Vincentian Athletes were among other Caribbean athletes who performed extremely well as the Kingsborough’s Men’s and Women’s Track and Field team came together and captured both CUNY Championships.
Among the Vincentians included on the team were, Kirby Kailon, Rogrike Thorpe, Shontel Rousse. These athletes stood out in their respective events.
Thorpe said; “ As an international student I feel very proud to be a part of the team that won the CUNY Championships both male and female, as I looked at my team, it brought back memories that happened in my home country”.
“ This will be a euphoric moment I will hold forever dear to my heart; my teammates went out with a mindset to execute just as the coach told us the day before and that is what we did”.
“Coach Thomas always said that I needed to be more “hungry” than the other athletes, the reason for this being as an International Student Athlete, my purpose is to maximise all opportunities in which to acquire a four-year scholarship and become a pro athlete later on in the future”.
Rogrike Thorpe – St Vincent & Grenadines
60 Meter Dash
1st place in Community College
2nd place overall (7.04)
200 Meter
3rd place (22.47)
Shot Put
2nd place (8.57m)
Kirby Kailon was named Men’s CUNYAC/Army ROTC Most Valuable Performer.
Kailon told kccathletics that being an international student attending a CUNY school was an opportunity for him all by itself.
“ Of seven community colleges within the CUNY system, Kingsborough had not only the art sensory but something that I felt a part of, something that I love and pursue as my future career and that was track and field”.
“ I have been a Kingsborough Community College student for one semester, and I have undergone endless pain, and dedication alongside my teammates following the Blue Prints set out by our coaches, Dave Loobie and Damani Thomas”.
“ It was an honour and a blessing to be part of the winning team proving our dominance and showcasing our talent. The highlight for me, however, was capturing the 2017 CUNYAC/Army ROTC Most Valuable Performer.”
Kirby Kailon – St Vincent & Grenadines
4×400 Meters Relay
1st place
Triple Jump
1st place (13.79m)
Long Jump
1st place (6.24m)
High Jump
1st place (1.74m)
Shot Put
1st place (9.68m)
Moreover, being the only female Vincentian athlete on the team Rouse said; “ being part of the winning team, I feel very grateful and excited, as an International Student coming into a whole different atmosphere and teaming up with various people”.
It was hard at the beginning for the simple fact that I was not used to training with my new teammates but as time went by and with hard work on a day to day basis, we became a team”.
I am very proud of being a part of the winning team and sharing the moment with them, Rouse said.
Shantal Rouse – St Vincent & Grenadines
60 Meter Dash
2nd (8.12)
Long Jump
2nd (4.78m)
400 Meters
1st (58.11)
