Bermuda Sports Journal Issue #16 by bermudasportsjournal

October | November | December 2023

Bermuda Sports Journal | 2023

2023 | |Bermuda BermudaSports SportsJournal Journal

Bermuda Sports Journal | 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS Editorial by Ras Mykkal............................................... 9

2023 Motorsports Hall of Fame Inductees............. 150

Shopping Kart............................................................. 10

U17 Football KO Cup............................................... 178

Bermuda Sports News............................................... 12

Football – FA Cup..................................................... 184

B-Active with Betty Doyling....................................... 20

Cycling – Individual Time Trails............................... 190

Sports Psychology with Jenny Smatt...................... 22

Karting Season wrap-up.......................................... 196

Cover Story – Vernal Davis........................................ 24

Sports Profile (Patrick Stamper) ............................ 212

KPMG Cycling Time Trail .......................................... 30

Karting City Street Race.......................................... 214

FEI Horse Jumping..................................................... 38

Cycling – Road Race................................................ 228

Fattire Massive Mountain Bike season wrap-u....... 44

Run for the Arts 5K................................................... 238

Winner’s Edge Mountain Bike Championship.......... 54

Sir Stanley Burgess 5K............................................ 246

Sports Profile (Gordon Smith)................................... 62

Sports Profile (Jaeda Grant).................................... 254

BFA Football Awards.................................................. 64

BBA Gnosis Criterium.............................................. 256

Motocross Nationals.................................................. 82

2023 May 24th Derby................................................ 264

Ray Swan Flat 8K........................................................ 92

Sports Profile (Karl Outerbridge) .......................... 278

Ludwig Cann 10K..................................................... 102

USTF-Bermuda ....................................................... 282

2022 Sports Awards................................................. 110

Motocross National Championship wrap-up......... 296

Sports Profile (Myeisha Sharrieff)........................... 148

Brian Wellman is one of Bermuda’s greatest Track and Field athletes, who became world champion in 1995, setting a new championship indoor record (CR) of 17.72 and a personal best outdoors record of 17.62 meters. Both achievements are Bermuda National records. Brain competed collegiately for the University of Arkansas where he won two NCAA Outdoor triple jump titles. He is a four-time Bermuda Olympian and the only Bermudian to have two top six finishes in the Olympics: 5th in 1992 and 6th in 1996. At the 1994 Commonwealth Games he earned a bronze medal and has been ranked in the top ten in the world seven times. In 2009, Brian was inducted into the Bermuda Sports Hall of Fame and was honored as the Bermuda Athlete of the Year five times from 1991 to 1996. Brian Wellman, along with sprinter Troy Douglas and high jumper Nicky Saunders are the three greatest Bermudian track and field athletes.

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RAS MYKKAL BERMUDA

I N N O VAT I O N S

SPORTS

The Bermuda Sports Journal A product of Ras Mykkal Innovations www.rasmykkalinnovations.com bdasjmailbox@gmail.com Administration Nathalee S. Simons

Co-founder and Financial Controller

Ras Mykkal Simons

Co-founder, Creative Director and Photographer

Sales & Marketing Helen Trott wfhgroupservice@gmail.com 441-518-1246 Ras Mykkal & SJDWorld.com Layout & Graphic Design

Published by: issuu.com www.rasmykkalinnovations.com bdasjmailbox@gmail.com Contributing Writers Betty Doyling (Health and Fitness) B Active for life Personal Fitness Trainer bactivept@gmail.com 1-441-533-4451

Jenny Smatt, M.A, M.Sc., OLY

(Sports Psychology) Ontru/Five Rings Managing Director, Coach jenny@ontru.bm | 1-441-536-6878 | www.ontru.bm

Freelance Writers Don Burgess Patrick Bean

Disclaimer The Bermuda Sports Journal was established in part because many of the sporting organizations have not kept records of the achievements of their athletes whether it be in photographs, documented history, or statistics. As people grow older, memories fade and is forgotten, therefore, unrecorded information frequently become fables. The goal of the Bermuda Sports Journal is to interview people and document their stories to ensure preservation of all their stories. We aim to be as accurate as possible, whilst relying on people’s honesty and their re-collection of events, including correct dates and times, therefore, some information may be inaccurate.

