President’s XI Triumphs Under the Lights: A Thrilling Masters T10 Victory
By Mr. LeRoy Pierre, Coordinator, Sports and Physical Education Department (SPED)
Cricket, lovely cricket!
The USC Recreation Ground transformed into a lively GABA when the 3rd Annual Masters T10 Cricket Tournament bowled off on Thursday, November 28, 2024. A small but enthusiastic group of supporters gathered to cheer on the President’s XI Over-40 Men’s Cricket Team to victory. Captained by Floyd Coppin, the President’s men faced off against the First Timers and Friends Over-40 Cricket Team for the third consecutive year, competing for the coveted Dr. Colwick M. Wilson Challenge Trophy.
In 2022, when the game was first held, the President’s XI claimed the Trophy. In 2023, however, First Timers and Friends wrestled the Cup away from a determined President’s XI. This year, the President’s XI came prepared to reclaim victory at home, playing under the floodlights at the USC Recreation Ground for the first time.
Winning the toss, USC opted to send First Timers and Friends to bat first. Unfortunately for them, they struggled against the formidable President’s XI bowling attack, collapsing for a modest 45 runs within the allotted overs.
When the President’s XI took their turn at the crease, opening batsmen Trevor Rajkumar and Dexter Ramdanny dispatched the opposition’s bowlers with ease, hitting boundaries to all parts of the field and making the run chase look effortless. The crowd erupted with chants of “Hit the ball! Hit the ball!” With just four runs needed for victory, batsman Trevor Rajkumar retired to give President Wilson a chance to shine at the wicket — and shine he did.
Stepping onto the field, President Wilson was determined to impress his wife, who was cheering him on from the stands. The small but appreciative crowd grew more vocal as Dr. Wilson faced his first delivery and confidently scored a single.
It all came down to one run for victory. Dr. Wilson was on strike. The spectators rose to their feet; his wife clapped gleefully, eager to see her husband hit the winning run. And that he did! The crowd erupted in joy as the President’s XI sealed a dramatic victory. Jubilant celebrations swept across the GABA as the USC President’s XI Over-40 Cricketers reclaimed the Trophy for the second time. Hats off to the men in green — they made USC proud!
The Man of the Match was awarded to Dexter Ramdanny of the President’s XI for his outstanding performance, contributing 22 runs with the bat and taking two crucial wickets.
Special thanks to Carl Solomon for assembling another formidable Over-40 team for yet another exciting year.
- Published in News, President's Newsletter, SPED
School of Business and Entrepreneurship Triumphs in the Dr. T. Gardner Premier Football League
By Angelique Gurley, Corporate Communications, Student Journalist
The USC Recreational Grounds came alive with excitement during the Dr. T. Gardner Premier Football Cup Knockout Finals, held from November 12-17, 2024. Organized by the Sports and Physical Education Department (SPED) under the leadership of Coordinator Mr. Le-Roy Pierre, the tournament was a celebration of athleticism, camaraderie, and school spirit. The grand finale featured a thrilling showdown between the School of Business and Entrepreneurship (SBE) and the School of Science, Technology, and Allied Health (SciTech), marking the culmination of an extraordinary event.
A Riveting Tournament Unfolds
The journey to the finals began with an electrifying match between SBE and the Caribbean Union College Secondary School (CUC). SBE dominated from the outset, securing a commanding 3-0 victory and firmly establishing themselves as title contenders.
As the competition advanced, the intensity on the field grew. A notable upset saw the staff team, initially considered strong contenders, defeated by a combined team from the School of Theology and Religion and the School of Education and Humanities. These early eliminations added an element of unpredictability, heightening anticipation for the remaining matches and leaving fans eager to see who would claim the coveted championship trophy.
The Road to the Finals
The tournament featured six teams: SBE, SciTech, the School of Social Sciences, CUC, the School of Theology and Religion, and the staff team. These teams battled fiercely for the league’s championship trophy. In a repeat of the 2023 competition, SciTech emerged victorious in the league stage, while SBE secured second place.
The Knockout Cup followed, with fans rallying behind their favorites. The final stages saw the top four teams vying for the prestigious cup and bragging rights for the 2024-2025 school year. Once again, SBE and SciTech advanced to the finals, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated rematch of the previous year’s Knockout Finals.
