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Robinson optimistic about Calabar’s chances - Several top athletes no longer in school’s track and field programme
October 14, 2025
Julian Robinson will be stepping into his first stint as head coach of Calabar High School's track and field programme, taking over from Corey Bennett, whose three-year contract ended in August and was not renewed.
Known for his exploits as a throws coach at both the junior and senior levels, Robinson now faces a much broader challenge as overall head coach.
A past student of Calabar High, he has served as the school's throws coach for more than 20 years but admits this new role will be his sternest test yet, as he must now oversee all areas of the programme.
Several key athletes who helped Calabar High finish second to Kingston College (KC) at the 2025 GraceKennedy ISSA Boys' and Girls' Athletics Championships have not returned to the school for the new season.
Among the notable departures are Junior Gallimore, runner-up in the Class One 200 metres; Alejandro Palmer, fourth in the Class Two 800 metres; and Robert Miller, eighth in the Class One 400-metre hurdles. Miller, who was favoured to win that event before falling, bounced back to capture the Under-20 title at the Carifta Games in St George's, Grenada.
UNLIKELY TO COMPETE
Although sixth-former Shaquane Gordon, who won the Class One 110-metre hurdles and who finished fourth in the 100 metres is back at school, he is unlikely to compete for Calabar as he is not working out with the Calabar coaching staff.
He has been training with former head coach Bennett, who is now at Jamaica College as an assistant coach.
Gordon could also take up a track and field scholarship in the United States in January.
Palmer has transferred to KC and will sit out a year, while both Gallimore and Miller have joined Bennett at Hydel, where they can compete at Champs as the quota rule will not affect them.
After finishing second this year with 229.25 points to KC's 293, the 28-time champions were seen as strong contenders to reclaim the title in 2026 and win their first since 2018. However, the loss of several top points earners has made that task more difficult.
Robinson, though, remains optimistic.
"I do not think this will be a disadvantage for Calabar because a lot can happen between now and Champs," he said.
"We are not dwelling on those who left the programme. We have a big squad and quality replacements. This will be a good opportunity to open the way for others waiting in the wings to compete."
He added that the team has been hard at work since the summer.
"The management staff along with the coaches have been working very hard with the boys since the summer holiday, and we're proud of what we're seeing. The boys are highly motivated," he said.
CARRY MANTLE
Despite losing Bennett, Robinson is confident he can carry the mantle.
"This is Calabar," he said. "In the past, we lost outstanding coaches like the late Herb McKenley and Michael Clarke, who both did tremendous work with the programme, yet Calabar continued to be successful. With my years of experience, I see no reason why that cannot continue."
Robinson expressed gratitude for the support he has received.
"At first, when it was announced that I was the head coach, there were some naysayers," he admitted. "But things have changed since. Everyone has come on board. I must thank the Old Boys, management staff, Principal, and my fellow coaches for their full cooperation and support."
Robinson also wished the departed athletes well.
"For those who left the programme, I want to wish them all the best. I have no ill feeling towards them.
"The focus is now on those boys coming to practice. The show must go on, and with the grace of God and partnership with all stakeholders, I expect great continuity," he said.
"When the Championships begin next year , all teams will start at zero," Robinson added. "We are very dynamic in the way we do things at Calabar, and it's all about positivity."
