Issuu

SPORTS SECTION E

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026

NPPPSSA - PAGE 2

Devynne Charlton breaks her own national record !"#!$%&'#(')!!( *+,-.#(/0123#%4,201 !"#$!!"%#&'!$()*)+',-()# FOURTH-ranked Devynne Charlton sped to a national record for second place behind the top-ranked American world record holder Masai Russell as the two training partners clashed in the women's 100 metres hurdles at the Wanda Diamond League Final. They were joined by Jamaica’s Megan Simmonds as the three competitors, coached by Bahamian Rolando “Lonnie” Greene at the University of Kentucky, went head-to-head in the marquee event on the final day of competition in the Memorial Ivo Van Damme at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Belgium. While Russell took the tape in a meet record of 12.20 seconds - a week after she lowered the world record to 12.09 in Zurich Charlton came through in 12.33 to improve on her own national record of 12.37. Simmonds finished third in a season's best of 12.43, surpassing her previous time of 12.47 with former world record holder Tobi Amusan of Nigeria in fourth in 12.54, well off her season’s best of 12.23. Charlton, the 30-yearold world indoor 60 metres hurdles record holder, used her signature start to surge out front for the first eight flights of the 10 hurdles. But Russell, the 28-yearold Olympic champion, caught Charlton on the ninth flight and took control on the 10th and final flight to seal the deal and secure the jackpot of $60,000 for the win to add to her series earnings of $30,000.

Charlton 2nd behind Masai Russell as they clash in 100m hurdles at Wanda Diamond League Final

56&789*#5):;./,",'.0$"")11.,(+.2)34(().56,&1#7(8.&'96#8.+&,:)+.'(.#6)'&.;*)&'<,(.,(+.=,6,*',(.>1,9".&)":)<#'3)14-Charlton, cashing in $20,000 for second place and another $4,000 for her fourth place in the series,

said she gave it her best shot. "I had an amazing start and I thought I was going

to win," Charlton said. "Unfortunately, I hit a hurdle in the second half of the race and that kicked me

back a little bit and cost me the win." Despite falling short, Charlton said she’s still

happy with the second place and the national record. For Russell, it was another victory to celebrate.

‘Selfless spirit’ Guard Franco Miller Jr Rebels Neville Wisdom signs with team in China draw first blood dies at age of 76 !"#<:&7'=7&# !)$$:>( '1,?@A-#(/0123#$-/012-1 jburrows@ tribunemedia.net

!"#!$%&'#(')!!( *+,-.#(/0123#%4,201 !"#$!!"% #&'!$()*)+',-()# NEVILLE Wisdom, who helped to transform sports as a coach and an administrator, died on Saturday morning, leaving a generation of local and international competitors saluting him for his contributions. Wisdom laid down a solid foundation as a long-time coach at the Government High School and the Bain Town Flyers Track Club and he was the ninth Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture. The 76-year-old proprietor of Florarama leaves behind his loving wife Manita Wisdom, son Donovan Wisdom, brothers Dr Keith and Evon Wisdom and a host of relatives and friends, including an outstanding cast of national star athletes. Troy Kemp, the men’s high jump world champion from the1995 World Championships in Athletics, who still holds the Bahamian national record at 7-feet, 9 3/4-inches or 2.38 metres that he

NEVILLE WISDOM established in 1995, said he owes Wisdom a great debt of gratitude. "He was one of the coaches to produce a new generation of athletes at the time," Kemp said. "How much he meant to do came from the training that he gave all of us during that time to mould us to do better. "Before I became involved in club sports, he was a friend of our family and so there is a history that goes back a bit. I last saw him about two years ago for the Athletics Alumni Association honoured him. He was an inspiration, an intelligent person, a great

