Stepping up: Smith confident he can deliver KC’s 37th Boys’ Champs crown

Newly appointed head coach of Kingston College (KC), Richard Smith, says he has received tremendous support from the school community as he sets his sights on delivering the institution’s 37th Boys’ Championships title in 2026.

Smith, 40, takes over from veteran coach Leaford Grant, who stepped down at the end of last season after guiding KC to five titles in the last six years.

“Things are looking up so far,” said Smith. “All the coaches have been very cooperative and the boys have also responded well in training. They are looking great as we start our journey for the 2026 crown which will be title 37 for us.”

Smith, who has been at KC for the past 13 years, said he has not been under any undue pressure since taking charge, as everyone at the school has been very supportive of his appointment.

“I wouldn’t say there is a lot of pressure as yet. When the track season really starts, that is when I expect the pressure as everybody is expecting me to perform and continue our winning streak at the ISSA Boys’ Championships going forward,” he explained.

“I am very confident because I was a part of the past five successful titles and so I am very grateful for it. I know that it is big shoes to fill, but I can hold my own and move the school’s track and field programme forward. The support has been great from the elders and all the old boys at KC. They have been very supportive,” he added.

An Edith Dalton James High past student, Smith has played a major role in KC’s success in recent years, particularly in the 400m programme, guiding the school to four consecutive Championship of America 4x400m relay titles at the prestigious Penn Relays in Philadelphia.

He holds a Master’s degree in Physical Education and Sports from the International School of Physical Education and Sport in Havana, Cuba, and represented Edith Dalton James in the 200 metres at the 2004 ISSA Boys’ Championships.

Though not a KC old boy, Smith said his passion for the North Street-based track and field powerhouse has led many to assume he is one.

“I am not a KC old boy, but a lot of KC past students think that I am because of my passion for the school and how I take care of the boys. Whatever I am doing, I am doing it 100 per cent,” said Smith, who noted that he has also received encouragement from his Edith Dalton James family following his appointment.

“It is very great (the appointment) because it shows that I have a lot of leadership qualities coming from a small school and moving to a much bigger one. I’ve gotten a lot of support from my school as well, and to see that I was able to leave a young school and take up a big role at such a large and well respected institution is great for me,” Smith said.