Bermuda Sports Journal | 2023

2023 | |Bermuda BermudaSports SportsJournal Journal

Bermuda Sports Journal | 2023

Copyright and Intellectual Property One of the reasons I started the Bermuda Sports Journal Magazine, is the realization that there is a shortage of photographs, history, information, records, statistics, and pride in Bermuda’s sporting circles. Are there any pictures of Clyde Best in his school uniform? What school did he attend? Who is Frankie Brewster and what does he look like? Who is Ken Dear, Thaddeus “B Bop” Ming, Cal Dill, Burt Ingham, Debbie Hunter-Jones, and Rudy Bailey? Where can I find a picture of the Wellington Rovers or Key West Rangers football teams from the early days of football? There is more of our history in the graveyard than in our libraries, so I started trying to create something for future generations so they will know the athletes of yesteryear and current. It is unfortunate, but recently, I have been involved in a few confrontations in regards to my photographing athletes at public events where I was accused of stealing the club’s intellectual property. This has prompted me to write this article to bring some clarity and understanding for those who need to know about copyrights and intellectual property. First and foremost, it is illegal and wrong to invade someone’s private property and photograph them against their will. But anybody with a camera or cellphone can take pictures and/or videos at a public event unless there are stipulations, rules and/or contracted agreements in place. A home club or governing body will allow media access to their events because media coverage is good for everyone, especially those who cannot attend. I cover sport events as a photographer for this journal and the daily newspaper, I also produce custom-made posters of our athletes. Sometimes, I will approach the team management and ask for permission to do a team picture. This is best achieved with some type of negotiated agreement to avoid intellectual property issues. Many of the clubs here do not have their name or logo copy written or protected, therefore it is legally difficult to argue for something you don’t have. My advice to Bermuda’s clubs and governing bodies is to have your club’s name, logos and crest copyright protected, that is your intellectual property. Build your brand with contracted agreements, this may not be a multi-million-dollar deal, but it is a means to generate some revenue for your club. Copyright is a type of intellectual property that protects original works of authorship as soon as an author fixes the work in a tangible form of expression. Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce. The person who creates an image “the creator” will generally be the first owner of the copyright unless there is a contracted agreement as to who owns the rights to the work.

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Bermuda Sports Journal | 2023

2023 | Bermuda Sports Journal

Decoration, which is only given to officers who have 12 years of commissioned service in good standing. Major Butler was sent on a string of exchanges and attachments and was a graduate of the Company Commanders Course at Warminster, earning him the opportunities to meet some of the dignitaries who called on the island, having been aide-de-camp and honorary aide-de-camp to several governors including Sir Edwin Leather, and equerry to Princess Margaret. He met Queen Elizabeth II and US Vise-President George Bush Sr. in 1975, 1984 and 1990, and from 1981 to 1984. Major Butler served through four embodiments for civil unrest. As a cricketer, he took a liking for umpiring and joined the West Indies Cricket Umpires’ Association and travelled the world, umpiring games for 47 years. He met his wife, Alfreda, at a Hallowe’en party on Princess Street and would meet her home every day after work. They had been married for 47 years and had two daughters, Angeline Butler and Melissa Butler Griffiths.

RANDALL “RANDY” BUTLER Randall “Randy” Butler was well-known across Bermuda for three things. Major in the Bermuda Regiment, Express mail in the Bermuda Post Office and as a Cricket Umpire. Randy was the second youngest of seven children of Myrtle and Vaughn Evans. His father was a painter from Dominica and his mother was a homemaker. As a teenager, he played for Western Stars cricket team as an all-rounder. When he was 14 years old and packing groceries at the Old Stop and Shop

Bermuda Sports Journal | 2023

grocery store on Church Street, a staff member gave him a cricket bat. Angle Street was his home pitch and he and his brother Michael played a lot of street cricket in those early days. He was conscripted into the Bermuda Regiment in 1967, not long after the Bermuda Regiment was formed and did not want to join; he retired from the regiment in November 1990 as a major. He rose through the ranks during a 23-year career. He was awarded an Efficiency

Over the years he has won several awards for his umpiring work including the West Indies Cricket Umpires’ Association’s 50th anniversary 2013 Appreciation Award for dedicated and committed service as a regional vice-president and in 2014, the Bermuda Cricket Board’s Appreciation Award for service to cricket. He was employed at the Bermuda Post Office for 25 years, working as the express mail manager, served as vice-president of the West Indies Cricket Umpires’ Association and on the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control and the International Cricket Council. Randall Lewis Burrows Butler was born on August 30, 1944, former officer of the Royal Bermuda Regiment and veteran cricket official is survived by his wife, Alfreda, and their children, Angeline and Melissa Butler. Major Butler. died in April 2023 at aged 78.