SEE WISDOM, Page 4

BAHAMIAN guard Franco Miller Jr is headed to China as he enters the next chapter of his professional basketball career after signing with the NingBo Rockets of the Chinese Basketball Association. The 27-year-old Miller joins NingBo after a summer in which he continued to establish himself as one of The Bahamas’ most important players on the international stage. The signing was reported on September 4. The move gives Miller another opportunity to build on the progress he has made since leaving the collegiate ranks, having already played professionally in Spain and the NBA G League while also hooping with The Bahamas’ senior national team in hopes of FIBA qualification. Miller spent the 202526 season with the Santa Cruz Warriors, the NBA G League affiliate of the Golden State Warriors. He appeared in 29 regular-season games, averaging 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 21.1 minutes

!"#<:&7'=7&# !)$$:>( '1,?@A-#(/0123#$-/012-1 jburrows@ tribunemedia.net

per game. He shot 35.6 per cent from the field, 28.7 per cent from three-point range and 73.5 per cent from the free-throw line. His strongest performance of the G League season came in the Warriors’ regular-season finale in March, when Miller exploded for a career-high

35 points against the Texas Legends. He knocked down seven three-pointers and added five assists and two steals. Miller’s international production has been even more significant. With The Bahamas continuing its

THE Rebels drew first blood in their championship rematch with the Reapers on Friday night, overcoming an early deficit before pulling away for an 11-5 victory in game one of the New Providence Amateur Baseball League championships at the Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium. The win gives the Rebels an early advantage in a rivalry that has been heating up since last year’s championship series, when the Reapers captured the league’s inaugural title after defeating the Rebels 4-2 in the decisive fifth game. The two teams are now meeting for the championship again in the league’s second season since its return in 2025 following a 19-year absence. The Reapers entered the championship series as the top team in the regular season, finishing with a 15-2 record, while the Rebels placed second at 14-2-1, with their lone tie separating the two teams in the standings.

SEE SIGNING, Page 2

SEE BASEBALL, Page 2

PAGE 2, Monday, September 7, 2026

THE TRIBUNE

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New NPPPSSA chief elected !"#!$%&'#(')!!( *+,-.#(/0123#%4,201 80*7880H*/.876'9'+.:?6'* NAAMAN Lightbourne will serve as the new president of the New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association for the next two years. Lightbourne, who previously served as first vice president, was elected to his new post following the election of officers on Friday at Columbus Primary. It was conducted by Clara Storr, officer in the Ministry of Education. He replaced Latoya Bain, who resigned to run in the May 12 general elections

YOUNG Bahamian basketball player Keitho Johnson Jr, also known as “KJay 2 Smooth,” is giving back to the next generation through his first local basketball giveback initiative. Johnson, the son of Charlis Robins, partnered with local skills trainer Darshtyn Baker, founder of Island Dreams Basketball Organisation, to provide young

Naaman Lightbourne to serve as president of New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association for next two years with the Coalition of Independence for the St James constituency. "It is with great pleasure and honour to be elected as the new president of the NPPPSSA," Lightbourne said. "It's awesome that I was chosen to lead this amazing group of physical educators." Lightbourne will serve through 2028 with the following officers:

Darshtyn Baker as vice president; Mikela Butler-Capron as treasurer, assisted by Ashley Oembler; Shakera Pinto as secretary; Theo Neely and Brad Wood as chaplins; Jamieson Pratt, Cleo Williams and Judie Clarke as public relations officers and Vashon Armbrister as sergeant-at-arms. This team that’s assembled screams success," Lightbourne said. "Without

doubt and hesitation this team is going to do amazing things in the primary schools throughout this wonderful island." Pratt, a physical education teacher at Sadie Curtis, said he is excited to be in charge of public relations, especially considering the fact that he's only been in the public school system for a year. "I am just ready to serve and showcase what

the government primary schools are capable of," he stated. Lightbourne said his expectations for this season is to work hand-in-hand with the members of this association to produce the best young individuals that primary school has to offer. "I’m expecting great things this new season," he said. The NPPPSSA will start the season with

‘KJay 2 Smooth’ giving back to the next generation of basketball players campers with basketball instruction and guidance on what it takes to become a successful student-athlete. The young players also received basketball travel

essential kits containing hygiene products, ice packs, soothing cream, cooling towels and water bottles. Campers were recognised for their performance, with

awards presented to the best defensive player and best offensive player, while the camp most valuable player received a special MVP ring.

