The Tribune

THE pipeline for Bahamian track and field athletes to the University of Kentucky continues with the latest addition to the Wildcats’ programme in Lexington, Kentucky.

St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine sprinter Jaida Knowles committed to the SEC powerhouse last weekend.

The Wildcats have a Bahamian at the helm with head coach Lonnie Green and assistant coach Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie.

Knowles’ former high school teammate Megan Moss is currently in her freshman season with the Wildcats.

“Coach Green and staff are some of the best in the business,” Ferguson-McKenzie said in a message sent to the gathering of family and friends on Knowles’ signing day.

“We look forward to welcoming you on campus for fall 2020 and to assist you in the next four years of new ventures and wonderful experiences. It will be filled with challenges and obstacles. However, know that you can and will accomplish all things while being simply amazing. Go Jaida and Go ‘Cats.”

Knowles is a member of The Star Trackers track club headed by David Charlton. She plans to pursue a degree in sports medicine.

Her personal best in the 100m is 11.68 seconds and 23.85 in the 200m - both turned in last April at the CARIFTA championships in Nassau.

With her final high school season on the horizon, Knowles plans to contend for a roster spot on the Tokyo 2020 Olympic team.