Belize officials say Stann Creek Ecumenical College athletes demonstrated “remarkable resilience, grit, and heart in the face of adversity” at the Penn Relays Carnival at Franklin Field Stadium, University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia.

Gary Francisco and Erian Jang, head coach and assistant coach, respectively, of Stann Creek Ecumenical College, a high school in Belize, told Caribbean Life on Sunday, May 18, that the Belize male track team made a” historic appearance” at the prestigious Penn Relays in Philadelphia.

“Representing not only their school, Stann Creek Ecumenical College, but also the spirit and determination of an entire nation, these young athletes demonstrated remarkable resilience, grit, and heart in the face of adversity,” they said.

Francisco said, as the team’s head coach and physical education teacher, he was privileged to “guide these boys through months of preparation and finally accompany them on this unforgettable journey.

“Our purpose in sharing this story is not just to highlight their athletic achievements but to shine a light on the character and courage they displayed both on and off the track,” he said.

Francisco said the team’s trip, which began in Belize, took them through Cancun, Mexico, before eventually reaching the United States.

“This route, while more economical, presented unexpected complications,” he said. “A major challenge arose at the airport in Cancun, where we encountered payment issues that temporarily jeopardized our travel plans.

“At that critical moment, a Good Samaritan — whose name we may never know — stepped forward and paid the necessary fees to ensure the team could continue the journey,” Francisco added. “This act of kindness restored our hope and became a symbol of the support that exists beyond borders.”

He said the team comprised “a dedicated group of young men”: Kenrick Avila, Silas Leslie, Francis Arana, Camron Gentle, Cody Polanco, and Direl Salguero.

Francisco said these athletes had “trained for months under strenuous conditions, pushing themselves physically and mentally to represent Belize with honor on the international stage.”

When he arrived in Philadelphia, he said the team faced “a different kind of challenge—meeting basic needs after a long and draining journey.

“We were welcomed by kind hosts of Mr. James Cordice, who provided us with essential hygiene supplies and made sure the athletes had what they needed to rest and recover before competing,” said Francisco, referring to the Vincentian-born coordinator of the Vincentian and Belizean teams at the Penn Relays. “Their generosity and hospitality will not be forgotten.”

Francisco said the Belize team competed in two events at the Penn Relays: the 4x100m and 4x400m relay.

He said the 4x100m team “delivered a remarkable performance, finishing second in their heat, which drew attention and respect from coaches and spectators alike.

“The baton exchanges were crisp, the pace was fierce, and the team’s synergy was evident,” the head coach said.

In the 4x400m, he said, “the boys gave everything they had, pushing through physical exhaustion and the pressure of the moment.”

Francisco said while the boys placed 6th in that heat, “the result didn’t reflect their full potential,” stating that the race served as “a testament to their determination and resilience.”

The 4x100m team consisted of Direll Salguero, Francis Arana, Silas Leslie, and Camron Gentle (44:97).

The 4x400m team consisted of Cody Polanco, Francis Arana, Camron Gentle, and Silas Leslie (3:46.52), also in running order.

Francisco said the team’s performance “marked an improvement in both coordination and confidence” compared to previous years.

In 2024, the team placed 2nd after a comfortable lead in the 4X400m and 4th in the 4X100m.

“And to see that growth reflected on an international track is deeply rewarding,” Francisco said.

He said the team’s spirit stood out most throughout the entire experience.

“Despite facing travel stress, limited resources, and the weight of national expectations, the boys remained united, positive, and focused,” he said. “They reminded us that success is not always measured in medals but in effort, perseverance, and pride.

“They trained rigorously for months under challenging conditions—weathering early mornings, balancing academics and maintaining discipline,” he added. Their ability to maintain focus and lift each other during difficult moments speaks volumes about their character.

“Behind every stride on the track was a network of people who stood firmly behind them,” Francisco continued. “The encouragement from the Stann Creek Ecumenical College community – parents, teachers, classmates, administrators, and board of governors – provided them with the motivation to push through each challenge.”

Francisco and Jang said they were “proud to announce” that the team set a new national school record during the 4×100 m relay.

“This milestone adds to their growing legacy and demonstrates the bright future of athletics in Belize,” they said. “Their contributions went beyond the track. Whether through helping one another, respecting fellow competitors, or engaging with the international community, they served as proud ambassadors for Belize.”

Francisco and Jang lamented that the girls’ team was unable to participate this year “due to logistical and financial constraints.

“We hope to correct that in the coming year and ensure full representation from our school,” they said. “Every athlete deserves the chance to compete and grow from experiences like these.

“As coaches and mentors, we could not be prouder of what these young men accomplished,” they added. “Their story is one of overcoming obstacles, pushing limits, and proudly carrying the Belizean flag on one of the world’s most renowned stages.”

Francisco and Jang urged parents, alumni, sponsors, and leaders to “celebrate these accomplishments and build on them.

“Your support, encouragement, and investment are essential to sustaining the success we’ve seen this year,” they said.

“To the team: your resilience, teamwork, and integrity are your greatest victories,” they added. “May this be just the beginning of your journey toward greatness. Keep training, keep believing, and always carry Belize in your hearts.”

Olivett Ramos, a Stann Creek Ecumenical College teacher, also told Caribbean Life:  “Since our students are the future, we must equip them with the best tools, opportunities, and training possible to ensure that our future is bright.

“No doubt, our Belize is an amazing country; however, our resources and opportunities are limited, and hence the reason we give students the ability to excel more,” Ramos added. “With the intense interest and commitment to the betterment of this program, Mr. James Cordice, Dr. Jeremy Cayetano, Mr. Gary Francisco, Mrs. Erica Jang, Ms. Erian Jang, and Mrs. Tiffany Hernandez exceeded expectations to ensure our students participated; their efforts are applauded.”

Dr. Cayetano, a former principal of Stann Creek Ecumenical College, said she “genuinely” believes that “every opportunity afforded to our youth should be encouraged and supported.

“I congratulate Stann Creek Ecumenical High School for continuing to see the vision and for continuing to encourage this amazing opportunity for international competition and international exposure,” she told Caribbean Life. “What our students gain from this experience each year is far more than can be taught to them in the classroom.

“I congratulate the students on placing second in their heat. This shows the level of seriousness and commitment on their part. I can only imagine the work they put in to have achieved such an accolade at this prestigious event,” she added.

“I take my hat off to the person who was the catalyst for giving our children this opportunity. I will always be grateful to Mr. James Cordice for the love and care he demonstrates for our youth,” Dr. Cayetano continued. “Our children need more advocates like Mr. Cordice to help them achieve their goals and fulfill their potential.

“We look forward to even greater wins in the future,” she said. “I encourage the Stann Creek Ecumenical High School to stay the course. The success of the program is a feather in the hat of the institution. Once again, congratulations to all who continue to make it possible.”