Johnson’s initiative was also supported by the mentorship of Rev Father DeAngelo Bowe, rector of the Parish Church of the Most Holy Trinity, and

the Dawn Knowles soccer tournament from October 8-16. "The goal is to continue to name our tournaments after former physical educators and former presidents of the NPPPSSA to dedicate and honour them for the tremendous work and the phenomenal impact they made in education," Lightbourne pointed out. The other events on the calendar are: Softball/ Baseball - November 23-27 Basketball - January 25-29 Volleyball - March 15-19 Track and Field - April 21-23 Cross Country - January TBA

inspired by the example of his grandfather, Charlie “Softly” Robins. The initiative went beyond developing basketball skills, placing emphasis on mentorship, discipline, hard work and faith. In additon to the latter, the initiative also encouraged young Bahamians to use their talents to positively impact others.

beat Reapers in Franco enters next chapter Rebels championship rematch of his career with Chinese Basketball Association BASEBALL, from Page 1

SIGNING, from Page 1 push through the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers, Miller has averaged 17.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 5.3 assists through seven games in the current qualifying campaign. He has already delivered several major performances during the campaign, including 32 points and six assists against Jamaica in February and 19 points, seven rebounds and seven assists against Puerto Rico in March. More recently, he scored 13 points against Panama in The Bahamas’ 100-82 victory during Window 4. That recent international form has helped raise Miller’s profile as he moves into another professional opportunity. Miller began his professional career in Spain with Fibwi Palma during the 2024-25 season before making the move to the G League. During his lone season in Spain, he averaged 10.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 31 games, according to RealGM. He also spent his collegiate career between

Ole Miss and Florida Gulf Coast, where he developed into a point guard capable of creating his own offence while also handling significant playmaking responsibilities. Now, Miller will take that experience to NingBo, where he will join a Rockets team looking to improve on a 2025-26 season in which it finished 12th in the Chinese Basketball Association with a 21-23 record. The move represents another step forward for Miller, whose path has taken him from Freeport to the United States college system, professional basketball in Europe and the G League, and now to one of the world’s most competitive basketball markets. More importantly, it comes at a time when Miller has become a central part of The Bahamas’ plans on the international stage. With the World Cup qualifiers continuing, his move to China gives the Bahamian guard another opportunity to develop his game while taking on a larger professional challenge.

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Friday’s opener followed a similar competitive pattern before the Rebels broke the game open late. The Reapers struck first in the bottom of the first inning after Tate Isaacs drew a walk and Sharad Johnson singled to centre field, with both eventually coming around to score. The Rebels answered in the second, using a walk by Pheron Edgecombe and a fielder’s choice by Trae Fowler to tie the game at 2-2. The Reapers regained the lead in the bottom half of the inning, scoring twice to move ahead 4-2. That lead held until the Rebels finally broke through in the sixth. The Rebels sent five runs across on three hits in the top of the inning, turning a two-run deficit into a 9-5 advantage. Amahj McPhee delivered the biggest hit of the rally with a two-run double as the Rebels took control of the championship opener. They added two more runs to complete the 11-5 victory. McPhee played a major role on both sides of the ball for the Rebels. He started on the mound and worked six 2/3 innings, allowing seven hits and five runs, although only two were earned. He struck out 11 and walked 11.

Lyndon Wallace started for the Reapers and went 5 1/3 innings, allowing two hits and five runs while striking out two and walking 10. The Rebels got one hit apiece from Fowler, Steffon McKenzie, McPhee, Junel Bain and Chadum Ferguson. McPhee finished with three RBIs, while Toby Simmons drew three walks. The Rebels’ ability to get on base and put pressure on the Reapers continued throughout the night. They drew 12 walks and stole six bases, with Simmons and Edgecombe each stealing multiple bases. Johnson led the Reapers’ offence with a 2-for-3 performance and two RBIs. Pheron Charlton also collected two hits, while Isaacs drew four walks. The Reapers finished with 11 walks and five stolen bases, including two from Shariff Neymour. For the Rebels, though, the late offensive surge mattered most. After the Reapers ended last year’s championship with the trophy, the Rebels have shown up for game one in this year’s rematch. The series now moves forward with the defending champions needing to respond, while the Rebels look to build on the momentum of an 11-5 opening-game victory.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, September 7, 2026, PAGE 3

