We are off and running - the summer season is rapidly upon us, and Illawarra Blue Stars have announced the clubs summer track and field season will commence Sunday 20 September. Commencing at 2.00 pm for a 2.30 start for all events, athletes will be able to have the taste of the track once again after possibly one of the longest breaks we have had. Competition will be held on the first day, but registrations, info and all details of our summer competition will be given to all members and potential new members. Members are advised that they must adhere to all rules and regulations of the corona virus and ensure that they enter through Beaton Park and sign in. You will then enter the Kerryn McCann Athletic Centre, and another sign in is needed for club purposes. We will require as much assistance as possible and you are urged to bring someone along to give a helping hand.
Coaches of the club are advised that they must wear their identification card and vest whilst coaching on the Kerryn McCann track. Failure to do so can mean a breach of the Beaton Park rules of coaching.
A brilliant sunny day greeted athletes as they contested the final round of the club’s cross country season. Held at Fairy Meadow, the course produced was conducted over a short and long course, and results determined the winners of both men and women over the short and long courses. All regular participants received a certificate of participation whilst the winners will be presented at the first round of summer competition on Sunday 20 September. Competition has been good, and the courses produced were of varying terrain and offered challenges to all athletes in different ways. Thanks to Rebecca dos Santos for organising and thanks to our athletes who kept coming each Sunday morning.
Our winners for 2020 were:
Male Long Course - Christopher Thurbon
Female long course - Jessica Hogg
both athletes showing great improvement on each run and it will be interesting to see how they both convert to the track for summer competition.
Male Short Course winner - Andrew Rodda
Female Short Course - Rebecca dos Santos
both athletes are long term track athletes and with Rodda his cross country running has been designed to assist him on the track and prepare him in his master’s division. Rebecca will face another challenge this track season, when she moves from senior to Masters and she should be competitive in a number of events in this age bracket. Our thanks go to our helpers who assisted with timekeeping, judging, etc, each Sunday.
Athletics NSW conducted their Annual General Meeting last week with a couple of new faces on the board. Conducted by zoom, it was reported that many clubs failed to lodge their votes for the board, and this in itself is disappointing. Sad to see long term board member Peter Higgins missing a spot on the board, his knowledge of the sport and technical issues are invaluable, but I am sure Peter will continue to support Athletics NSW in the role of a very skilled and knowledgeable official.
The controlling body will conduct a Zoom Meeting with all clubs on Thursday and it is hoped that all information re. the summer calendar, fees and the commencement of the summer, will be announced.
Please see our web site http://www.illawarrabluestars.com/join for information on all summer activities, fees etc, as this is handed down to clubs from athletics NSW.