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Bermuda Sports Journal | 2023

On May 14, 2023, Marco Warren, the captain of Pembroke Hamilton Club Zebra’s football team was discovered injured on North Shore Road, in Hamilton Parish, about 3.15am, and later died from his injuries. The 29-year-old father of a newborn son was the victim of a hit and run incident as he walked home from Bailey’s Bay Club. The naturally talented and gifted footballer comes from a rich dynasty of football greats on both sides of his family, the skill Marco developed comes from generations of prolific footballers, he was a great-grand son to Key West Rangers and PHC Zebra’s, Earl “Townsey” Russell and grandson of former North Village, Southampton Rangers and Bermuda National midfielder Randy Bean. His father Dwight “Payback” Warren was also a great footballer who played for the national squad, Boulevard Blazers, and North Village Rams.

working on colors, comfort, fit, and quality control testing of the boots. The Bermuda Sports Journal would like to extend our sincere condolence to the family and friends of Marco, we encourage/plead with anyone who has information about the hit and run incident that killed Marco Warren, to do the honorable thing and contact the police at 2950011, or the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number 800-8477.

Diminutive in size, like his mother, Marco’s passion for the game of football would lead him to three “Most Valuable Player” awards in five years and numerous league and cup titles with PHC Zebras. He also played for the national team, making his debut on March 8, 2015, helping Bermuda beat Grenada 2-0. Off the field, Marco was quite the entrepreneur as he designed and was developing his own brand of football boots. He and his sister worked together to design and patent the ‘MW’ boot, spending the 2022 -2023 football season

2023 | Bermuda Sports Journal

Diane Hunt Stalwart of Sport and Education 1946-2023

Diane Hunt, career in softball with the PHC Zebras,

intricate part of the Somerset community holding

before moving to Somerset Bluebirds. She was

many positions at Somerset Cricket Club, including

an outstanding member of the Big Blue Machine,

head the education and the youth committee, she

the women’s national softball team that became a

utilized both her skills as a seasoned educator and

dominant force in Central American and the Carib-

devoted sportswoman for the benefit of the Somer-

bean were she made her name as a catcher. She

set community. Diane Hunt, a Stern but loving and

also coached football and netball and served as an

caring person, one of the most influential people in

administrator for the Bermuda Football Association,

the Somerset community. A stalwart of Somerset

where she was one of the selectors for BFA leg-

Cricket Club was born on December 19, 1946. She

ends scholarships. Aside from her athletic prowess

died in March 2023 at the age of 76.

on the field, she was a veteran teacher at West End Primary School where she taught math and physical education, she also taught at Northlands Primary School. A gifted writer, and a chronicler of Cup Match history, the game, and its traditions. She also wrote about the history of the school where she spent most of her career and was a leading member of the West End Warriors, a group fighting to save West End Primary from closure under reforms of the public education system. Ms. Hunt’s was an 16

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SPORTS

SELLER

Sharon Fenn has decided to sell the sports equipment, apparel and sneaker store after owning/operating it for 19 years is ‘calling it a day’. The popular sports shop in the Washington Mall has served the athletics community for a long time and has an interesting history. Runners Jim and Debbie Butterfield first opened the Sportseller in the Old Cellar Lane on Front Street back in 1979. When they would travel to the United States to run the New York and Boston marathons, friends would ask if they would bring back running shoes for them and that ‘gave birth’ to the idea of opening a sportswear shop.

Sharon Fenn After some 10 years, they sold it to their Accountant and friend, Sutherland Madeiros, who along with the Butterfield’s, Steven Petty and John Cash started the Bermuda Triathlon Association. In 1993, Sharon joined Sutherland as manager and buyer and purchased the Sportseller in 2004. Sharon grew the business with good customer relations, utilizing social media presence, and their customer e-mail database to market the store inventory and the Sportseller would be the ‘go-to’place for runners, swimmers and anyone looking for trendy sports fashions. For a small business, with a solid customer base, The Sportseller has built a unique person-to-person relationship with about three hundred customers. For Ms. Fenn, she said thankfully, she is healthy, wants to travel and spend as much time with her husband as possible.

2023 | Bermuda Sports Journal

Bermuda Sports Journal | 2023

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How to lower your salt intake Women are often bombarded with messages about how their bodies should look. From advertising to social media, we are constantly told that we need to be thinner, curvier, or more toned. This can lead to low self-esteem and body image issues. When I was competing, I was never small enough. When I experienced weight gain with my tumor, I still wasn’t small enough. However now, I feel the most confident and comfortable in my body.

Your body is resilient.

It is so important to remember that all bodies are beautiful. There is no one ideal body type. Every woman’s body is unique and special.

It is the only one you’ll ever have, so make sure you love and enjoy it.

There are many reasons why women should love their bodies, but here are a few.

It has survived everything you’ve been through, both physically and emotionally.