The Grand Finale: Business vs. SciTech
On November 17, 2024, the final match delivered a spectacle of skill and determination. From the opening whistle, it was clear that neither team would concede without a fight. The game showcased relentless action, with stunning saves, strategic plays, and moments of brilliance that kept the crowd on edge.
The atmosphere was electric, with students, staff, and even USC President Dr. Colwick Wilson joining the cheers for every goal and defensive triumph. The match remained evenly contested until the final moments, when SBE broke the deadlock with a decisive goal, securing the championship trophy.
A Well-Deserved Victory
The victory was a testament to SBE’s determination and teamwork, as they overcame a grueling six weeks of competition to claim the title. Charles Stowe of SBE was named “Man of the Series,” while Jaseil Toppin of SciTech earned the “Golden Boot” award for his outstanding performance.
A Celebration of Unity and Excellence
The Dr. T. Gardner Premier League Football Championship was more than a showcase of athleticism, it exemplified the spirit of unity and friendly competition at USC. The tournament highlighted the passion, dedication, and sportsmanship of all participants while bringing the entire USC community together in celebration.
Blow your horn, Mr. Fiddler—it was a fitting conclusion to the first semester of the school year.
- Published in News, President's Newsletter, SPED
Olympiad 2024: A Triumph of Talent and Tenacity from USC’s Finest
By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer
The Hasely Crawford Stadium pulsated with the spirit of competition and camaraderie as the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) hosted its annual Olympiad on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Olympiad 2024 was a showcase of athletic prowess, teamwork, and sheer determination with teams from the School of Business & Entrepreneurship, School of Theology & Religion, School of Social Sciences, School of Science, Technology & Allied Health, School of Education & Humanities, USC South, and USC Tobago.
Despite this exhilarating event coinciding with the Eid holiday, the stands were abuzz with the energy of students, faculty, staff, families, friends, and supporters, all gathered to celebrate the sporting prowess of USC’s finest.
The festivities commenced with the ceremonial March Past, a display of USCian spirit and pride. The March Past event saw dignitaries Dr. Colwick Wilson, President of USC, Dr. Len Archer, Provost of USC, and Alderman Brian Lewis, representing His Worship Alderman Chinua Alleyne, Mayor of the City of Port of Spain, taking the eyes right salute as the teams paraded by. Alderman Brian Lewis, in his remarks, officially inaugurated the event.
Adding a dash of flair to the proceedings, El Chorro Combine’s “Addams Family,” reigning March Past Champions of the 2024 Maracas Valley Easter Sports, wowed the audience with their routine.
With 139 points, the School of Business & Entrepreneurship was crowned the March Past Winners, setting the tone for a day filled with thrilling competition, camaraderie, and celebration of athletic excellence.
Following the pomp and pageantry of the March Past, the track and field events kicked off, setting the athletes on a collision course with glory. From the adrenaline-pumping sprints to the strategic tug-of-war battles, every event showcased the participants’ speed, agility, and strength.
The competition was fierce, but it was the School of Science, Technology & Allied Health that emerged as the dominant force, clinching both the Tug of War and the coveted overall Olympiad 2024 Champions titles showcasing their unparalleled strength and teamwork.
The accolades continued as Njanu Bellamy from the School of Science, Technology & Allied Health blazed his way to victory, clinching the title of Fastest Man for the second consecutive year, while Helen Cuffie from the School of Education & Humanities showcased her speed and agility, earning the title of Fastest Woman.
Njanu Bellamy further solidified his status as a track and field powerhouse by clinching the Victor Ludorum title for track and field events, while Atiya Cummings from the School of Science, Technology & Allied Health retained the title of Victrix Ludorum.
In the realm of novelty events, Brandon Sanderson from the School of Social Sciences emerged as the Victor Ludorum, showcasing his prowess beyond the traditional track and field disciplines. Meanwhile, Kerdisha Simmons from the School of Business & Entrepreneurship dazzled spectators with her skill and finesse, earning the title of Victrix Ludorum.
As the sun set on Olympiad 2024, amidst cheers, applause, and a sense of accomplishment, one thing became abundantly clear – the true essence of the Olympiad lies not just in victory, but in the spirit of unity, sportsmanship, and the pursuit of excellence that unites us all.
Olympiad 2023: The Return!
