By Laurie Foster, TrackAlerts.Com Writer
Former Kingston College star athlete, later to be a 4x400m relay specialist at the global level, Davian Clarke, has landed a job at the University of Texas – El Paso (UTEP). Clarke, who along with is wife, the former Lacena Golding, a many time senior global event representative, are seeking to advance the school’s prestige at the collegiate level.
The former 400m national junior record holder spoke to TrackAlerts.Com about his so far short stint there.
"UTEP is great, we have great weather and our track is located 3800+ feet above sea level. We get some good conditioning and speed work done because of our location in the mountains. Our staff and administration is supportive and happy they have us along with others who are a winning staff to help prepare student athletes.”
Achievements so far? “Competition is tough in these ranks, we won the Women's title in 2015 and the men's title at the conference level in 2014. We have had great success here and we are actively recruiting top level talent to replace runners like Bert Cameron and Mike Fray who are UTEP alums.”
Ambitions? “ I am now looking for a 100m, 400m and 400mh from Jamaica in both genders. My short term goal is to keep winning USA titles and build UTEP's 4x400m team to the national level, right now we have 3 girls that run 51+ so we only need maybe two more before we are a national calibre team at the NCAA level. Our men's team is still growing but we have a great nucleus of young 100m sprinters we are building around.
"Obviously winning the NCAA title is a goal as we have won 20 NCAA team titles over the years When I was Auburn University I helped them to win their first title so I am aiming to do the same here in UT-El Paso before this decade is over.”
Another Jamaican athlete turned coach, making his mark in foreign territory.