Your body is beautiful. It is a work of art, created by nature.

Your body is yours. If you’re struggling to love your body, here are a few things you can do:

Your body is strong & capable.

Focus on the things you love about your body. What makes you feel good? What are you proud of?

It allows you to do all the things you love, from running to dancing to hugging your loved ones. It is recommended by the American Heart

Surround yourself with positive messages about body image. Follow body-positive influencers on social media, and unfollow those

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that make you question your body. Read books and articles about body acceptance, and watch movies and TV shows that feature diverse body types. Talk to someone you trust about your body image issues. A therapist or counsellor can help you work through your feelings and develop a more positive body image.

Remember, you are not alone. Many women struggle with body image issues. But it is possible to overcome them and learn to love your body for what it is. Loving your body is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs along the way. But if you keep working at it, you will eventually reach a place where you truly love and appreciate your body.

Practice self-care. Take care of your physical and emotional health by eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Be kind to yourself. Talk to yourself the way you would talk to a friend. Forgive yourself for your mistakes and focus on your strengths. Celebrate your body. Wear clothes that make you feel confident and sexy. Take care of your skin and hair. Find a community of body-positive women. Surround yourself with people who love and support you, no matter what your body looks like.

2023 | Bermuda Sports Journal

Team Mindset Matters An Athlete’s Candid Reflection Recently I had the opportunity to work with several of our elite athletes as they prepared to compete at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile. The focus of the half-day session was on developing performance mindset skills that can be leveraged during training as well as during competition. In addition to goal setting and celebrating success, the group discovered the importance of being aware of their role in setting and maintaining a healthy mindset for the team. Whether you are an athlete in an individual sport or participate in a team sport, here are a few tips to get physically grounded, create an effective gameplan and convert to a “we can do it” mindset. Your Mindset Matters How you show up to practice or to competition matters. Notice how you are feeling – are you in a positive mindset or struggling with fatigue, self-confidence, or doubt? Whether you articulate these feelings, others can sense your energy level. Further, your comments, negative or positive, that align with that mindset impact and can set the tone for the competition or disrupt a potentially negative spiral started by a teammate. TIP: Do a check-in with yourself before practice or competition. Are you feeling up-beat or fighting negative thoughts in your mind? Are you feeling hopeful or hopeless? Worthy or worthless? Powerful or helpless? Ask yourself what you need to do not only for your own success but what else you can do to support your teammates. Just this simple conscious check-in can be a powerful way to ensure your mindset is a good one.

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Name Negativity and Set Boundaries It can be difficult finding the courage to call out a teammate if they are being self-critical or negative about a situation, performance, or another athlete. However, it is important to address inappropriate commentary in a constructive manner. TIP: Name and redirect negative comments in a constructive way. Should a teammate vocalize how disappointed they are with a performance, make excuses or share a critical comment, you may opt to say something like; “Hey, I am sorry you didn’t reach your goal, that is difficult. Remember when you/we did…. you/we can do it again” or “Let’s reset”

Seek and Give Support To Each Other Don’t be afraid to lean on your teammates and ask for what you need to get support and shift into a positive mindset if you are struggling. If fears and anxiety are setting in, invite commentary and affirmations from your coach or fellow athletes.

to focus on the tough or grueling workouts but seize opportunities to just hang out, grab a bite to eat or schedule a social event. This allows trust to be built and a foundation for relationships to extend beyond the pitch or pool. To sum it up, sports should be fun; both training and competition, even at the elite level. High performing athletes can often get consumed by their own thoughts and these can be debilitating and even inhibit others’ performances. Stomp out negativity and become even more successful by focusing on mindfulness as well as developing habits and practices that make you and your team feel worthy, hopeful and powerful! Note: Special thanks to Dr. Tony Tucci, PsyD for collaborating with Jenny on this article.

TIP: Talk in practice about signs, tendencies, and indicators that you may need assistance with. Build a team environment of trust where you may recognize when a teammate is “in their head”, isolated or even over-excited. Discuss what they would like you to say or do to enable them to get into the ideal mindset and performance zone. This could look like; “Hey, I noticed you’ve been really quiet and haven’t said much. Let’s shake it out” or “Let’s remember what got you/us here and draw on that”. Remembering the game plan and strategies that have worked and physically shaking it out can be a powerful tool.

Commit to Celebrating Success Nothing elevates team performance than the momentum that follows celebrating success. Have you ever been part of a team that’s on a roll and the excitement fuels better performances all around? TIP: Celebrate successes, the little milestones as well as the “big goals” frequently and overtly. It is not arrogant if you share your successes in a modest and appropriate way such as “I am so excited that I did well in this race, it feels good to reach my goal time!” In addition to the self-recognition and endorphins that result, we open ourselves to receive positive support from our teammates and strengthen relationships.

