Cheer leaders

WHETHER ON THE TRACK or in the stands, Williams Electrical West Terrace and St Stephen’s simply ran Waterford.
   Even when they weren’t winning races, the respective boys’ and girls’ champs were forces to reckon with all yesterday, having brought the flair and festivities in one booming final day of the Pinehill National Primary Schools’ Athletic Championships.
    From the first event, it was clear there was no holding back West Terrace’s Tigers or the Cougars of St Stephen’s from running wild in a carnival-like atmosphere that featured whistles, drums and non-stop chants and music.
   It didn’t help matters any that they already had reason to cheer, as their athletes seemingly placed in almost every race while leading them to overall victories in the standings.
   But they came out in full force regardless of the results, with the St Stephen’s posse walking with rags and flags in two to lead a vibrant cheering section from the Jim Wedderburn Stand.
   Not that they were alone in the festivities while Charles F. Broome and other neighbouring schools brought the party to a rocking Wedderburn Stand.
   West Terrace weren’t to be outdone though, not even from the far end in the Don Norville Stand, as athletes and officials alike could hear the roaring Tigers and their rhythms and chants from that distance.
   A lot of that had to do with the drum support they received from the Haynesville Community Group, who descended on the Stadium in clear anticipation of the school’s victory in the boys’ section.
   And the Tigers didn’t disappoint, with that rampant support helping them edge Charles F. Broome in one of the most memorable finishes to a local schools’ meet. (JM)