HOCKEY is one of the few disciplines at UWI, Mona in which both the male and the female squads compete and excel at a similar level. Since 2009 both teams have been coached by Richard Wisdom, who is still set to be coach in the 2010/2011 academic year. Wisdom has noted that the team has a good rapport with the Sports Department. Despite the female squad being low in numbers and the males having come under severe pressure from star-studded Inter-Collegiate teams like the University of Technology, they should progress well.

In two separate interviews Wisdom and Kisha-Gaye Walker, captain of the female squad, spoke briefly on the past achievements and involvement of the teams. Last summer the females placed second in the Inter-Campus Games hosted by the UWI, St. Augustine Campus. The males placed third in their competition at the same Games. Approaching the 2009/2010 academic year, both males and females were defending champions of the Inter-Collegiate Hockey Competition. However, during that same year only the males retained their title while the females placed second after being defeated by the University of Technology. Of note is that both teams participate from time to time in indoor competitions hosted by the Hockey Federation of Jamaica (HFJ).

Currently, there is no facility at the Mona Bowl for the sport; however, the neighbouring Mona Astro Turf is used for both training sessions and competitions. In preparing for the upcoming academic year, Wisdom noted that early in July there was a training camp there. However, this was somewhat disrupted as some players from the national squad went on to participate in the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games held in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Wisdom admitted that for the new academic year the male team will definitely face some tough challenges from their Inter-collegiate rival, the University of Technology, who has about seven to nine players from the national team. By comparison, the Mona squad only has two of the national stars Jerome Carty and Fabian McGregor. The female squad could do with a few more players, hence the move to start recruiting from as early as September. Hopefully after the intra-mural season more fresh talents could be spotted.

Hockey is one of the few sporting disciplines at the University which is played at a competitive level, whilst at the same time is offered to students who just want to learn or enjoy it merely for recreational purposes. To become involved with any one of the teams, a student should simply indicate his or her interest to a respective sports or games representative affiliated with any of the halls. Generally, training would start in November close to the time of the Intra-Mural Hockey Competition. However, this year there are plans to start training and selection from as early as September. Training sessions have been scheduled for Thursdays and Saturdays, but these are subject to change due to the class schedules and availability of players.

Kimberly Cunningham

UWI Sports Department Writer