Have Fun Together A common thread for elite athletes that I hear more and more about is the importance of lifting one another up and having fun together. There are certainly times

2023 | Bermuda Sports Journal

Written by Patrick Bean

“Peace is not the absence of conflict it is the ability to handle

high-quality fielder for Flatts Victoria.

conflict by peaceful means.” - Ronald Reagan

Davis played as a colt in the 1959 Eastern Counties Cup match

A peacemaker is defined in Oxford Languages Dictionary as:

between Flatts and Bailey’s Bay, which was notorious for its having

“A person who brings about peace, especially by

had two innings completed by both teams over the course of

reconciling adversaries.”

just one day, with Bay coming out the winner of a low scoring,

Thus, it was not by accident that Bermuda tennis legend Vernal

but thrilling match that saw an aggregate total of less than

Davis, who passed away in February at the age of 79, was nicknamed

400 runs scored. Like most of the batters Davis endured lean

‘Peacemaker’, based on his consistent actions in seeking to diffuse

moments at the crease, managing to score just two runs on

conflicts between people and organizations such was a great part of

debut. Sent in at number eight in the first innings, Davis was

his legend. Before anger management psychologists and counsellors

clean bowled by Eric Somner for just two runs. His second

became popular in promoting the win/win concept of conflict

appearance at the wicket was even more disastrous, as

resolution, Davis held this tool as an active method of resolving

Bay’s Cal Outerbridge induced a catch off his bat, which

disputes and bringing rivals together, while promoting harmony,

Wendell Outerbridge pouched, with Davis not troubling

particularly within the Hermitage Road community where he grew up

the scorers at all, falling for a duck.

and worked at the formerly named St Brendan’s Hospital. Not that

In the end Bailey’s Bay dethroned Flatts after posting

Davis was puny, physically inferior, afraid to or unable to fight, for quite

scores of 72 and 129-5, while Flatts, in reply, tallied

the contrary was true. Standing just shy of six-feet tall -- but appearing

74 and 123, falling three runs short of a successful

much taller -- svelte, muscular, with an appearance that warned of

defense. Davis was not called on to bowl in his

considerable athleticism and toughness, Davis could handle himself

first county appearance but played a vital part in

if push came to shove, but he’d rather make friends than enemies,

containing runs among the tight confines of the

build relationships not feuds and rarely did he find need to engage

‘rectangle’ that was Flatts Field. “He didn’t do

in or resort to pugilistic activities. Grounded in Christian principles,

much in that match, but he was a bowler

Davis took to heart and implemented throughout his life the words of

who could move the ball both ways and

Matthew the Apostle, who wrote in the Holy Bible: “Blessed are the

he was an excellent fielder,” said Herman

peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

(Butch) Smith of Davis. “He was a good

Rather than fists, Davis fought via sport, first making a name for

all-rounder in terms of bowling and

himself on the cricket pitch as a seam bowler, late-order batsman and

fielding, which were his strong points,

Bermuda Sports Journal | 2023

2023 | Bermuda Sports Journal

but he batted down the order. He bowled slow to medium fast and was

people were left out of tournaments at Coral Beach because of the

more of a stock bowler.”

invitation requirement, but Vernal kind of busted that wide open, he and

Former Hamilton Parish Workman’s Club President Allan Smith

Allan Simmons. “But Vernal was the champ that solidified that run where,

remembered Davis as a young cricketer of great promise.“He had a lot of

for the first time in Bermuda’s history, we had a Black champion that

potential and was quick in the field,” said Smith. “I remember the 1959

reigned for an extended period in singles and doubles.”

match, where he was a colt and while he didn’t do much in that game,

Davis’ impact on the sport went beyond local shores all the way to the

he was picked for a reason.“They didn’t pick just anybody to play for the

hallowed grass courts at the All-England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club

champions, so he definitely had the ability, but then he went into tennis.”

(AELTC) in London, where he participated in qualifying Wimbledon, tennis’ premier annual event. As noted by Maybury, there was a fierce, competitive rivalry with Bruce Sims, the father of top golfer Michael

As immaterial was his initial foray into County Cup, conversely significant

Sims and former director of tennis and golf at Southampton Princess’

and ground-breaking was Davis’ incursion into the hitherto White

Turtle Hill facilities. “At the time Bob Alger was the pro at Southampton

dominated local and international tennis scene.