Author: Mr. Le-Roy Pierre, Director, Sport & Physical Department
March 16, 2023 is etched in the hearts and minds of all who attended and participated in USC
Olympiad 2023. What a return after a three-year drought due to COVID 19. Tobago Campus, South
Campus and the six schools of USC campus, namely Graduate studies, Theology and Religion, Social
Sciences, Science Technology and Allied Health, Education, and Business; were well represented at
our annual sports day. The Honourable Marvin Gonzales, Minister of Public Utilities and Member of Parliament for the constituency of Lopinot/Bon Air West, was on hand to take the salute from the march past teams and bring greetings to all in attendance.
The action was electrifying from the March Past to the invitational races and final event – USC fastest
man and woman. Each track event had spectators on the edge of their seats and on their feet with
nail biting finishes as participants competed in friendly rivalry for medals, points and bragging rights.
The novelty events that included races such as the Scots Man Strutt, Water Balloon Toss and Ride
the Horsey left competitors in fits of laughter.
A new addition to Olympiad 2023 was the invitational inter-university 100 meters and 4 x 100
meters male and female races. Both races were truly memorable ones.
UWI dominated the female version of both races, however, in the male version of the races the tables turned on UWI.
USC’s 100M specialist Njanu Bellamy obliterated the field of UWI athletes coached by Trinidad & Tobago’s Jehue Gordon.
It was time for the men’s 4 x 100M relay. MIC, UWI and USC took their places. Ezekiel Salvary, Shaun
Smith, Jasiel Toppin and anchor man Njanu Bellamy of USC smelt gold. The starter gave her
instructions and the whistle was blown. It was a close race from start to finish as all teams gave their
best performance. The race was very close at each change over, but USC men wanted it badly and
gave a truly magical and breathtaking performance coming from behind in the second leg crossing
the finish line. It took some time before the spectators could catch their breaths and settle down.
USC won in the closest of finishes.
At the end of Olympiad 2023 the results were announced:
Novelty Events
Victor Lodorum – Aaron Atwell – School of Social Sciences
Victrix Lodorum – Keslyn Harrow – School of Theology and Religion
Track Events
- Victor Lodorum – Njanu Bellamy – School of Science, Technology and Allied Health
- Victrix Lodorum – Atiya Cummings – School of Science, Technology and Allied Health
USC Fastest Man – Njanu Bellamy – School of Science, Technology and Allied Health
USC Fastest Woman – Atiya Cummings – School of Science, Technology and Allied Health
March Past Winner
School of Science Technology & Allied Health
Champion School 2023
School of Business & Entrepreneurship
After the results, all left for their various destinations with commendations for a day well spent. Back
at the office and on the ground the buzz was about a successful day spent at Olympiad 2023 at Larry
Gomes Stadium.
Sound the trumpets, ring your bells as Olympiad 2024 promises to be grander than 2023.
USC 95th Anniversary Celebration 6K Run
By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer
As Sunday dawned on March 5, 2023, 79 runners from across Trinidad & Tobago gathered at the starting line for the USC 95th Anniversary Celebration 6K Run. With excitement and energy buzzing in the air, runners prepared themselves mentally and physically for the task ahead.
From Good News SDA Chapel in St. Augustine, the run’s route was set along the trails and parks of the city, with the runners winding their way into the picturesque landscape of the Maracas Valley. The group’s determination was rewarded with clear skies and a light breeze, providing the perfect conditions as they made their way to the finish line at the USC Main Campus.
Along the route, runners were hydrated by water stations manned by USC Students, Faculty, Staff and Administrators. Runners were escorted by mobile units of the Trinidad & Tobago Police Service, while an ambulance from the Community Hospital of Seventh-day Adventists brought up the rear.
Seemingly unfazed by the distance, runners seamlessly transitioned into an aerobic burnout. Compound movements and dynamic stretches ensured that sore muscles were in low attendance on Monday Morning.
Results
Results of the USC 95th Anniversary Celebration 6K Run are as follows:
- First Place Male Overall – Mr. Edmond Ramirez
- First Place Female Overall – Mrs. Camille La Fleur
- First Place Faculty/Staff Male – Mr. Rendell Francis
- First Place Faculty/Staff Female – Mrs. Ann-Marie Charles
- First Place Student Male – Mr. Tayne Alexander
- First Place Student Female – Ms. Heqpera Khafra
Trophies were presented by Dr. Colwick Wilson, President of USC, and Mr. LeRoy Pierre, Coordinator of the the Sport and Physical Education Department (SPED).
