What a great start to the new track & field season. Not only have we been given at least 4 “home” rounds this year, we got to conduct round 1. And what a team effort it was, with many people helping with the set up and pack up of all the equipment. Arthur was there trying his best to let us learn the ropes. A big thank you to everyone who helped at the high jump or who moved the hurdles and steeple. These jobs are as important as your running, jumping & throwing!
Some big highlights and a massive welcome to many athletes competing for the first time!
Everyone’s contribution helped us win the round with 41,967 pts, from Sandringham and Box Hill.
Kevin Healy just keeps breaking club records! His hammer throw of 56.62m broke the U15 & U16 records and pulled in 529 points! Kevin also picked up 444 points in the shot. Maz Strong achieved an amazing 595 points (the max is 600) for her 6.59m seated shot put. That makes her achievement just shy of a world record!
Some PBs. Jannik Ernst, 800m 2 sec PB, with 2:10.1. Mikeaela Selaidinakas 200m 24.14 after a long road back from a serious foot injury.
Our high jumpers dominated the competition taking 3 of the top 4 spots. Harry Orr 1.80m (522 pts), Thomas Sims 1.65m and Maeve Bousie 1.60m. Harry also ran a quick 25.63 200m to collect another 438 pts, while Maeve also did the triple. It was great to have 40 + Richard Brophy competing for Essendon for the first time – he completed 3 events – high jump , triple & 200m. Robert Massey 1.80m and Mackenzie Wood 1.50m also scored valuable team points.
New member, Dakodah Cott completed the high jump (1.50m) and triple (10.03m), while Cooper Cavallo pulled top points in the triple with 12.30m for 460 points, edging out Ruby Pizzo (11.11m, 448 pts) and Katie Baynes (10.22m, 444 points).
On the track, it was Stella McNamara in the 800m showing her versatility, while Josh Tracy was back with a solid 2:08, not far off his club record. Josh also ran a 200.
Another new member, Linda Caligari, training under Mark Giglio, ran her first 200m in many years and pulled in a massive 494 points.
The walks were dominated by the “old men” of the club. Danny Hawksworth (I’m only 39), Mark Donahoo, Brian Anderson & Duncan Knox all completed the 3000m walk and backed up with shot put and in Ando’s case, the hammer as well, keeping Dave Jones company.
Archie Noakes ran the 2000m steeple (6:31.9, 520) and the 3000m (9:30.9, 482) showing the benefits of a solid winter. Emelia Eagling- Every also ran an impressive 3000m (10:13.4, 484).
Gavin Wilson & Victoria Entwistle-Hardeman (Javelin) competed in Geelong.
Let’s get everyone to Doncaster next week and show that we can “win on the road”.
