Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

Graham

Jamaica will be losing one of its top track and field coaches to the United States as Raymond 'KC' Graham has agreed to take up an offer at Hampton University in Virginia.

The long-time St. Jago girls' coach has signed on as an assistant coach of the university's female team and he will work under head coach, Maurice Pierce.

Graham, who will take up the position after the World Championships which ends in Osaka, Japan on September 2, has, however, made it clear that he will still be working with Jamaica's track and field.

Pierce said he is excited that Graham, who has won four Girls' Championships titles with St. Jago between 1996-1999, has decided to accept the offer.

"I am just excited that he will be coming here," said Pierce.

"He is a great sprint/hurdles coach and he will assist me in the sprints and probably take over the hurdles."

Pierce added: "I think he will have a big impact on our programme. Everybody knows Raymond Graham. He is a big name person in Jamaica and most schools in the states recruited from his programme," he continued.

According to Pierce, the biggest impact Graham will have on the school is to get Jamaican athletes there to study.

As for Graham, this offer shows his hard work over the years has paid off.

"I hope to do well there and continue the Jamaican good tradition at the coaching level," said Graham, who has won several Pen Relays Championships titles as well.

Graham said he has learnt a lot from the six World Championships and two Olympic Games he attended and working with top coaches such as Donald Quarrie.

"Working with these people and to go to these championships was a very good experience," he said.

"It will be a challenge, but I don't think it will be too difficult, so I am ready for it (challenge)," added Graham, who has coached several athletes that moved on to the senior level.

At the high school level, Graham has worked with Reverly Campbell and Andrea Lloyd at Camperdown, while Peta-Gaye Dowdie, Delloreen Ennis-London, Kerron Stewart, Melaine Walker, Koreen Hinds, Michelle Burger, Kenia Sinclair, Andrea Bliss and Jovanne Jarrett were among his best at St. Jago.

Feedback: anthony.foster@gleanerjm.com