Arsenal rallies to 2-1 win against Chelsea Manchester United drops more points in the Premier League

!"#$%&'(#)*!(*+# %,#(-../0#1023/0 MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Arsenal passed the biggest test of its Premier League title defence so far by rallying to a 2-1 win against Chelsea yesterday. Martin Odegaard struck a 50th-minute winner at the Emirates Stadium after Morgan Rogers had given Chelsea an early lead. Kai Havertz equalised in the first half for Arsenal, which has a 100 per cent record after three games and moved level at the top of the standings with Manchester City. “From start-to-finish it was a joy to watch our team play and compete. The threat we created, huge individual performances as well, the atmosphere inside the stadium was something great to witness,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said. Manchester United 's difficult start to the season continued with a 2-2 draw at Everton, despite twice leading at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Statement win for Arsenal Arsenal faced down the challenge of a Chelsea team that is expected to be among its main rivals for the title this season. And it was not only the result that will have sent out a message to the likes of Man City and Liverpool, but the nature of the win. Chelsea got off to a perfect start when Rogers volleyed low from the edge of the area to beat David Raya in the second minute. But Arsenal produced the response of a champion by creating a slew of chances before Havertz fired into the corner in the 25th. Odegaard's decisive strike came five minutes into the second half as he finished clinically from inside the box. “It was a big massive game, a tough opponent, really hard for us against a really good team. It was a big fight and we got there in the end,” Odegaard said.

It was the first defeat for new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, but his team pushed Arsenal all the way, with Raya producing an outstanding save to deny substitute Estevao from equalising late on. Pedro Neto also hit the post in the first half. "It hurts, a defeat has to hurt," Alonso said. "I learned about the game, about us, what we are doing and starting, the players have this attitude, desire to compete better gameby-game to try to create something we believe in, to have this conviction. “So far I’m happy knowing it’s a process, but we want to win games, that’s the ultimate goal.” United stunned Ainsley Maitland-Niles struck in added time to rescue a 2-2 draw for Everton against United. The deadline day signing came off the bench to make his debut and curled a brilliant long-range shot into

MANCHESTER United’s Benjamin Sesko, right, celebrates scoring their second goal against Everton in Liverpool, England, yesterday. (Peter Byrne/PA via AP) “We always want to keep fighting and have showed that many times. Conceding early is never ideal, but our reaction was top, (we) could have scored some more goals and got our reward. I think it was a brilliant performance.”

the top corner to salvage a point for his new club. United twice led at Hill Dickinson Stadium through goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, who looked to have scored the winner in the 88th. But Everton had an answer on both occasions, with Tyrique George also scoring. “Everybody wants to start off like that,” Maitland-Niles said. “The ball fell to me on the edge of the box. I put my foot through it, it ended up in the top corner, which I’m happy about.” It was another setback for United, which has just one win from its opening three games of the season after a loss to Hull and victory against Ipswich. Defensive frailties cost United again as it conceded two goals for the third game running. Mbeumo fired United in front straight after halftime with a low shot into the far corner. George lashed in a

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-DAY FORECAST

TODAY

TONIGHT

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

near-post equaliser in the 83rd, but substitute Sesko headed United back in front. The visitors were seconds away from three points when the ball broke to Maitland-Niles outside the box in the sixth minute of added time and his first-time shot left United goalkeeper Senne Lammens standing. “We haven’t started the season that bad. It’s not that bad, we’ve got that close to coming away with three points today, that’s football,” United coach Michael Carrick said. “There are moments we can deal with a bit better, but we’ll be fine. “We’re bitterly disappointed to be up in the position we were in the game twice, so close to the end. “All the work that went into putting us in that position at different stages to then come away like that – it’s not a great feeling. It feels like a defeat."

