Coach Brown let achievements speak for him

LATE coach of the Phoenix Athletics Club Nestor “Tom” Brown was a humble man who let the achievements of his athletes speak for him.

Making this statement was club president Carlene Haynes during the funeral service for Brown at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, Arima yesterday. Haynes, in her eulogy, read out a number of comments by the athletes who were under the care of Brown until his death from complications of diabetes on December 3. “He never favoured anyone and always wanted the best out of us,” she added. The event was not without controversy however, as president of the National Amateur Athletic Association (NAAA) Ken Doldron was adamant that diabetes was not the cause of death of the 58-year-old Brown. “I spoke to Carlene (Haynes) and she said he died of diabetes, but I’m certain he did not die of diabetes,” said Doldron, to the applause of the gathering estimated at 300.

Last month, Winston Brown, father of Nestor’s main product and World Senior 100-metre silver medallist Darrel, led a split of the club with the formation of the Silver Bullet Athletic Club, a move which disappointed Nestor who was coach of Phoenix since its creation in 1971. “He had no formal training as a coach, but he was able to produce a world champion,” added Doldron, who described “Tom” Brown as “irreplaceable.” Delivering the sermon was Dr Jesse Noel, who recounted his 32-year friendship and association with Brown stating: “He never pushed for the position of national coach, instead he provided national coaches with home-grown talent —- including Darrel Brown, De Silva, Michael Paul, Andrew Bruce, Laura Pierre, Melissa De Leon and 2003 CARIFTA Under-17 800m champ Jamal James.” He was laid to rest at the Anglican Cemetery, Arima.