This month sees the talented Aqueel Joseph from the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago heading off to college in the United States . Aqueel will join the roster at the Jason Hite led University of Indianapolis in the NCAA Division II.
The Indiana based institution is increasingly becoming a hub for CARIFTA region talent. Among the names that have graced their rosters in recent times include Jonathan Key from the Cayman Islands , the history making duo from the Republic Kael Yorke and Jeron Thompson and recent addition Aruban senior national record holder Anahi Schreuders.
Draftingthecaribbean got a chance to speak to Aqueel and his coach Brian Wickham about his journey to his transition to college.
Coach Brian said, ” Since joining the Centre of Excellence Seahawks in 2016 He has been very proud of how well Aqueel has adapted to training at the club and since then he has really taken off. What I expect of Aqueel is like starting a race you grab on to that block and you hold on firmly and that he grabs on to that opportunity that has been given to him, holds firmly and uses it to better himself”.
The swimming community in Jamaica would have an opportunity to see Aqueel’s talent on display in 2017 when he came to the National Age Group Championships in 2017 and lowered a 40 year old record of 1:01.88 held by Olympian Allan Roy-Marsh( 1984 LA Olympics) to 1:00.97 in the 13-14 age group.
Marsh gave his thoughts on Aqueel’s transition to the senior ranks of swimming
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Aqueel and I wish him all the best.The opportunity to race and study in the US Collegiate is an excellent experience and the level of consistent high level competition and training that he will receive in college can only help him excel in the pool and in the classroom.It is a big jump from junior swimming to the collegiate level but the level of maturity that has been exhibited by Aqueel when I met him in 2017 and how I heard he has progressed since I am sure the transition process will not be too difficult
Aqueel spoke about the highlight of his swimming career to date ” From 2016 I started to enjoy swimming, I found my rhythm and found myself in medal contention again CCCAN 2017 at home I won Gold in the 100 metre freestyle”
He said ” I am very grateful to to be given the opportunity to swim at the University of Indianapolis. It was my dream school since 2018 and to actually see the dream come true is a wonderful experience. I am also glad that past CARIFTA Championship swimmers like Anahi, Keron and Jeron are there so I won’t feel lonely and there will be the Caribbean connection”.
Joseph who has made 14 national teams with a medal haul of 52 medals spoke about his international experience wearing the the red, black and white
“My national team experience was a joyous one, starting from the the age of nine to present day at age 18. I made new friends. Not everyone gets the opportunity to represent their country, family and swim club. Once I got that opportunity I took that with great humility and I always want to make my country proud”.
He also expressed gratitude to those who helped him along the way
“I would like to thank the Almighty Father, without whom nothing is possible. I thank Him for the nine years of swimming and intense competition. I would like to thank my parents for the early morning and late nights and sacrifice they have put in. I would like to thank my club, Centre of Excellence Sea Hawks for all the dedication they have put into my progress to see me reach this goal and my friends and family who have supported me through thick and thin”.
drafting the caribbean 