Princess and he brought on Bruce Sims as his assistant and one

A previous feature in the Bermuda Sports Journal noted Davis for efforts

could say protégé, before he (Bob) was replaced by Bruce,” explained

that served to “break down barriers for future Black players to participate

Maybury. “Bruce Sims eventually took over as golf director as well as

in the sport”, while “laying the foundation through his gentleman-like

tennis, but the main focus was on the tennis aspect.

conduct, which influenced tennis to become the diverse sport all can

“Bruce was Bermuda champion at the same time as Vernal and was

enjoy”.

getting the same lessons from Bob Alger as was Bob’s son Steve Alger

Davis unequivocally ruled local tennis during much of the 1970s and

and was right up there in terms of his standard at that time.

1980s, ascending to the top spot as a ‘replacement’ for another

“Initially it was a battle between Allan Simmons and Bruce Sims, but

Black pioneer Allan Simmons, with Bruce Sims as his foil and chief

then Vernal came up between them and started to beat everybody. “So

rival. Anxious to share in the glory of a new frontier, Davis brought

Vernal had an ongoing rivalry with Bruce Sims, which transferred into

company, inspiring and coaching the likes of Eugene (Sam) Maybury,

the doubles, where Bruce partnered with Eddie Kyme. “Vernal though

David Lambert, Coleridge Place and Ricky Mallory, all of whom would

brought in fresh talent, because he was invested in sharing his gift and

be enriched by and enjoy moments at the pinnacle of the sport.

growing the sport among his and all people. He brought in Ricky Mallory,

“Vernal Davis was the Black champion that came through after White

who won his first doubles title with Vernal Davis. “At the time Ricky had

domination,” said Maybury, who eventually supplanted his mentor as

difficulty getting through in the singles area because Vernal and I were

the Island’s number one player and premier grassroots coach. “He was

reigning and once Vernal had had his reign the baton was passed on to

the first Black champion that held the reins for such an extended period

me and I became the champ and, like Davis, I was moved to similarly to

of time. “Prior to him was Cromwell Manders, who held it for about five

assist others at the grass-roots level forward.”

years and then it was Allan Simmons, who was in and out of the top

In what was a transitional stage and golden era for local Blacks in the

spot, as he battled with Bruce Sims.

sport Davis stood as the king, while there was similarly a Black queen

“But Vernal held it for seven to eight years straight and was able to

among the local women’s circuit, where Donna Bradshaw likewise had a

single-handedly shift the social fabric of tennis in Bermuda, as he

sustained period of dominance.

became the first Black tennis pro at the National Tennis Stadium (WER

“It came to be that there were two Black champions in men’s and

Joell Tennis Stadium).”

women’s tennis, with Donna Bradshaw the champion among the

Maybury spoke to Davis’ reputation as not only a peacemaker, but

ladies,” said Maybury. “She became the first black lady champion in and

someone who looked to provide amicable alternatives to conflict. “The

around that same time, which had had Claire Smith and Jan Macintosh

kind of person that he was, was that of a resolver,” said Maybury. “He

dominating the women’s side Donna came through and upset that apple

always looked to protect people. “In his younger days he was quite an

cart. “She and Vernal changed the tide of the sport in it being White

athlete. He was very strong, but he used his size to make peace not war.

dominated and then I and others came and advanced it even further

He would break things up and make sure that peace was made and that

and busted things wide open and the rest is history. “Vernal Davis was

conflicts were resolved. “That was his character and that led me train

definitely the catalyst. He was the individual that changed the face of

and play with him. “So when it came to Vernal breaking through and

tennis. That changed the color demographic of tennis in Bermuda.” As

breaking down the racial barriers that had been erected at Pomander

well as being once employed at St Brendan’s, Davis spent many years

Gate, Coral Beach and all of the elite clubs he was that peacemaker

working as an orderly at KEMH before being promoted to that of head of

again, the resolver. “He was the first to play at certain tournaments,

the facility’s emergency medical technicians (EMTs). He at one time used

particularly at Coral Beach, where they had invitations only. “A lot of

to give free tennis lessons to staff members, when there were tennis

Bermuda Sports Journal | 2023

courts on site, which spoke to his generosity. “Vernal was a very studied and fierce competitor and any time you came to play against Vernal you had to bring your tip top game,” said David Lambert, a former President of the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association and one-time student of Davis. “He was highly measured, and he measured the opponents, you really had to be the best you could be when you came up against Vernal Davis. “However, when it came to tennis, Poutside of actual competition, he was very generous with his time and his talent. “If he came across the stadium and he saw you hitting balls against the wall, he would stop and offer you very valuable information. “Vernal helped countless people to improve their games, their techniques and offered his knowledge of the game to anybody, that’s just the type of guy he was. “It wasn’t just about helping Black people; it was about helping people.” Not merely a talent of club level capability, Davis possessed skill and talent to test and often better overseas professionals that were invited to the Island for high tournaments. “I remember Vernal playing against players that had been invited to come to Bermuda to compete in tournaments at different clubs,” said Lambert.

