6:46, Fraser Menzies finished second in 6:55 and Lyall Menzies was third in 7:39. In the Puppy Category (Girls 9-10), Hailey Cunningham won in 10:19.

In the Juniors (Boys 11-12), Sibby Fynn Potter won in 22:56, Lauchlan Menzies finished second in 22:59 and Kendrick Cargill was third in 34:48. In the Juniors (Girls 11-12), Nai’a Belton won in 25:26 and Veranique Strachan finished second in 27:37. In the Juniors (Boys 13-15), Malcolm Menzies won in 34:12, Ayden Bain finished second in 37:06 and Jayden Smith came in third in 42:47. In the Juniors (Girls 13-15), Taylor Knowles was first in 50:14 and Chelsea Smith came in second in 59:34.

Official times for all participants can be found on the website https://www.raceprompt.com/the-potcakeman-triathlon-2023/. The event was sanctioned by the Bahamas Triathlon Association and is a qualifier for the CARIFTA Triathlon in August.

The triathlon features a 750-meters swim, a 12-mile bike ride and a five kilometer run. The triathlon is a family-fun event that has grown over the last 10 years, attracting participants from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Panama and the United Kingdom. This year’s race attracted a participant from Finland.

The triathlon had Powerade as a title sponsor, JS Johnson, Purina, FX Pro, Think Simple and Dunkin’ Donuts as gold sponsors, Albany, Modernistic Garden and Pet Supplies, Freak Show and Tito’s Vodka/Jimmy’s Wines and Spirits as silver sponsors, and Panama Jack, Odyssey Aviation, FYP, Ports International, Callendars & Co., Caves Village Vet, Terrain Landscape Architects and SunCash as bronze sponsors.

Special thanks is extended to the race crew, swim cap and race bag sponsors Damianos Sotheby’s, The Shoe Village and Think Simple, the Junior/Puppy Aquathon sponsor Dunkin’ Donuts; the event providers Bahamas Waste, the Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA), Dasani, the Nassau Rowing Club, Polar Ice, Bahamas Red Cross, Rotary Club of East Nassau, Graham Real Estate, Windermere Salon and Spa, The Pets Kitchena and the Lyford Cay International School, and raffle donors Custom Computers, Cycles Unlimited, Powerboat Adventures, SunBum, the Ocean Club, The Shoe Village, Bon Vivants, Windermere Salon and Spa, Panama Jack and the Baha Mar Resort Foundation.

Funds raised from the Powerade Potcakeman Triathlon will go to support the operational costs of BAARK!

In 2022, BAARK! completed approximately 4,500 spay and neuters; its goal is to perform between 5,000-7,000 spay and neuter surgeries annually. The five-year goal is a minimal number of unwanted dogs and cats, resulting in safer and cleaner communities.

BAARK! was founded in 2009 with the mission to carry out spay/neuter and education projects to reduce the homeless dog and cat population and end the unnecessary suffering of dogs and cats in The Bahamas.

https://thenassauguardian.com/baark-powerade-potcakeman-triathlon-deemed-a-success/