When winning becomes a habit, the celebrations are subdued and that’s exactly what happened at Kingston College (KC) on Monday morning as the famed Purples celebrated their 36th lien on the Mortimer Geddes Trophy.

Having won their fourth consecutive ISSA Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championship, this one was a particularly gratifying birthday gift as the school is celebrating its 100^th year on April 15, 2025.

It was their fifth title in the last year, seven years as 2020 was cancelled due to Covid and 2021 was won by Jamaica College.

KC amassed 293 points, 63 more than their closest rivals Calabar High on 229.25 and Jamaica College further back in third on 207 points.

The celebration started on Saturday and went way into the night.

On Monday, selector Badda Bling started proceedings during devotion at the North Street downtown Kingston campus, whipping the boys into a frenzy with DJ Bravo’s song Champion as the athletes walked out to take their seats.

Principal Dave Myrie thanked the entire Kingston College family. “To our Old Boys, parents, supporters, well-wishers and everyone who stood by our team during this challenging Champs season, thank you,” said a hoarse Myrie.

“One-two-three, Fortis,” reverberated around the school ground, nicely decorated with purple and white flags, banners and balloons interspersed with GraceKennedy’s red tents and feather banners.

“Over this championship, we had a lot of people fighting against KC. They wanted to stop KC from winning this year’s championship our 100^th anniversary,” said a militant Myrie, dapperly dressed in his purple jacket and white tie. “However, our team said that’s no way that gonna happen. Let’s applaud our team for what they have done.”

“Anybody bet against KC do so at their own peril because every time they try to keep us down we come back up and keep going,” he added.

“This victory is more than just a trophy. It is a testament to the spirit of Fortis, the unbreakable resilience that defines Kingston College. Our team faced obstacles, setbacks, and moments of deep disappointment, yet they never faltered. They fought with heart, with purpose and with the unwavering belief that ‘The Brave May Fall, But Never Yield’,” Myrie reiterated.

The doting principal then thanked the sponsors GraceKennedy for being there over the last couple of months providing food items as they fed the team.

KC Old Boy Delroy Chuck, Minister of Justice, was on hand once again and he too praised the boys.

“I can tell you as a KC old boy when I go to Cabinet I can tell you I am always proud wearing my tie. They always taunt me that I wear purple in Parliament but I am proud of my KC heritage. I say to all KC boys, be proud of your school, keep the flag flying high and the purple power. Always keep on the right and narrow path and continue to make KC proud,” said Chuck.

KC has been the most successful school in athletics. The school opened its doors on April 16, 1925, and won their first title in 1937, followed by a 14-year winning streak from 1962-1975, and a six-year streak from 2001 to 2006.

“And now, in this our centenary year, our boys have made history. They have carried the Fortis legacy with honour, proving that our motto is alive and well. This Champs title belongs to all of us. It is a symbol of our unity, our strength, and our unwavering Fortis spirit,” said Myrie.