Warm, sunny weather welcomed athletes for the third round of IBS winter track and field series, held at Kerryn McCann Athletics Centre last Sunday. With only a few months to go before the start of the summer track and field series, athletes from other areas also took advantage of the winter meet, in preparation for summer.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Play of the Day went to under 18 sprinter Jonti Faulkner who took out his 60m and 150m in fine style, showing he is on target for his Combined High Schools carnival this coming week. Another to show out, and also off to Canberra, was under 14 sprinter/jumper Alex Harris, who ran well over both distances but also put in a great effort in his long jump.
The final track event was the popular 2x800m, with Jessica Hogg holding off to take out first for her team after being strongly challenged by young under 12 athlete Joshua Smith, who did everything to try and take the win for his team, which included Corey Hogg. Jessica Hogg teamed with Christopher Thurbon who set his team up well.
It was a return to the track after years away for former sprinter Justin Miller, who said "one step at a time" and "we will see how we go". Miller came in second behind under 18 sprinter Jonti Faulkner, but he was happy with his progress. Now of masters age, Miller showed the quick run that we were accustomed to when he was a senior sprinter, and he would be highly competitive in the masters age group on the form he displayed on the weekend.
Blue Stars will hold their final winter series on Sunday, August 25, at 10.30am with events to include 100m, 400m, hammer, long jump, walk and 2km. Athletes will also be able to register for the 2019-2020 track and field season at this final round and also if you need a uniform, then orders can be taken also.
This final round will then lead into the summer with the club to start point score competition on Sunday, September 15, with round one of competition to commence and athletes to register and order uniforms for the summer season ahead of us.
The summer season is again a hectic one but one that will allow athletes to have good hit-outs at club level, state relays etc in the first part of the season, followed by major meets such as the Illawarra Track Challenge and country in January, followed by state and Australian titlles. Watch the club's website for further info on registration/day 1 of competition, www.illawarrabluestars.com.
Remember if you are a member of Little A's and wish to join IBS as your senior club through dual registration process, drop the box down to Illawarra Blue Stars. Our club prides itself on support to dual registered athletes and also encourages family participation in the club, catering for all ages from under 8 right through to masters men and women.
Our best wishes go to all athletes as they travel to Canberra for the high schools carnival this week. Canberra is a fine track and can offer good fast times but conditions have to be in the athletes' favour. All schools are now heading into Zone titles prior to athletes being selected for either the Combined High Schools or private and Catholic schools competitions.
Blue Stars are also drawing to a close the winter cross-country meets, with the final round to be held on the popular course at Bulli on Sunday, August 10. Distances are 2km and 4km, and will round off the cross-country for season 2019. To start at 10am, this event is open to any athlete.