CATEGORY:SPORTS(CRICKET) ----------------------------- By Roxanne Edward Inside Grenada correspondent Tuesday January 23,2007 GRENADA could have another cricketer on the West Indies Team in the not too distant future.19-year old Heron Campbell from Maribeau in St Andrew, is trying to follow in the footsteps of teammates Junior Murray, Rawle Lewis and Devon Smith. He made his debut for the Windward Islands on January 4, 2007 in the Carib Beer Series encounter against Guyana at the Tanteen Recreation Ground. The youngster, who scored 21 in his first outing, was very disappointed with his performance. Although, he did not play in the KFC Cup One-day game, which the Windwards won convincingly, Campbell is striving to lift his game so as to become a permanent member of the team in both the Four-day and One-day versions of the game. “I am looking forward to a bumper season. I am hoping to play in all of the matches and score more than 300 runs to maintain my place”, he told reporters. The stylish right hand opener is hopeful that consistent performances for the Windward Islands will also catch the attention of regional selectors. “I have been training diligently, mentally, physically and in the nets. I am keen to excel. I am hoping to emulate the former great West Indies openers – Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes.” His present idol, however, is the dashing opening batsman, Chris Gail. Campbell admires his aggressive stroke play and hopes one day to be just as belligerent and artistic. The youngster found passion for the game of cricket at age 10, while attending the St Michael’s RC School in Byelands, St Andrew. He later studied at the Grenville Secondary School, where he bolstered his cricketing skills, while furthering his education. Campbell played for the national under-15 team at the tender age of 12 and served as captain for the last two years. Devoting much time and energy to developing his game, he landed himself a spot on the national under-19 team at the age of just 16. In 2004 he made his debut for the Windward Islands under-19 team and become captain in 2005, when he led the team in the West Indies Youth Tournament in St Lucia that was abandoned. Campbell was one of three local players selected in a 20-man training squad by the West Indies for the World Youth Tournament in Sri Lanka. However, he was not chosen in the 14-man team for the event, which included his countrymen - Middle-order batsman/ Wicketkeeper Andre Fletcher and Fast-bowler Neilon Pascal. Undaunted by injuries, the stylish opener continued to excel and was named the Young Sportsman of the year in December 2005. A torn finger forced him out the Inaugural Stanford 20/20 Tournament in St John’s Antigua, where Grenada played superbly to reach the semi-finals. It was another major setback for Campbell, who was keen to be among those stealing the spotlight. Nonetheless, he is brimming with confidence and is looking to grab the opportunity of playing regional cricket to make his mark on the world stage. Campbell credits another former national youth player- teammate and bosom friend Andy Joseph, for introducing him to cricket. “If it was not for him, I would not have been involved in the game.” His philosophy in life is “success would take you to the top; but character will keep you there”. The youngster is the last of five children of Jessil and Lazarus Campbell, who are very proud of their little boy.