Warren Weir (left) and Ramone McKenzie will feature on Calabar High School's 4x100 m team, which is expected to star at Gibson Relays today. (More on Gibson Relays on B4 & 5.) - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer
The island's top schools are expected to test their readiness for Boys' and Girls' Champs at today's Gibson Relays at the National Stadium, starting at 9:30 a.m.
The battle for top honours for the boys is expected to come from among Calabar, Kingston College (KC), Jamaica College (JC) and Wolmer's
Several other teams, including the Usain Bolt-led Racers Track Club and MVP, which will be without their top stars, should add some more excitement to the all-day activity.
The spotlight
However, although Bolt, the Beijing Olympic Games hero, will be on show, much attention will be on the boys from Red Hills Road and North Street, and the girls from Christiana and Frankfield.
On the boys' side, Calabar look untouchable in the Class One sprint relay in what appears a race against the clock.
The team of Ramone McKenzie, Warren Weir, Oshane Bailey and Earl Lee should go well below 40 seconds.
St George's College, it is said, should be the closest to them, but KC cannot be counted out.
KC, however, should close the event in style as their team of Keiron Stewart, André Peart, Rolando Berch and Akino Ming look unstoppable in the 4x400m.
In the Class Two sprint relay, St Jago, Wolmer's and JC should be in the mix while Wolmer's, KC and Calabar are the top teams in Class Three.
Calabar's coach, Michael Clarke ,said this meet is "to see where we are in terms of our technical preparations" for Champs.
"I think our strongest area is the Class One 4x100m. The other classes will be competitive," said Clarke.
On the girls' side, Christiana-based Holmwood, Edwin Allen, Manchester and Vere are expected to face stiffer competition from American teams.
Holmwood, despite not boasting a high-profile team as in recent years, should be in the mix for the Class Two and Four 4x100m, along with the 4x800m open. Chris-Ann Gordon, in her first year in Class Three, is one to watch.
The school's head coach, Maurice Wilson, said in comparison to other Gibson Relays, the team is not fully prepared.
"I don't expect the team to be as sharp as it should be," he said.
High expectations
Two All-American High School girls' teams are expected to compete strongly in the 4x400m and 4x800m relays.
Shawn Phillips, coach of the team, which is organised by Team Jamaica Bickle's (TJB) chairman, Irwine Clare, said: "We are looking to take the double based on the team we have.
"We have girls ranging from 2:04-2:10 and 53 seconds-54," he added.
Central Jamaica school Manchester will also have a strong 4x800m team, with Shana-Gaye Tracey and Natoya Goule, along with a solid Class Three 4x100m, side which includes Shay-Ann Holness.
Edwin Allen, with Gayon Evans, is the team to beat in the Class One sprint relay, and Vere, with Jura Levy, should also be dominant.
Wolmer's with Danielle Dowie and Queen's with Carrie Russell should lead the title chase for Corporate Area girls' schools.