™

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UV INDEX TODAY

FRIDAY

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11+ LOW

ORLANDO

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 75° F/24° C

TAMPA

Some sun, then turning cloudy

Partly cloudy

Sun followed by increasing clouds

Sunshine with a t-storm in spots

Partly sunny with a stray t-storm

A couple of morning showers

High: 90°

Low: 79°

High: 89° Low: 81°

High: 90° Low: 80°

High: 91° Low: 81°

High: 90° Low: 80°

AccuWeather RealFeel

105° F

91° F

105°-91° F

104°-90° F

106°-92° F

104°-92° F

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 77° F/25° C

ABACO

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 78° F/26° C

6-12 knots

WEST PALM BEACH High: 92° F/33° C Low: 75° F/24° C

6-12 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE E

FREEPORT

High: 92° F/33° C Low: 76° F/24° C

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 78° F/26° C

MIAMI

High: 92° F/33° C Low: 78° F/26° C

4-8 knots

KEY WEST

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 83° F/28° C

The higher the AccuWeather UV Index number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection. Shown is the highest value of the day.

TIDES FOR NASSAU High

Ht.(ft.) 2.7 3.5

11:03 a.m. 0.6 ---------

ALMANAC

Tuesday

5:56 a.m. 6:28 p.m.

3.0 3.6

12:02 a.m. 0.7 12:06 p.m. 0.4

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 84° F/29° C Low .................................................... 77° F/25° C Normal high ....................................... 88° F/31° C Normal low ........................................ 75° F/24° C Last year’s high .................................. 89° F/31° C Last year’s low ................................... 76° F/25° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday .................................. trace Year to date ................................................ 17.02” Normal year to date ................................... 25.91”

Wednesday 6:52 a.m. 7:19 p.m.

3.2 3.6

12:54 a.m. 0.5 1:04 p.m. 0.3

Thursday

7:43 a.m. 8:06 p.m.

3.4 3.6

1:42 a.m. 1:56 p.m.

0.3 0.2

Friday

8:30 a.m. 8:51 p.m.

3.5 3.5

2:25 a.m. 2:46 p.m.

0.2 0.2

Saturday

9:15 a.m. 9:34 p.m.

3.5 3.3

3:07 a.m. 3:33 p.m.

0.2 0.3

Sunday

9:59 a.m. 10:15 p.m.

3.5 3.1

3:47 a.m. 4:18 p.m.

0.2 0.4

Ht.(ft.)

Sunrise Sunset

6:53 a.m. 7:22 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

3:02 a.m. 5:05 p.m.

New

First

Full

Last

Sep. 10

Sep. 18

Sep. 26

Oct. 3

CAT ISLAND

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 80° F/27° C

4-8 knots

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 80° F/27° C

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 80° F/27° C

4-8 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Low

SUN AND MOON

N W

EXT.

4:52 a.m. 5:32 p.m.

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

VERY HIGH

Today

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 83° F/28° C

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 79° F/26° C

HIGH

The patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature® is the only index that includes all the weather factors that play a role in how we perceive temperature, including the effects of wind, humidity, sunshine, precipitation, pressure, and elevation. Shown are the highest and lowest values for each day.

MODERATE

ANDROS

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 81° F/27° C

W S

LONG ISLAND

TRACKING MAP

High: 92° F/33° C Low: 80° F/27° C

4-8 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 91° F/33° C Low: 82° F/28° C

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS

are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

RAGGED ISLAND

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 80° F/27° C

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 83° F/28° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 92° F/33° C Low: 81° F/27° C

N W

N E

E S

4-8 knots

MARINE FORECAST ABACO ANDROS CAT ISLAND CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA FREEPORT GREAT EXUMA GREAT INAGUA LONG ISLAND MAYAGUANA NASSAU RAGGED ISLAND SAN SALVADOR

Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday: Today: Tuesday:

