Invitational Track Meet in Bethesda, Maryland.

A total of 24 athletes flew out yesterday for the 23rd East Coast Invitational, which will take place on Saturday, Sunday and Monday at Walt Whitman Senior High School.

Last year's track meet attracted over 3,000 athletes from the east coast of the United States and Puerto Rico.

This year the Pacers will be hoping to improve or equal their performances from last year when the club won three gold, three silver and four bronze medals.

They also had an outstanding competitor in Raneika Beanm who won the top athlete award in the 13-14 girls age group. Her chances of winning again appear good, although only a handful of athletes have ever won the award in successive years.

This year's team will be led by CARIFTA Games athletes Tariq Hewey, Gabriel Wilkinson, Patrina Swan, Janine Scott and Bean. Five of the athletes -- Tanae Perinchief, Lamar Richardson, Keoki Cann, Robert Richardson and Kaijay Davis -- will be making their debuts.

Davis, who was this year's BSSF primary school over-11 boys champion, should be a major contender in the 11-12 division in which he will be competing in the 100 and 200 metres and long jump.

Among 9-10 boys, Vernal Lambe will be a contender in the 100 and 200 metres.

Three weeks ago he was voted the outstanding athlete at the Russell E. Blunt Invitational Track Meet, where he won -- and set two records -- in the 100 and 200 metres.

This year's team will take part in a total of 60 individual events and one 4x400 metres relay. Travelling with the team are coaches Cal Simons, Jay Tucker and Gregory Simons, along with a host of parents and executive members of the club.

Team: Natasha Simmons, Danielle Watson, Donneka Simmons, Latisha Perinchief, Tonea Perinchief, Jaynae Dillas, Kristen Eve, Raneika Bean, Patrina Swan, Janine Scott, Lamar Richardson, Edemiko Brangman, Vernal Lambe, Robert Richardson, Keoki Cann, Henry Talbot, Shane Morrissey, Kai Jay Davis, Vernon Lambe, Richardson Walcott, Delmari Scott, Jomar Dill, Gabriel Wilkinson, Tariq Hewey.