National high jump coach Rohaan Simons has urged NatWest Island Games trio Jahnai Perinchief, Chas Smith and Khianda Pearman to continue striving for excellence in the final lead up to the event to be held locally for the first time this year.Perinchief and Smith both qualified for this year’s Junior Pan Am Games at last month’s National Track and Field Championships while Pearman, the eldest of the trio, has also made steady strides in domestic and international competition.Asked what are his expectations of his high jumpers at the upcoming Island Games, Simons said: “I’m just looking for these guys to exceed what they have already achieved. They are still at a stage where they haven’t peaked yet, but I still expect them to do well.”Simons added: “They all have bright futures and I can pick anyone of them to be special. They all have good heads on their shoulders. They listen and execute when given instruction and these are all the attributes you want from am athlete, so I definitely see a bright future for all of them. I just want to make sure they have every opportunity to exceed their expectations.”Perinchief and Smith have already cleared the bar at two metres.“The two metre barrier is a daunting task,” Simons said. “Once you get to two metres that puts you in good company with world class junior athletes.”Bermuda will be without of its most promising high jumpers during the upcoming Games which commence at the weekend.Carifta Games medallist (silver) Sakari Famous is ineligible because of her age (13).“Bermuda’s women’s high jump is resting comfortably in her hands,” Simons said. “She is definitely one of the most hard working and attentive jumpers I’ve seen period.”Simons believes competing on home turf should provide Bermuda’s Island Games high jumpers with added incentive to put their best foot forward.“I think it’s a plus competing home where they will be comfortable in their surroundings,” he said. “Knowing every inch of the high track is definitely a plus, so right now they are basically practising on approach work so they don’t have to be jittery on their approach.”To motivate and inspire his jumpers Simons often draws upon the success stories of others such as Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Bermuda Sports Hall of Fame high jumper, Clarence (Nicky) Saunders.“As I give them instruction I’m always bringing up experiences that’s happened to either myself or someone else who has done great things in track and field that’s always a plus,” he said. “They want to hear that Bermudians can overcome obstacles and stand up to other athletes around the world knowing they can be just as good or better as them. That’s what they draw from.”As for himself, Simons is making the most of a wonderful opportunity to give back to his favourite sport.“I always wanted to give back to the sport which is my first love,” he said. “My love has always been track and field, so me coming back is just like full circle.”Simons admitted being appointed as National high jump coach came somewhat as a surprise.“I didn’t think I was going to be the head coach for the national squad,” he said. “But it was given to me by Troy Douglas (Head national coach) and I definitely took it gladly with both hands.”