WINDS SW at 6-12 Knots E at 4-8 Knots SE at 4-8 Knots ENE at 4-8 Knots SE at 4-8 Knots ESE at 6-12 Knots E at 6-12 Knots E at 7-14 Knots SSE at 4-8 Knots ESE at 6-12 Knots SW at 6-12 Knots ESE at 4-8 Knots SE at 4-8 Knots ENE at 6-12 Knots NE at 4-8 Knots E at 7-14 Knots SSE at 4-8 Knots E at 7-14 Knots ESE at 6-12 Knots ESE at 8-16 Knots SSE at 4-8 Knots E at 4-8 Knots SE at 4-8 Knots E at 7-14 Knots SE at 4-8 Knots ESE at 6-12 Knots

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WAVES 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 0-1 Feet 0-1 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-2 Feet 0-1 Feet 0-1 Feet 0-1 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 2-4 Feet 2-4 Feet 0-1 Feet 0-1 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 0-1 Feet 1-2 Feet

VISIBILITY 10 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 85° F 85° F 87° F 86° F 86° F 87° F 87° F 86° F 87° F 87° F 86° F 86° F 88° F 88° F 86° F 86° F 87° F 86° F 85° F 85° F 87° F 87° F 87° F 87° F 87° F 87° F

“We got you covered under the radars”

PAGE 4, Monday, September 7, 2026

THE TRIBUNE

Frank Rutherford: ‘God has decided to take one of those earthly adopted fathers of mine’ WISDOM, from Page 1 speaker and he taught me a lot about discipline, sacrifice and hard work and how I carried that throughout my entire track career.” Now a mental health counsellor in San Francisco where he resides with his family, Kemp said if it wasn’t for Wisdom, he would not have been able to attend Boise State University and excel as one of the top collegiate high jumpers before he ascended on the world stage. “By the time I got to college, training was a joke,” Kemp lamented. I was with a unique group of individuals training on the sand and the golf course on Cabbage Beach at 4am in the morning. It all paid off in the end. “To look back and see the quality of athletes who came from that era, people who won medals and set national records. It’s wonderful to look back at his achievement and what he did to give back to the sport.” Frank Rutherford, who went on to become the first Bahamian track and field Olympic medallist as well as World Indoor and Pan American Games bronze medallist, said outside of his family, Wisdom and Tom Tellez, who coached him at the University of Houston, were the two most influential men in his life. “God has decided to take one of those earthly adopted fathers of mine,” Rutherford said. “What Neville means to me is simply a bee that is flying to pollinate a young man who became one of the greatest Bahamian successful stories. “From the time I met Neville, he exuberated and insisted on me and the members of the Bain Town Flyers that we are second to nobody in the world when it comes to our athletic greatness and what we could become.” At the end of every club meeting, especially those returning from their colleges and universities, they should not believe they have arrived until they reach out and pull somebody else up. “When you are able to pull someone else up, you are on the way to being successful,” Rutherford said. “That was one of the impactful messages that Neville Wisdom taught me, to always look out for others, even before you look out for yourself.”

!"QRSS"$#7,.&0$'+-+7T+,$67,$):)'.$;'&0$5)'0+99)$U)-(+EC56'7,97+F$=6&*+8$B+'?<,&*F$56+'8E$U<*'&+C1&*+,F$#6+80)$ 5&8+/'&&(+$)*.$V*+,70<,$=9')-6)*$.<'7*?$96+$W)6)0),$D')-($)*.$B7+8.$N8<0*7$/)*X<+9$7*$IJIHL Rutherford said he remembers how Lynden Sands encouraged him to join the Bain Town Flyers when he was just learning how to triple jump and he in turn introduced Pauline Davis - a sprinter at LW Young - to Wisdom, who took her under his wings like his own daughter. During their journey together, Rutherford said Wisdom introduced them to the late Sir Lynden Pindling, the first Prime Minister of The Bahamas, who also inspired them. After establishing his Frank Rutherford Foundation in Houston, Texas, Rutherford said he was able to get a number of Bahamian basketball and football players to take their game to another level through high school and college before they ventured into the pro ranks. “He was my adopted father. I am sad because of his physical absence off this planet, but I am rejoicing that God had put such a prophet, an angel, a pioneer, a visionary, an architect, philanthropist, a selfless spirit, a man who cared more about everybody else but himself,” Rutherford charged. “He even sacrificed his own family for the greatness of inspiring young Bahamians to find the greatness that they didn’t even know they had in themselves. “You will never see another Neville Wisdom in this selfish world that we live in. Neville woke up everyday asking himself how he could make the world better. Nobody has done it better than him.” “Golden Girl” Pauline Davis, the first Bahamian to win an Olympic gold medal in the 200m and as

