media_artricles :: 2016

Rogers, Prescott snare top Cougars awards

Recardo Prescott, 17, and Joanna Rogers, 15, were named the senior boys' and girls' Athletes of the Year, respectively at Cougars Track and Field Club annual awards and dinner on Wednesday at the Tranquillity Government Primary School, Port-of-Spain.

Prescott had to fight hard to overcome the challenges of Jaden St Louis and Ashton Gill. Prescott, who represented T&T at the Carifta Games in Grenada, was the lead-off man in the bronze medal winning team in the 4 x400 metres relay. St Louis was the anchor leg in that event.

"This award is very important to me, knowing that I worked hard throughout the year. Achieving this is a big thing for me. My goals and having my coach there keeps me motivated. Knowing that he is there, driving me towards my goals that is what motivates me, along with my parents and of course Almighty God," said Prescott said, a student of St James Secondary School.

Prescott said despite his efforts on the international stage in donning the national colours, football remains the main sport of choice at his school as his national popularity was turning heads and he has been getting many friends.

He said, "I'm also on television; always in the newspapers. And it's like, 'he is a big runner, let's lime with him.' I am like in a leadership position at school, encouraging people to be the best at their game, so they could encourage others."

Responding to questions about running out of shelf space at home for his awards, Prescott replied jokingly that space for his trophies was not an immediate concern, but when that time came, "My mother would build more shelves."

St Louis was edged out for top honour when Prescott, who also runs 400m, 800m and 1,500m events, finished second in the Under-18 Boys event in the National Association for Athletic Administrations (NAAA) Cross Country Championships at the Queen's Park Savannah, earlier this month.

The girls' champion Rogers, who competes in the 200m, 400m, 800m and 1,500m events also won the National Secondary School 4K and the NAAA Cross Country 4K, she represented T&T at the Carifta Games where she finished fifth in the U-18 Girls 800m. Rogers is unbeaten at the 800m in T&T and won the women's 800m at the Falcon Invitational Games.

Rogers said, "It's a good accomplishment but still, I know I have more work to do. I made it to the Carifta team this year and I hope to do the same next year and also make the relay team. My experience in Grenada was a good one and I know what is expected and I am working towards accomplishing my goal. I have learnt that working hard and not giving up helps you out a lot, and when you have a coach driving you as my coach does, you will achieve excellence" she said.

"At a young age, I looked up to many of our top athletes and those international stars. Now, want to make it to the Olympics but not just be an Olympian. I want to medal. I hope the hard work will pay off."

They weren't the only top medallists taking the spotlight on the night's ritzy affair. The Club is so ripe with talent, the executive of the premier developmental outfit was forced to introduce two new awards junior boys' and girls' Athlete of the Year.

Thirteen-year-old hurdler Brian Morris, who also a 200m and 400m athlete captured the junior boys' award for his performance during the season having posted two national awards in the U-14 hurdle events while bringing back the 4x400 metres relay gold at the Barbados relay Fair in February.

Sprinter Shaniqua Bascombe was the proud recipient of the girls' trophy. She raced unbeaten in the sprinting arena and went up in the U-16 girls' 100m final at the Junior Championships and finished third.

According to her coach Kelvin Nancoo, she is an Olympian in the making.

Olympian Marcus Duncan was the feature speaker at the awards and captivated the audience with his presentation.

"Never give up, when you thing that things are not going your way or the training is too tough, Don't give up. The difference between the top athletes and the average athlete is the ability to persevere and remain focus on the task ahead," Duncan said.

He shared on how he was told by doctors that he would never run again in 2010 when he was injured but he never gave up and today he can say proudly I am running and running well.

"I just came back from the Olympics in Rio. Isn't that good for a man who was told he will not run again?" asked Duncan. "I know many of you and I watch you train and I know your coach personally and he does not play. He really wants the best for you but you all have done well and your accomplishment over the past year have been exemplary.

"I don't ever remember an eight year club that have ever won the National Junior Championship on six occasions in eight years. I compliment you all for your outstanding achievement. Well done, Cougars."

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