Jr. Track Athletes Off To College On Scholarships

The two athletes will be joining four other Bahamians also on athletic scholarships at DSU. The four athletes are: Keneisha Miller, La'Sean Pickstock, Rashad Dean and Lavardo Sands.

BSFSA President Harrison Petty has been working with DSU Athletic Director Roger Ternes to get the young Bahamians into the programme.

Petty speaking at a press conference held at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Housing on Friday had some advice for Forbes and Strachan.

"I would like to say to Jameson, that being a 47 second quarter miler in the Bahamas is a great achievement. But let's forget about the attitude and remember that you are going off to school to study. You both are on a contract so it is like a job. Your job is to study, train and compete and the school will provide you with free education in exchange for that.

"So to the young athletes who are going off you all are ambassadors of the Bahamas. DSU graduates Derrick Atkins, Aaron Cleare and Trevor Barry set very high standards. They gave us no problems while there. You may not develop into the elite status like Atkins, Cleare and Barry, but be good student/athletes," Petty said.

Ternes, who was also at the press conference, thanked Petty for inviting his family to the Bahamas and said on behalf of Dickinson State University and the state of North Dakota he wished to express thanks because the institution has enjoyed the Bahamian men and women who have competed for them.

"Over the past six years we had over 50 young Bahamian student athletes join us in North Dakota. This spring three outstanding men earn their degrees from DSU."

Ternes was alluding to Atkins (national 100 metres champion who led DSU to two National Association of Intercollegiate Athletic titles); quarter miler Cleare (four- time NAIA national champion who led DSU to three national titles); and Barry (eight time NAIA high and long jump champion and 2006 NAIA indoor MVP).

"All of them are really role models for the other young men who will be joining us. They set the bar high both on the track and in the classroom. To the young men who are coming you will be proud of the product that will be returned to you," said Ternes.

Strachan told The Bahama Journal that he is very excited about attending DSU.

"For the most part right now I am just taking it easy and trying to get the proper nutrition because I know my body will have to make certain adjustments as far as the cold weather is concerned," Strachan noted.

Strachan also reflected on the highlight of his junior athletic career.

"The most outstanding accomplishment for me so far was being a part of the 4x100 team that won the gold medal at this year's Carifta Games in Martinique. We broke the national record and that team was comprised of Demetrius Pinder, Juan Lewis, Carlyle Thompson and I.

"That was very exciting because most athletes don't get that kind of experience, breaking a junior national record. It does not come easily. Seeing that we all will be juniors again next year we are going to try and break another record," said Strachan.

Meanwhile Atkins had some encouraging words for Strachan and Forbes.

"I am happy that they are following in my footsteps. But I don't only want them to follow in my footsteps but strive to be even better than me while at DSU. I am just like everybody else who has flaws.

"I want them to set goals and strive towards them. For example if I won seven titles I want them to try and win eight. I also want them to represent the Bahamas to the fullest but most importantly gain an education," said Atkins.

Atkins added that the highlight of the year for him was, "Winning the gold medal at the North America, Central America and Caribbean Athletic Championships. I was really excited about it and plus I broke the national record there at the same time. From here on my future plans are to continue to train, work hard, stay positive and dedicated."