STARS ALIGN?

CELEBRATING THEIR 50th anniversary, the 30th anniversary of their ‘triple crown’ season and being coached by the captain of their 1988 Manning Cup-winning team, the stars seem to be aligning this year for Charlie Smith High School.

A school steeped in schoolboy football history, Charlie Smith have been enjoying an impressive season in the Manning Cup, leaving them dreaming of glory.

Founded in 1975, Charlie Smith entered the Manning Cup in 1979 and claimed their first title nearly a decade later, winning the 1988 crown, led by captain Eugene ‘Big Head’ Williams.

They picked up their second title in 1990, but their crown jewel came in 1995.

Guided by the likes of Kevin ‘Pele’ Wilson, Cornel Chin-Sue, Eugene Barnes, Kwame Richardson, and Everton Bunsie, Charlie Smith pulled off the triple crown, claiming the Manning Cup, Walker Cup and Olivier Shield titles.

While many have forgotten their past success, Williams, who is now the team’s head coach, said he ensures his players are aware of their school’s proud legacy.

“A lot of the youths didn’t know the history, so we try to explain to them to get them to understand,” he said.

“We talked about it with them last night and they understand how important it is. It’s been 30 years now since we last won the Manning Cup back in 1995. Then again, the school is 50 years old this year, so if we could win this Manning Cup, it would be a joy.”

Williams, however, said there are many obstacles standing in their way.

One such obstacle is the lack of resources behind the school’s Manning Cup programme.

He explained the entirety of the team’s management staff is limited to himself and his assistant coach, Byron Earle.

Much of their support has come from members of the community, who come to help out the team when they can.

OBSTACLES

“There is a lot of obstacles, because we don’t even have a management staff. It’s just me as the head coach and Byron, my assistant, and couple other guys from the community to help out.”

Now with a win under their belt in the quarter-final round of the Manning Cup, Williams said the sky is the limit for his players.

While many would have doubted their pedigree, particularly after four defeats in the first round to Kingston College (KC) and Tivoli Gardens, Williams said his charges have improved since then.

They proved that by topping the second-round group with two wins and a draw, headlined by a convincing 4-1 win over St Catherine High.

He said as they continue to pick up important wins, the players begin to believe in their own abilities on the field.

“A lot of people doubted us, and nobody gave us a chance to be this far. Even from when we lost the opening game,” he explained.

“We lost couple games to KC and Tivoli, both games. People would say, ‘Dem nah guh nuh weh’; but at the end of the day, I am a product of the community and a product of this institution, so I know the talent is there,” he continued.

“These guys have talent and we believe in them. So it’s now we’re trying to get that mental part down, where they can now believe in themselves.”

“That is one of the main things to get that respect in that community. If we can be successful, I’m telling you it would be a pleasure for those in the community who come out and support us.”

Describing his players as a team filled with heart, Williams has welcomed their tag of ‘dark horses’ and is more than willing to fly under the radar.

While several preseason title contenders have failed to advance, Williams said they have earned their spot among the final eight and are willing to push towards a spot in the final.

“Sky is the limit for us, and I’ve said it. We’ve earned this. No one took us and put us here for charity,” he said.

“You’ve seen so many other teams being called preseason favourites, but I’m glad to be the dark horse.

“We don’t want anyone talk about Charlie Smith, you can all have who you have as favourites. I’m just trying to keep my boys grounded and to keep their focus.”

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com