Illawarra Blue Stars’ athletes were well represented in the recently held Australian Junior titles but the performance of young U14 athlete Trey Barlow was one of the most impressive, not only as a member of IBS, but also as a member of the NSW Team. Trey has had a brilliant summer season, and is showing that he is one of the most talented young throwers in Australia for his age. Under the guidance of coach Peter Lawler, Trey has stepped up his performances in not only the discus, but also the shot, and his two gold medals in these events against the best in the land, was one of great delight for this young man. His put of 13.73m in the shot and his throw of 44.42m was enough to win both titles. He was joined by club mates, Nicholas Horton who had an impressive first National titles with 6th in the triple jump (U17) 13.24m, 10th in the high jump 1.87m, and just missed the final of his hurdles by placing 4th in his heat.
Also U17 IBS member, Jaye Shumack had one of his best performances in the high jump clearing the bar at 1.94m, to take a very close 4th placing. Like Horton, Shumack has shown very consistent improvement in his chosen event and will be a force to be reckoned with as both continue their careers in senior athletics.
Connor Dymond finished a good 9th in the U20 men’s 110m hurdles, whilst sprinter Steven Harriman just missed the semi finals of the 200m finishing 6th in his heat.
Overall the standard of the junior titles was outstanding, and it is great to see our athletes among the best in Australia for their age.
Meanwhile open athletes are now preparing for the open Australian titles in two weeks but it is a credit to two of our athletes, that they have been selected to contest the Track Classics organised by Athletics Australia. Both sprinter Stephanie Power and shot putter Chelsea Lenarduzzi have performed well, with Power being invited to contest Division A of both the 100m and 200m at last weekend’s Sydney Classic. Lenarduzzi would not have been happy with her 2nd place in the recent NSW titles for the shot, but her performance in the Melbourne Classic will lead her into the Australian titles determined to retain her Australian title. The open Australian titles will also be held as trials for the Rio Olympics so competition with be fierce.
The club’s masters’ athletes will need to wait another month for their national titles, the last of the divisions to be held. The club will have a strong contingent contesting these titles, to be held in Adelaide in mid April.
The summer season is drawing to a close, and IBS is proud of the athletes’ performances over the summer season with representatives of the club contesting all National titles groups - Juniors, Opens and Masters. The club has also performed well in ANSW point score competition conducted over premier League, State titles, etc with Summer Premiership Results:
Masters Women 5th
Masters Men 15th
Open Women 26th
Junior Boys 29th
Junior Girls 30th
This point score is assessed over all clubs registered with Athletics NSW, and after the club’s great Country titles performance, it is pleasing to see the above results, and to have so many athletes representing at national level.