a member of the women’s 4 x 100m relay team, said she spent about an hour the night before Wisdom died talking about the way the country has treated her and even Rutherford. “I’m not taking it well,” Davis said. “The only thing that man didn’t do for me was to provide the sperm that made me. Coach loved me, supported me and stood by me when other persons were saying that I won’t amount to anything because I came out of Bain Town. “He believed in me and he made me believe in myself. He called me his pearl. He didn’t call me Pauline. He called me Pearl.” In 1984 when she suffered an injury before the CARIFTA Games here, Davis said Wisdom personally took her through her rehabilitation and she was able to answer the call to compete, leading the charge for Team Bahamas, including her magnificent come-from-behind run over Jamaica on the anchor leg in the women’s 4 x 400m relay. From there, Davis said Wisdom remained her personal coach even when she went on to compete for the University of Alabama and then as a pro athlete. Fellow “Golden Girl” Eldece Clarke-Lewis, another shining star, said Wisdom recognised her potential and encouraged her to dream beyond the tracks of high school. “Throughout the years of competing in university to track around the world and ultimately to the Olympics, you remained a respected and most trusted mentor,” Clarke-Lewis said. “Thank you. Gone but never

forgotten. May your soul rest in peace, Sir.” Michael ‘Boy Blue’ Newbold, hailed as one of the greatest high school sprinters in the country, called Wisdom his “mentor, coach and father figure. “My Wisdom was that dude. He was the spark between all of his athletes, including myself, Frank, Pauline, Eldece. He was that beacon on the hill that shone upon us. He was really, really good to everybody.” Newbold, now living in Mississippi as the operations manager for public housing in the city of Clarksdale, said Wisdom made it a point to teach those whom he came in contact with about life. He said Wisdom believed him in him when nobody else did. “I know my fondest memory of him came at CARIFTA in 1986 in Barbados when I was hurt and I couldn’t run the 200m,” Newbold said. “He came to me and told me to warm up after he rubbed me down himself. I went on to run my personal best of 20.78 to establish a Bahamian junior national record that stood for over 26 years.” Bahamas Olympic Committee president Romell Knowles extended deepest condolences to the family, friends, former students, athletes and colleagues of Wisdom. “Coach Wisdom was a brilliant and dedicated coach who possessed the remarkable ability to bring out the very best in his athletes,” Knowles said. “He could rightfully be regarded as one of The Bahamas’ most prolific coaches, having developed

athletes who excelled at regional and international championships and contributed to Olympic gold-medal performances.” As an educator, Knowles said Wisdom helped shape the lives of hundreds - if not thousands - of students and athletes, many of whom went on to achieve tremendous success in sports and in their professional lives. “His discipline, knowledge, commitment and passion for developing young people left an indelible mark on Bahamian athletics and education,” he stressed. Beyond his many accomplishments, Knowles said Wisdom was a terrific human being and a valued friend of the Olympic Movement. “His extraordinary contribution to sports and national development will be remembered for generations,” he summed up. Mario Bowleg, the Minister of Youth and Sports, called Wisdom a “dedicated public servant” and a man who understood the tremendous value of investing in young people and he helped to advance the development of sports in The Bahamas. “As the minister, now entrusted with responsibility for youth and sports, I have a special appreciation for the work of those who served before me,” said Bowleg. Bowleg noted that Wisdom’s contributions helped strengthen the foundation upon which they continue to build today. “Beyond the offices he held, he will be remembered for his love of country, his commitment to serve and his belief in the

