Perfect weather conditions have greeted IBS cross-country each round this winter and last week’s run was no different. Contesting the tough Blackbutt course, athletes were faced with the “hill climb to the finish” but most handled the course full of confidence.
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Conducted over 4.6 hours and 2.3km the Blackbutt course offers everything to athletes. Masters athlete Geoff Hynoski, running back into good form, captured the longer distance but hot on his heels was vastly improved Corey Hogg. With sister Jessica in 3rd spot, the two Hogg athletes are the most improved athletes over this winter series.
In the 2.3km run, junior athlete Joshua Smith turned in a great run to take overall 1st placing, edging out sister Charlotte and fast finishing Rebecca Dos Santos. Cross-Country athletes will now have next Sunday off but will return on Sunday, August 13, on the Fairy Meadow course, a course that is fast and flat. Having next Sunday off will enable athletes to contest the Sutherland Half Marathon and supporting events of 1km, 2km, 3km and 5km on Saturday, August 5.
The Winter Track and Field series was conducted on Sunday, July 23 and great excitement to see 85-year-old Richard Hughes break the state and Australian record over both the 60m and 100m. Now waiting ratification by the Masters Association, the runs were even better when Hughes doubled up over the 60m, the first run having no wind gauge operating.
Our thanks are extended to Wollongong City Little A’s for the use of their electronic timing, and the men who operated our wind gauge to ensure the runs could be ratified. Next round of winter track and field will end the winter series with round 3 to be conducted on Sunday, August 27 commencing 10.30am. See website for program www.illawarrabluestars.com
Strong runs and good throws and jumps were recorded on the day with some of the athletes using the winter series as a good hit-out prior to the Combined High Schools in Canberra.
Athletes will be heading off to Canberra this Friday for the Combined High Schools Regional titles to be held at Bruce Stadium. A one-day event, many athletes have made it through in a number of events, but come state titles if they make it through will possibly have to decide on their chosen events. Some strong competition is expected in Canberra with all Zones coming together to complete for a spot heading into the state Combined high Schools.
Representatives of all local clubs were recently invited to attend the first meeting of the Local Oganising group for the Country titles to be held here in January 2018. Last held here in Wollongong in the 2014 season, the preparation for the biggest athletic event for ANSW will be long and hard, but the benefits for local athletes is that they compete on home ground and do not have to travel.
The local clubs will be recruiting members for assistance so that these titles can be held in a professional and well run carnival. The meeting was followed by ANSW meeting to inform all clubs of any changes etc that will take place with registrations for the coming season 2017-2018. Dual registration will remain for Little A’s with a senior club but it was emphasised that Little A’s members have the right to choose their own senior club and cannot be instructed to join a club outside of their wishes. Blue Stars supports this and informs all intending dual registered members to use the drop down box and enter Illawarra blue stars as your senior nominated club.
Our congratulations are extended to local AW member, James Turner on his excellent performances in the recent World Para Championships. Our best wishes also go to Ryan Greigson and Madeline Hills for the upcoming World Track and Field Championship .
