Following three impressive seasons at Chaguanas North Secondary, prolific winger and goal scorer Deon O’Garro secured a full scholarship to attend Wiley College, in Marshall, Texas, in the United States.
O’Garro, 19, has come up big for his old school scoring goals on a number of important occasions, including in the final match day of the Central Zone last season in the SSFL, which ultimately saw the school win the zonal title by a matter of goal difference over fierce rivals Carapichaima East Secondary.
He scored eight goals last season and 13 the season prior when he finished top scorer for the school in his first year after transferring from ASJA Boys Secondary.
His coach at Chaguanas North, Nicholas Griffith described him as naturally intelligent.
“I first saw him at ASJA, playing in the Under-16 division, where I offered him a chance to be a part of our InterCol team,” Griffith said.
“He performed well in CXC there and was able to transfer out to do A Levels here.”
Griffith said he admired O’Garro’s speed. “I, no doubt, believed he was the fastest in the SSFL. His role was simple: get down the flank and put crosses in as soon as possible. With him we were able to play a nice counter-attacking game. He was troublesome to defenders.”
Griffith said the scholarship was not only a dream come true for O’Garro, but to him (Griffith) as well.
“I always wanted this for my players and in my first three years in the SSFL, having been able to secure this feels great. It’s a motivation for other players and for me.”
Wiley College has a developing football programme. He is set to study physical education and coaching. Griffith said he hopes to see his charges secure at least two more scholarships by next year.