potential of the Bahamian people,” Bowleg said. “The Bahamas has lost a dedicated nation-builder, but Neville Wisdom’s contribution to youth, sports and culture will remain a meaningful part of his legacy,” Bowleg concluded. Wisdom graduated from St Anne’s High School as head boy and a budding triple jumper and 400 metres runner. He later attended Queen’s College for 6th grade to college prep. From there, Wisdom furthered his studies at Mankato State University (now Minnesota State University) where he earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations with a minor in English. After college, he was encouraged by the late Dr Norman Gay to join the Bain Town Flyers Track Club, where he felt that he could make an impact on children from over-the-hill communities. Wisdom served as a coach when The Bahamas won the CARIFTA Games in two back-to-back years from 1990-91 and 1983-84, the last being the memorable one at the original Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium. Wisdom’s impact transcended to the political arena where he was named by then Prime Minister Perry Christie, of the Progressive Liberal Party, to serve as the Minister of Sports from 2002-2007 Evon Wisdom, his brother who along with the late Gerry Wisdom also made their impact on the world of sports in the country, called Neville Wisdom a “legend.” “The late Neville Wisdom left an indelible mark on Bahamian track and field, guiding sprint teams through that golden era of four CARIFTA Games victories (1980, 1981, 1983, and 1984). “And (he) remains an unmatched standard of leadership and excellence,” said Evon Wisdom, a former pole vaulter and hurdler who branched out into coaching as well. “Beyond his iconic coaching career, his dedicated public service as Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture further cemented his status as a true giant in Bahamian national development. That historic streak is a testament to his vision, discipline, and passion for empowering young athletes.”

Padres win the series over ‘Jazz’ Chisholm Jr and the Yankees !"#!$%&'$#(')*+&# ,--./01234#563-SAN DIEGO (AP) — Fernando Tatis Jr, Jake Cronenworth and Manny Machado hit consecutive home runs off Gerrit Cole to open the bottom of the first inning, and the San Diego Padres held off the New York Yankees 4-3 to take two of three games in their series. San Diego starter Michael King pitched six shutout innings against his former team. Luis Campusano added a leadoff homer against Cole in the seventh for the Padres, who remained a half-game behind Arizona for the

third National League wild card. The Yankees rallied for three runs off reliever Adrian Morejon in the eighth, highlighted by an RBI double from rookie Spencer Jones, who is from northern San Diego County. Mason Miller pitched the ninth for his 33rd save, striking out Ben Rice with a runner on first to end it. The Yankees (81-62) need one more victory to clinch their 34th consecutive winning season. They hold the American League's top wild-card spot by 2 1/2 games over rival Boston and trail first-place Tampa Bay by four games in the AL East.

!"#$%&'($%)*(++,$,+-&*.$/),+0)*$1),').&$21)334$567,6&80$1'$96'&:,$9&$;7',9$;&'$96+$&<9$&*$=)*$>7+?&$@).'+,A$B+'*)*C .&$D)97,$1'$.<'7*?$96+$967'.$7**7*?$&*$B'7.)EF$=+G9+0/+'$HF$IJIKF$7*$=)*$>7+?&L$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$MN@$@6&9&O7638.6"#!9:8P The Padres banged the ball all around Petco Park in taking a 3-0 lead on the first 15 pitches from Cole, a Southern California native who gave up three consecutive homers to open a game for the second time in his career. It was the third time

he served up three homers in an inning. Tatis went opposite field to right for his 20th. It was his 19th career leadoff homer and third this season. Cronenworth hit his first career opposite-field shot just fair to the base of the

Western Metal Supply Co. brick warehouse in the leftfield corner. It was his fifth. Machado homered to straightaway centre, his 26th. Cole (8-8) allowed four runs and six hits in seven innings. King (10-9) held the Yankees to four

hits. He struck out three and walked three. It was the second time he faced his old team since he came over to San Diego in the seven-player trade that sent Juan Soto and Trent Grisham to New York on December 7, 2023.