Athletes and officials are urged to be at the track no later than 2pm. for a 2.30pm commencement of Round 1 competition. Athletes are advised that registrations will be taken, uniforms can be ordered and info about the season will be handed out to all members. See website www.illawarrabluestars.com for each round of competition.

The season looks promising with a number of senior women indicating they will be joining Blue Stars. This is great news as it will certainly boost the senior women's section of the club. Senior sprinter over 200m, 400m and 800m, Monique Byers, has now added the 400m hurdles to her program and is training very consistently with Sara Carli and Mel Logan's squad.

From reports, she has improved so much over the longer hurdles. Cameron Chisolm has also added the 400m hurdles, and his training over the "sticks" looks very promising for the start of the season.

Great to have Grace Adams back on the track, after a season off, and also looking good. Sprinter Lauren Percival has also moved to Blue Stars and Southern Highlands sprinter Telia Mahon has also registered with IBS. Added to the athletes as members of the club already, the older age brackets look very good for the season.

Junior athletes of the club have a really good base, and it is good to see the number of juniors starting to make the transition from Little A's and settling in really well in a senior club. The under 16 men's squad is full of talent and determination to do well and move forward in the age brackets within Blue Stars.

Potential members are encouraged to join up and are invited to come along any Sunday to the Kerryn McCann Athletics Centre, and find out about our club and the activities that are on offer. Remember too, athletes from the age of 4.5yrs to 18 are encouraged to use the Active Kids Voucher and this is to be filled in prior to registering. See website for form.

Dual registered athletes are also reminded they are to register with their Little A's club and then come along to club meet or register online with Athletics NSW for Blue Stars as their senior club, which we encourage as this is the way to move forward in the sport. You don't have to be champion, the love of the sport and trying it is the major thing.

Great to welcome two of our masters athletes onto the board of Illawarra Blue Stars. Both talented athletes in their age brackets, Mark Harris will take on the portfolio of liaison officer to Little A's, whilst Andrew Rodda will be assistant equipment officer. Both members have a great background in the sport, Rodda being a masters sprint champion and former open athlete whilst Mark comes on board with his first ticket in coaching, and taking to masters athletics whilst assisting his talented young son, under 16 athlete Alex.

Major meets to add to your diary announced by Athletics NSW. All details are on the website.

Sunday, November 15: Open Meet: Illawarra Blue Stars with Athletics NSW will host an Afternoon of Sprints and Middle Distance, plus one throw, one jump. Open to all registered athletes, a great afternoon to take on athletes from other clubs. Kerryn McCann Athletics Centre.

November 27-29 and December 4-6: NSW All Schools Homebush. See athletics NSW website for more information, as the all schools, open to any student attending school , has been broken into two weekends, for varying age brackets to meet requirements of coronavirus rules of competing and attending.

Saturday, January 16, 2021: Illawarra Blue Stars presents the Illawarra Track Challenge featuring the state 60m and I mile titles, plus supporting events. A great afternoon/evening of athletics.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 29-31, 2021: NSW Country Titles. Open to all country athletes from under 11yrs right through to masters men and women: A great championship for all our members. Venue: Mingara.

We hope to see you on the track for a summer of top track and field, remember to register early but you can do so within the season.