“When I was 18 years old I changed coaches and one of the things that

“These players were often of very high standard and more often than not

I found out about Vernal Davis was that he played his personality,” said

the last one standing, as far as Bermudian players were concerned, was

Lambert. “He was focused, aggressive and he wanted you to practice a

Vernal Davis. “In many cases Vernal was the one who ended up winning

shot over and over until you got it right.

the tournaments and that’s how he got the title of ‘People’s Champion’.

“And you had myself and Colie Place being coached by Vernal Davis and

“A lot of people don’t understand or don’t know how he got the title of

he would not accept anything less than your best.

‘People’s Champion’, but while some Bermuda players were often able

“Like I said, Vernal played his personality. If there was some uncertainty

to get to the quarter-finals or semifinals, he was able to hold his form

of a point he would give the point away. He was not afraid to give a point

throughout and win titles.”

away, that’s how confident he was in his game.

Whereas many players of Davis’ era preferred to engage in baseline

“Vernal would say, ‘You can have that point’. And he would just come

rallies, with the goal of wearing down opponents with consistency, Davis

back and win the next one, that’s how good he was and how much of a

preferred to play the high risk/high reward, power game and was a

gentleman he was.

proponent of the ‘first strike’ style of tennis, serving big, taking balls on

“In finals we had lines-persons and chair umpires, but otherwise we

the rise -- much as a former world number one Roger Federer -- attacking

would call our own games, but that’s just how much of a gentleman he

returns with speed and ending points quickly, even on the slow clay at

was and how fair a person he was and these things really came through

WER Joell Tennis Stadium and Coral Beach Club.

on the court.

By the time opponents realized what was happening they would find

“You learned more about how to be a gentleman and a good sportsman

themselves down and out, with Davis moving on in victory.

on the court, along with how to play the game in watching Vernal Davis.

“Vernal wasn’t trying to settle into a game or rally,” said Lambert. “He

There were a lot of life lessons to be learnt.”

was looking to put the ball away as soon as possible at the first available

Davis’ traversed generations, with his contributions to the sport not lost

opportunity.

on many of today’s generation of tennis practitioners.

“He was coming at you hard right from the start.

Among those millennials who noted his understanding, appreciation and

“He was a very aggressive player who he played from side to side.

indebtedness to Davis having cleared the path upon which they now trod

“He was studied, athletic, quick, with good, sound technique, but he

was former Bermuda number one Gavin Manders, who, like Davis, has

was also a very cerebral player and he was able to digest technique and

also dabbled in cricket.

tactics of other players and incorporate what he saw into his own game.

And much like his predecessor Manders is dedicated to raising the

“He was also able to read the strategy of opponents and formulate ways

quality and accessibility of tennis in Bermuda for persons of all ages, at

to counteract them.”

every skill level, with a core focus in developing the next generation of

However, more than brilliance on the tennis court Davis’ gentle, caring

Bermudian tennis players.

manner and willingness to give of his knowledge that stood out.

Manders has created a vehicle for achieving these goals in the form of 2023 | Bermuda Sports Journal

Manders Tennis Management (MTM), where he is the director and has a stable of certified coaches that include the likes of Jovan Whitter, Earl Leader and Tariq Simons. “Me personally, I didn’t get a lot of Vernal when I was younger,” explained Manders, the great nephew of another prominent Black tennis practitioner and coach, Cromwell Manders. “But as I became number one on the Island I saw a good bit of him and he would always come and talk to me when he saw me. “I never got to do much with him in terms of coaching, rather he offered me insight on how to be a champion and how to have the confidence and deportment to be at the top, with all of the intricate challenges that come with that.

reminisce on things as well.

“When he saw me out on the street he would check on me and things like that, so I kind of got the latter part of him.

“We used to always watch him play in his tournaments and he taught both

“He was a man that obviously loved tennis and he loved everything about

myself and my sister tennis, but we didn’t really stick with it which is one

competition and the next generation that was coming through.

of the regrets I did have and wish that I did stick with it more, because I

“He was dedicated to his craft as well as to those who came after him.

really enjoyed it.”

