In the days leading up to Boys Champs 2006, certain over zealous elements in the Calabar coaching echelon did their calculations and figured that though it would be close, they would no doubt dethrone the mighty Purples. The word spread like wildfire in the camp of the heathen and even those among them who were faint of heart felt it was safe to start beating their chests and their gums.
The calls starting coming from Jamaica, New York and here in Atlanta, some from men I had not spoken with in years. I thought to myself, “What is this? The pagans have awakened.” On the night of the championships, I sat at home playing some D-Brown, fingers glued to the computer and fielding regular updates from the grandstand in Kingston, site of yet another slaughter, as once more the purple army had prevailed. With the sound of Dennis Brown crooning “silhouette” in the background, I attempted to contact someone, anyone, from the vanquished green and black camp, but alas, they had already crawled back into their holes and dungeons, where no cell phone reception was available.
While kicking back and enjoying KC’s 6th victory in the last 6 years, the thought occurred to me that much credit needed to go to the men whose hard work and dedication over the past many years made it possible for the college to once again dominate one of the signature high school events in Jamaica. It was through their sweat and sacrifice that a man like me, could be relaxing at home and feel on top of the world, because KC once more, ruled the roost.
As it turns out, one of the leaders of that group of men was no other than a good friend and brethren with whom I shared the same classroom for seven of the best years of my life. That man is no other than Head Coach Lennox Graham. I met Lennox back in September, 1975 as a twelve-year-old first former in 1 Forrest. We journeyed on together through 2 Forrest, 3 MacDonald, 4 McDonald, 5 MacDonald, lower and upper 6th form.
Lennox represented KC very early, making him an instant celebrity. Many class three athletes succumbed to the stardom bug and started acting like prima donnas. Lennie-G was not one. He did not change and I respected him for that. He was just as down to earth and humble then as he is today. That was the earliest sign that this was a man whose focus was not on personal accolades and individual accomplishments. Lennox went on to have an outstanding athletic career at KC, which ended with him hoisting the Mortimer Geddes trophy in his final Champs in 1983. Those early days only marked the beginning of Lennox’s years of service to KC. It is now 23 years later and the man is still hard at work bringing glory to KC.
Standing in the banquet hall listening to Lennie’s acceptance speech on Saturday night, I reflected on some of the guys who were classmates of ours throughout those years. Men like ‘Dalla’ Francis, Rohan Gentles, Gallow, Baby Giant, Rocky and Marlon Savage, Jomo Fagan, Pattalita Duncan, Richard East, Ernie Gooden, Lippoplatimus, and later on men like Kevin Hall, Spiggy, Martin Long, Danny Germs, Crab Dawg, Chalice, Calla Dawg, Sercy to name only a few, and wondered where most of them were and how they were doing. It was encouraging to me that we had several guys from our era at this year’s banquet. I refer to Michael Reid, himself a former KC hurdler, Wilfred ‘Lagga’ Graham, a recent transplant from New York, Martin Long, Tony Williams and sunlight cricketer Victor Aldin.
While Lennox has been instrumental in KC’s success over the years, and deserves a lot of credit along with his other coaches for enabling KC’s recent run of success, I truly believe that the real credit is for their commitment to serve KC by being mentors, father figures and general role models for the young boys at KC. Lennox has dedicated thirteen years of his life towards this pursuit. There are many of us old boys who like to talk the talk, but I believe that kind of service is truly walking the walk. Much credit therefore goes to Lennox’s lovely wife Valrie and his three children (two of whom are currently students at KC) for allowing him to donate his valuable time to KC.
I feel proud to have the honor of numbering Lennox among my friends. I believe that his example of tireless service towards our beloved alma mater is one to be emulated. KC can only serve to benefit should we all stand up and seek to give back, in our quest for excellence.
It was a tremendous pleasure linking up with Lennox again after not seeing each other for 16 years. On behalf of the Atlanta Chapter in particular, and all Old Boys in general, I wish Lennox and the coaching staff all the best as they continue to toil to bring the college another championship in 2007, while at the same time attempting to mold the minds and hearts of young Jamaican men in becoming quality citizens, husbands and fathers, in the spirit of Bishop Gibson.
