Jermaine Thomas, head coach of McGrath High School, is pleased with the progress of the school’s football programme after four of his players were selected for the ISSA All-daCosta Cup squad set to clash against the All-Manning Cup team on January 11.
Jamari Fowler, Isaac Mason, Devone Davis and Shane Pusey were all given the nod following their efforts that guided McGrath to their first-ever final appearance in the daCosta Cup competition.
Thomas said the players’ inclusion is an indication of the growth achieved at McGrath as this is their highest number of players to be selected for the post-season game.
“For me, it is a sign of growth. Before, we had Peter McGregor and Carlos Robinson making it and in 2023, Devone alone made the All-school and All-daCosta Cup teams. This year we have four players who got selected.”
Thomas said their inclusion will also be an inspiration for their teammates and for the younger players coming through the age-group ranks.
McGrath High has seen a meteoric rise in the past few years under Thomas’ guidance, with their first major feat being making their first semi-finals in 2019.
They followed up that by winning the Ben Francis Cup knockout title last year, and were on the verge of laying claim to their first daCosta Cup title earlier this month, but were upended by reigning champions Garvey Maceo.
“This means a lot for the school and those looking on to these boys can now see something to work towards. The mere fact that we have four players to be a part of the team and competition here I think is a great feat.”
Thomas will have a first-hand view of how well his players will compete in the post-season game, as he has also been selected in the team’s coaching staff.
He will be joined by Champions Cup winning coach Andre Peart of Glenmuir High and daCosta Cup champion coach Lester Hibbert of Garvey Maceo.
Thomas is looking forward to the assignment which he views as continuation of his work.
“Being part of the coaching staff, I think it’s just a continuation of more success as a part of the scholastic coaching staff last year with myself and Merron Gordon. Being part of this coaching staff again speaks to the volume of work I’ve been putting in.
“I’m really happy and I will serve to the best of my abilities,” he promised.
gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com