“Sam Maybury was the one who really taught me the most about Vernal

Similarly Mendes’ younger sibling spoke with reverence and affection for

and what he meant to Black tennis players and the vibe that he had to

the man that was key to her existence and afforded her all he could to

come up through and because of his level he broke through that and

ensure that she was able to attain her life’s goals and was always willing

paved the way for guys like myself, so that we do not have as many

to offer a ‘hand-up’ to anyone who may have been enduring hard times or

obstacles and issues in coming into the sport, so we definitely owe him a

simply needed the comfort, support and presence of a listening ear.

lot for that.”

“My dad was very involved in both my sister’s and I lives and anything we

Nevertheless, beyond all of his tennis accomplishments Vernal Davis was

would invite him to he would make sure and be there,” said Bean. “He

a father and grandfather who doted on his off-spring, which included

loved to come to my children’s activities.

daughters Onika Mendes and Kimber-Lee Bean, granddaughters

“Any sports events he would just turn up and I wouldn’t have to give

Kimora-Lee and Lanziah Bean and grandsons Enrique Mendes and the

him much notice, he would just be there. “He turned up at my house

late Damore Bean, all of whom he introduced to the game that was his

any time I needed him to watch my children and he’s always been there

passion.

for me, especially through the loss of my son last year. “He was there

His daughters remember a dad who fell over backward for them and

for me during what was a very difficult time and having to watch him

provided an infinite amount of love and attention.

also get sick a year later was just so hard, but he was there for me when

Mendes spoke fondly of a man who always had a joke to tell, paid special

I needed him. “He was just a very loving and caring dad, who always

attention his grandchildren, was keen to teach and tell them them all

had good advice and wisdom. “He would always reflect on life and the

about the great game of tennis and was doubly proud of the educational

reasons why things happen and give reasons why things happen in life.

achievements of his daughters.

“He always kept me centred around Christ, because he was a Christian

“He was just so proud of my sister and I and what we had accomplished

and very heavily expressed his love for the Lord. “He always admired me

in our lives,” said Mendes. “Because he was not an educated man he felt

as a woman of God myself and having that as a major part of my life and

so proud that my sister and I were able to go off to school and become

that I was raising my family in a Christ-centered home. “He taught my

educated.

children how to play tennis. He taught me how to play tennis. He took

“I’m a qualified accountant and my sister is a registered nurse and that

it very seriously. He had more fun with the grandchildren, but with me it

would be the first thing he would say to people, ‘One of my daughters is

was a lot more serious, because my sister and me where his pride and joy

an accountant and the other ones a nurse’.

and he wanted to pass along his talent and knowledge to us and teach us

“He was just so proud of us and always talked about us in that respect.

his craft. “And he was a person who was always very giving of his time,

“Of course he loved his grandchildren as well and always came up to

his money, his love to whoever needed it, but to his family there was no

spend time with my son and my sister had two daughters and a son who

question about it, he would give it if he had it.”

passed due to an illness when he was only 12 years old.

Indeed the world is a lot poorer for the loss of Vernal Davis, a father, a

“He spent a lot of time with his grandchildren and taught them tennis.

hero to many and a most precious son of the soil that is Bermuda.

“He was a real jokey type of guy, always cracking jokes and would always 28

Bermuda Sports Journal | 2023

2023 | Bermuda Sports Journal

The Bermuda Bicycle Association’s road racing season started with the customary team time trial. Teams of 3 or 4 riders raced the 9-mile course from the old Paget post office along Middle Road, up Lighthouse Hill to Henry VIII Restaurant and along South Shore Road, to the finish line at Bermuda College.

Bermuda Sports Journal | 2023

2023 | Bermuda Sports Journal

Bicycle Works Women Team 1: Panzy Olander, Jennifer Lightbourne, Louise Wells, Lori Orchard.

Wouter Aarts

Bermuda Sports Journal | 2023

Otis Ingham

VT Women Team 1 of Maddie Durkin, Cora Lee Starzomski and Rose-Anna Hoey topped the Women category.

VT Men Team 2 of Jamie Cousins, Steve Smith, and Philip Mace finished first overall.

The Bermuda Rulers Cycle Club’s Wouter Aarts, Kian Wookely, Andrew Charlesworth, and Stephen Ryan placed third overall.

Bermuda Sports Journal | 2023

BJC Team: Remy Donawa, David Sainsbury, Keon Stevens.

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2023 | Bermuda Sports Journal

BJC Women Team Charlotte Millington, Annabelle Miller, and Skye Ferguson.

BJC Women Team crossed the finish line in 16th place.

Bermuda Sports Journal | 2023

KPMG Bermuda Junior Cycling Team Time Trial Results Sunday, March 19, 2023

Place

Team

Team Members

Category

Time

VT Men 1

D. Mayho, J. Langley, C Morris

Open