Illawarra Blue Stars’ Junior athletes came up against some of the best junior talent NSW has seen for some time when they contested the NSW State Youth Titles. Held at Homebush, the fields were some of the best, and many outstanding performances were recorded over the 3 day meet.
Under 14 athletes, Matthew Arregui made his first appearance at State Youth and being one of the youngest (12) in his age group of U14, he experienced what senior athletics is all about, and will be a talent to watch as he progresses through the system. He was joined by Joshua Smith, who finished 8th in his javelin recording two personal best throws throughout his competition.
U15 talents Lucas Campbell and Zaidyn Phan also made their debut at State Youth with Phan recording personal best times in all his three sprints, 100m, 200m and 400m and although they didn’t make the final, the talent in this age group in the club is one to watch, as they too progress in senior athletics.
Alex Harris was the star of the clubs U16 group with a pb in the 200m making the final and running 5th and in his 100m heat to just miss the final. He was joined by up and coming sprinter Calem Brown who, suffering a bad back, had to withdraw after the first day. Hoping for a speedy recovery, Brown and Harris are a real backbone of this age bracket in the club and are both setting a high standard for the likes of Phan and Campbell to follow.
U17 javelin thrower Alex Del Popolo was another to suffer an injury whilst playing AFL and had to withdraw from his event, but has qualified for national titles through his performance at All Schools and Country.
Jonty Faulkner used the youth titles for great experience moving up into the U20 age bracket and proving that he can match it with the best. Faulkner, also has qualified for nationals, and is hoping that he can break the 50 seconds mark after recording just over in both his heat and final, where he finished a good 6th placing.
In the women section Ashlyn Adams set the pattern making the final of her hurdles to take out a 5th placing, and then backed this up by making the 100m final. She was joined by a great performance by Chelsea Ezeoke who finished a strong 2nd in the 400m, and is looking forward to this event at national level. She will also take on the open women in a few weeks to give her more experience over the gruelling 400m and priming herself for her own age bracket at National level.
Emma Matthews performs at her best all the time and is possibly one of the most consistent athletes in the club. Her age bracket is also one of the strongest and to make the final of both the 100m and 200m at state level is like making the national final, all girls being national qualifying standard.
Charlotte Smith, like brother Joshua, took to the javelin U16 women and finished in 8th spot and with more consistency she can be among the top place getters.
All athletes performed well and with some heading to the national titles and other recording personal bests at junior level, this is what they require, making a pathway for them to the older age competition.