Illawarra Blue Stars Masters athletes showed they are a true force in Masters Athletics in this State. There were a few disappointments such as top line sprinters Gianna Mogentale and Peter Shepherd having to withdraw. Shepherd picked up 3rd in the 100m but then had to withdraw from the rest of the meet with a calf injury. Mogentale only took one stride in the 100m and was forced to retire with injury whilst Rina Flynn, Darrin James and Sarah Doran didn’t get onto the track, also through injury.
But what a meet the others had. A total of 20 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze to our club athletes over the two day meet. Star of the show was the all round talent of June Lowe bringing home 9 gold and 1 silver, in what can only be describedas one of the best all round efforts o f the meet. June is one dogged athlete and her ability over the sprints, hurdles and jumps is just as impressive as her power in the throws. Mary Thomas was also up there with 5 gold medals, all in her throws, whilst the effort of John Lamb on the track was very impressive with wins in the sprints and hurdles.
These athletes will be a force in their age brackets in their respective events in the coming up Australian titles to be held in Adelaide in April.
Geoff Hynoski changed his tactics a little when his steeplechase event for his age was combined with younger masters. Geoff decided the only way to win overall was to take it out at a fast pace, which he did for a number of laps. He held on to take the gold in his division, but also set the younger athletes for good wins in their own divisions.
Colin Clarson showed all the grit and determination that he has become known for with a gusty run over the 800m to take the silver, and then backed this up with 2nd in the 400m and a good 3rd in the 1500m - in a great display of middle distance running.
Sprinter Lynda Douglas became the State champ ion over 60min her age bracket, when she took the title on the Sunday to back up her 3rd in the 100m and 5th in the 200m. This is Lynda’s first individual State Championships title with IBS , although she can claim many relay titles with other members of the club.
Mick Daley also a new member to our club this year has shown he has the ability to make the National finals and medal when he took 3rd in the 200m after running into 6th spot in the 100m and a close 4th in the 60m. With more work behind him he will be ready by April, after having a period off due to injury and surgery.
Annette Mead also took to the short sprints and she too will improve towards the Nationals after finishing 5th in both the 100m and 60m. The standard all round was very good but a head wind down the sprint track slowed runners down and times cannot be comparedto previous seasons .
Meanwhile, open male and female athletes took the trip to Canberra, with Stephanie Power competing in the Canberra Classic and Kyle Grubnic and Lachlan Parry taking on the pro League at the same meet. All three are using the meet in the lead up to the NSW Open men’s and women’s titles to be held at Homebush. Along with Chelsea Lenarduzzi (shot) and Talissa Scott (long jump) the club open titles are also looking good with Lenarduzzi and Scott defending title holders in their respective events.
The club is appealing to all members to support the Tri-the-Gong in a fund raising venture. See Geoff Hynoskito register your name and any friends that you would like to bring along.