Anthony Davis ’05
UTech had no official school colors, no nickname, no school song. He researched the school’s history and determined that it once had had colors—blue and yellow—and he decked the campus out appropriately. He organized a competition to create a school mascot, then had a graphic designer create a logo that included the winner (a knight) with the school crest. They’re in the process of getting it trademarked so they can create and sell merchandise. Right now, he’s trying to promote the development of a school song. “UTech is a model in Jamaica for how to treat student- athletes,” Davis said. “Other universities are now putting in (sports) programs.”
Davis’ effect on UTech led him to become the president of the Jamaica Intercollegiate Sports Association (JISA), Jamaica’s version of the NCAA. While he works to develop UTech in the same mold as the U.S. colleges and universities he’s visited, he also knows that it can’t be the only institu- tion of its kind in the country. “Our mission is to make university sports more viable and visible,” he said of JISA. The attention Jamaica in general, and UTech in particular, received after the success of Bolt, Fraser, and the rest at the Beijing Olympics has given Davis’ cause worldwide publicity. Team Jamaica kept it going at the 2011 World Championships in China, amassing nine medals, including four golds, from some of the same athletes. “If you examine Jamaica’s success, UTech plays a major role,” Davis said. “That’s the message that we’re trying to get across to everyone: that we’re contributing to Jamaica’s success. No dynasty lasts forever, so I’m using marketing techniques to make sure our success lasts as long as possible. When we falter, it won’t take long to get back to the top.” One way to develop future success is to ensure that UTech
TRIANGLE 1 Vol. 83, No. 3
doesn’t become a one-trick pony. While the track is the program for which the school (and country) is known, Davis is working to add to the department of sport, with everything from chess to rugby.
However, right now, everything in Jamaica and UTech is pointing toward one destination: London and this year’s Summer Olympics.
“We’re maximizing our potential and looking forward to an excellent result in London,” Davis said. Along the way, Davis hasn’t forgotten the place that first set him on this career path. He likes to give back to the program by inviting Springfield College track athletes to stay with him and train at UTech’s
“If I had to live my life again, I’d come back to Springfield … but maybe earlier.”
facilities. Most recently, Steve Headley ’10, a two-time national champion in the 100 meters, spent time training with the UTech track team.
“That’s something I would like to see expanded,” Davis said, “where the whole team could come to Jamaica and train with us. I’d like to have that kind of relationship.” He went on: “Springfield College holds a special place in my heart. I had a wonderful time, the course content prepared me well, and equally important, I was able to look around to see what I needed to do to enhance my ability to perform on the job.
“If I had to live my life again, I’d come back to Springfield … but maybe earlier.”1
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