LIVINGSTON SCOTT, STAR Writer

Kingston College's head athletics coach, Neil Harrison, says Calabar will be hard to beat, but is hoping he can upset the team from Red Hills Road and win the Inter-Secondary School's Boys', Championships title in his first year at North Street.

Harrison left Munro College last July after 17 years in charge of the St Elizabeth School's athletics programme.

He feels no pressure to deliver the coveted championship which the Purples last won in 2009, but is highly motivated and said it would be a great accomplishment to win it in his first year.

"I'm coming from a school that was never in a position to win the championship, but we had good qualities and good performances when we came to these championships.

"Now I am at a school that has a rich history and that looks forward to winning. We are a team with great character, and although this is my first year, it would be nice if I can pull off the victory."

Harrison added that if the school doesn't win, they can rewind and come again.

"One thing we want to ensure is that we reduce the deficit of the 90- odd points that we lost by last year," he said.

He argued that every school is a threat at Champs nowadays, based on the abundance of quality athletes and coaches all over the island.

However, he has defending champions Calabar as the main team to beat again this year.

"It's a difficult call to make ... Calabar is a quality team and they are the defending champions, but we will not give up without a fight."

He is also confident of his new position.

"I think if they (KC) didn't have confidence in my ability, I would not be here, so I am just working to the best of my ability, and if the opportunity presents itself, I'll grab it with both hands," he said.

"I am hoping that Kingston College come and show their strength and character. It is left to be seen what will happen, but it will be a great championship," he stated.