Clarendon College coach surprised by Hall’s move to Vere

It has been a turbulent few weeks in high-school track and field, with several leading athletes switching schools.

Clarendon College are the latest institution to be affected, with their top female athlete from the 2026 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs), Alex Jordan Hall, set to miss the opportunity to defend her titles next year.

Hall, a first-year Class Three athlete, was a double winner at this year’s Champs, capturing the 800 and 1,500 metres. She won the 800m in 2:14.92 and the 1,500m in 4:47.35.

The talented middle-distance runner, who also won both events in the Under-18 category at the National Junior Championships, was considered an early favourite to successfully defend her Class Three titles at next year’s Champs.

However, in a surprise move, Hall will not line up for Chapelton-based Clarendon College next season. Instead, she will represent neighbouring Vere Technical, though she will be ineligible to compete at Champs next year because of the mandatory one-year transfer sit-out period.

Clarendon College head coach Davion Chanteloupe, who is entering his second year at the helm, said he was unhappy with the manner in which his young athlete departed the school.

“We at Clarendon College were very surprised about this move. Up to two weeks before the opening of school, we got word from Hall that she would be back at Clarendon College, after hearing rumours about her leaving,” said Chanteloupe.

According to Chanteloupe, Hall’s move to Vere was influenced by middle-distance coach Orane Gordon making the same switch.

“Gordon, who coached the middle-distance athletes at Clarendon College, has moved on to Vere Technical,” said Chanteloupe.