The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

HEAD coach Rolando ‘Lonnie’ Greene likes what he has seen so far, not just from the Bahamian connection at Purdue University but all of the other local athletes who competed against his Boilermakers over the weekend.

“We are off to a great start,” said Greene, reflecting on the performances turned in at the Rod McCravy Memorial Meet in Lexington, Kentucky.

“This is just our second meet, but I must say that the Lord has allowed us to put together a good solid women’s programme and, so for us, it’s just a matter of being patient.

“Because of the quality of talent that we are bringing back, you almost have to put the ring back on yourself. The staff and the administrators have certain expectations of you, but you know that if you are cooking the stew too quick, then what happens is when you get to the big one, you crash and burn. But this is very encouraging to see where we would be in 3-4 weeks. It’s very encouraging.”

Although the Boilermakers only competed in their second indoor meet for the year on Saturday, Greene, who is assisted by Bahamian Norbert Elliott, said it’s going to be exciting to watch and see where Purdue’s programme is in 3-4 weeks.

Despite a lot of attention being placed on their women’s programme, Greene said Kinard Rolle has gotten off to a great start in the men’s 400 metres and he expects him to run sub-46 seconds before the season is done. “I think he’s capable of running that fast,” Greene stressed.

Sprinter Keanu Pennerman, on the other hand, is still going through his transition, according to Greene.

“For the most part, he is right on track,” he said. “I thought he would have been about a tenth faster than he is, but that is going to come.”

As for the women, Greene said Carmiesha Cox is sprinting much faster than she’s ever done as she goes through her senior year. “She still has a lot left in her legs,” he said.

Devynne Charlton, back in action after sitting out the outdoor season last year with an injury, is running into form.

“We’re three weeks ahead of where we were last year,” Greene said. “She ran 8.05. It wasn’t a race that I would say was a most technically sound race, but I will tell you this, she was foot to foot with the world record holder for three and-a-half hurdles.

“When she lost her balance going off three into four, that was when the field of that magnitude got by her and she still ran 8.05. I giggled to her and said you will be good. Just be patient. It’s going to come.”

Greene said he is pleased with where his Boilermakers are right now.

“We just finished a heavy three-week cycle of training,” Greene said. “What they are doing is they’re not fresh, but they still have a lot left in their legs.

As a result of that, once we start to back off and taper, you would start to see performances getting better. If I push for the expectations, I might mess it up.”

While his concentration is on those athletes competing for Purdue, Greene said he saw some fantastic performances from the Bahamas across the board at the meet over the weekend.

“I saw Pedrya and I gave her a hug and told her it was a great race and I’m proud of you,” he said. “I even dabbed her coach up. It was just one of those scenarios. What folks don’t understand is that when you dip under eight seconds that’s world class.

That’s not just a fast race. That’s world class. You have to tip your hat to her. It was a great race.

“But I believe Devynne has a 7.8, 7.7 in her. That’s just my humble opinion. I might be biased, but that’s probably because I’m her coach and I’ve seen her do some phenomenal things.”

For just the second week in action, Greene said he was impressed too with University of Miami’s Henry Delauze, who won the men’s 400m in 47.42 ahead of Rolle, who came in third in 47.54.

Danielle Gibson, representing Penn State, also jumped or “bounced” very well, Greene said.

“I think she’s got 14 metres inside of her,” he said. “She’s in a good place.”

And Keianna Albury, a sophomore at Penn State as well, is rounding into form as well, according to Greene.

“It’s very early for everybody. In two weeks if we have this conversation, my response to you will be completely different,” he said. “In these weeks, I believe coaches will have the kids ready to run.”

And that is not just those at Purdue, but all of the other Bahamians competing elsewhere.