Hercules urges all cricketers to continue training

Combating COVID-19…

By Timothy Jaikarran

COVID-19 cases are skyrocketing all around the world. As at May 18, 2020, cases in Guyana have risen to 124. The rise in cases has caused all sporting disciplines to cease activities, especially the sport so loved by all Guyanese: cricket.
Ryan Hercules, coach of the Demerara franchise team and of the Guyana Police Force team, has given some tips on what cricketers can do during this isolation period. In a sit-down with <<Guyana Times Sport>>, Hercules discussed the importance of diet in cricket, what athletes must do, and his expectation after COVID-19 ends.
Asked what athletes can do to cope with the situation during this COVID-19 period, Hercules responded: “I think athletes should adhere to the guidelines from the Ministry of Public Health/WHO firstly. Keeping safe and healthy is key at this moment.
“They should make use of any space at home to do whatever exercise can be done, and they can also get advice from coaches or trainers on what workout they can do to help (tone) specific areas of the body.”
Asked what advice he would give athletes in regard to diet, his response was: “Their diet is important, and (they) should know (that) staying away from fatty food, junk food etc (is important).
“(I recommend that they use) proteins, carbohydrates, vegetables, vitamins, and lots of water; at least 3 litres of water per day.”
Asked what are some of the things he was looking forward to seeing in cricketers after COVID-19 has ended, Hercules declared: “Well, after the virus goes away, I think it’s only fair we allow players to gradually get back into the game and (regain) field fitness.
“Being away from any sport for so long, I don’t think we should expect players to be 100 percent (fit). So, I expect players to get back at it (gradually); start off at a level where it’s comforting to the body, and gradually build up on intensity.”

Accomplishments
Some of the accomplishments of Ryan Hercules over the many years he has been a coach are:
* Winning the first ever 3-day franchise for Essequibo in 2016/17
* Coaching Essequibo to become runners-up of the One-Day franchise in 2017
* Coaching his team to a win of the One-Day franchise in 2018
* Coaching his team to a win of the Female Under-17 franchise in 2018
* Being declared the Guyana Cricket Board’s Coach of the Year in 2018.
* Leading his team to become runners-up in the One-Day franchise in 2019
* Coaching the Demerara team to a win of the Under-17 Inter-County tournament in 2019.