WE ARE OFF AND RUNNING, JUMPING AND THROWING
The summer season is here, and the track and field season is now up and running for members and potential members of Illawarra Blue Stars. Many of the athletes are now starting to move back on the track, and with the NSW All Schools going ahead in late November, early December, school age athletes are now seeking as much track time as possible. Blue Stars have conducted two rounds of the summer program, and both rounds have been conducted successfully, showing that many athletes will have a good summer season. U16 sprinter Alex Harris showed his true form at first round competition with a very good run over the 100m, whilst U20 athlete Jonty Faulkner cruised around the 400m, after running a good 100m. Both will be competing in the NSW All Schools along with other members of the club. The battle at club level between U20 Sprinter Telia Mahon and Sarah De Vries promises to be an interesting one throughout the season, especially over the 100m and 200m.
OLDER ATHLETES COMING FORWARD
New members showed up and had their first competition with IBS and it is great to see older athletes making their way to IBS. Some have returned from a short break, whilst the club encourages all ages and ability for and both for the track and field. Family participation is also encouraged, an area that the club loves to see, with parents and competing children taking to the track at the same time, at the same place.
IMOGEN MAKES STATE MERIT TEAM
Whilst we are thinking track and field, young distance runner/walker Imogen Anderson received some great news last week, when she was named in the NSW Team for 11 years for the Cross Country. Coming off a very good cross country/walk winter competition, Imogen has been named in the team but will not have the chance to represent her State at National level due to Corona Virus restrictions. Her naming in the team gives her the opportunity of wearing the State uniform for the first time. Her consistency at club level cross country during winter has paid dividends for this young lady and a well-deserved recognition. Meanwhile winners of the cross country awards were presented at first round summer program last weekend with Andrew Rodda and Rebecca Dos Santos taking out the short course point score and Jessica Hogg and Chris Thurbon receiving the long course awards.
OPEN MEET: NOVEMBER
Whilst the club conducts weekly competition each Sunday afternoon from 2.00 pm at the Kerryn McCann Athletic Centre, Beaton Park, they will also host the Open afternoon of sprints and middle distance, open to all registered athletes with ANSW. This event will give our local club members the chance of competing against athletes from other areas and will give our club members much needed additional competition. Events on the track that have been proposed to ANSW will be 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, with one jump and one throw still to be determined. All entries will go through ANSW, and no late entries will be taken. To be held Sunday 16 November, athletes must be registered by then to compete in this event. To be conducted under the Corona Virus requirements, competing athletes mut be aware of the restriction of numbers, so entries through athletics NSW is vital. This IBS Open Meet is a fully Sanctioned meet in conjunction with Athletics NSW.
HELP, ASSISTANCE AND GUIDANCE GIVEN
Potential members are encouraged to come along any Sunday afternoon from 2.00 pm onwards and see how you like the sport of track and field. Help and guidance will also be given to suitable coaches, information on uniforms and the full calendar of the summer season will be available. See list of coaches on this web site.