Scottish Universitys Track and Field Championships (26th April)
Inverclyde AC trio of Shaun Tonner, Greg Williams and Michael Houston travelled to a very windy Grangemouth to compete in the Scottish University championships.
Shaun travelling as the reigning indoor 200m champion was the man to beat as he lined up for the final. With a favoured inside lane it wasnt long after the gun that Shaun had moved through his gears in explosive fashion and began eating into the stagger of athletes outside.
Approaching the home straight Shaun put his final tactic into play and pulled clear to record a dominant victory in a very fast 22 seconds.
Greg went out in confident mood in the 800m and shadowed the leaders as the fierce pace remained constant despite the heavy head wind in the home straight. Progressing down the back straight Greg flowed through the field and set about his assault for victory. As the home straight beckoned it was a two horse race as both Greg and his competition strode to the line both recording 1:52 and an excellent personal best and silver for the Inverclyde man.
In the 1500m Michael Houston proved his training programme is heading in the right direction with a determined run which saw him record a new best over the distance and send a message to his team mates of the competition they face in the coming months.
Shaun travelling as the reigning indoor 200m champion was the man to beat as he lined up for the final. With a favoured inside lane it wasnt long after the gun that Shaun had moved through his gears in explosive fashion and began eating into the stagger of athletes outside.
Approaching the home straight Shaun put his final tactic into play and pulled clear to record a dominant victory in a very fast 22 seconds.
Greg went out in confident mood in the 800m and shadowed the leaders as the fierce pace remained constant despite the heavy head wind in the home straight. Progressing down the back straight Greg flowed through the field and set about his assault for victory. As the home straight beckoned it was a two horse race as both Greg and his competition strode to the line both recording 1:52 and an excellent personal best and silver for the Inverclyde man.
In the 1500m Michael Houston proved his training programme is heading in the right direction with a determined run which saw him record a new best over the distance and send a message to his team mates of the competition they face in the coming months.
London Marathon (13th April)
Congratulations to the 5 Inverclyde members at today's London Marathon.
21st - Mark Pollard 2.27.08
25th - Andy Douglas 2.27.48
2684th (222nd Lady) - Julie Gordon 3.13.20
3638th - Thomas Jamieson 3.21.01
DNF John Sharp - John got to the 1/2 in 1.17.21
21st - Mark Pollard 2.27.08
25th - Andy Douglas 2.27.48
2684th (222nd Lady) - Julie Gordon 3.13.20
3638th - Thomas Jamieson 3.21.01
DNF John Sharp - John got to the 1/2 in 1.17.21
ILAP Commonwealth Games 2014 Quad Challenge
Inverclyde Local Athletic Partnership’s (ILAP), of which IAC is a Partner, intends to commemorate the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow later this year, (CG2014), by holding the ILAP CG 2014 QUAD CHALLENGEincorporating four athletic meetings during 2014 at Ravenscraig Athletic Stadium on:
involving four events spread over the four days ranging from: 100m, 200m, 800m, 1500m, High Jump, Long Jump, Shot Putt and (soft) Javelin for young athletes with additional events such as 400m and 1500m for senior athletes and relays for everyone (the actual programme for each day has still to be finalised).
The idea is that the first three meetings look forward to CG2014 with the fourth one looking back as a ‘ Legacy’ of CG2014.
Also, in conjunction with the ILAP, Inverclyde Globetrotters and www.worldwalking.org, it is the intention to ‘run’ the 118,000 miles of the Queens Baton Relay (QBR) route by requesting local athletes of all age groups (or their coaches, parents etc on their behalf) to input their weekly training miles into the QBR route map on the website until, ' hopefully reaching Glasgow with the Baton ' at the last race of the Pentathlon event held on Sunday 13th July - before the Games begin.
The ILAP CG2014 Group is now established on www.worldwalking.org, with people already inputting their training miles – and its really easy to join them – please see below.
Thomas Jamieson (Group Administrator) has kindly created an email address especially for ILAP CG2014 if people need to contact him to clarify anything - the e-mails address is [email protected]
Important!!
Please note that you must join the ILAP CG2014 Group if you wish your miles to be included in the overall total and be able to log on and see how many miles have been run.
If you input your miles as individual they will not count toward the overall ILAP CG2014 Group total
One option that some coaches or groups may wish to consider is to have one person input all of their athletes / groups miles per week – it really doesn’t matter as long as the miles go in.
Training miles from January 1st 2014 are‘allowed’ to be included!
In addition:
·Members of the Ravenscraig Sports Community Sports HUB, e.g., hockey, basketball & netball have been invited to organise an event(s) at the Ravenscraig Sports Centre and / or Inverclyde Academy on one or more of the days stated and also to invite their members to input their miles.
·Inverclyde Leisure Jogging Group members will be invited to input their miles.
which will hopefully lead to as many people as possible contributing their training miles, as when achieved it will be worlds longest ever run by an athletics group!
Please join the ILAP CG2014 Group and spread the message on Facebook as it will be something quite special to declare on 13th July that the (our) Baton has reached Glasgow!.
Finally, again in conjunction with the ILAP and including the Dreams Come True charity, there will be Dream Mile(s) for all age groups at the stadium on Sunday 31st August– however, more about that nearer the time.
- 13 April
- 18 May
- 13 July
- 17 August (all Sundays)
involving four events spread over the four days ranging from: 100m, 200m, 800m, 1500m, High Jump, Long Jump, Shot Putt and (soft) Javelin for young athletes with additional events such as 400m and 1500m for senior athletes and relays for everyone (the actual programme for each day has still to be finalised).
The idea is that the first three meetings look forward to CG2014 with the fourth one looking back as a ‘ Legacy’ of CG2014.
Also, in conjunction with the ILAP, Inverclyde Globetrotters and www.worldwalking.org, it is the intention to ‘run’ the 118,000 miles of the Queens Baton Relay (QBR) route by requesting local athletes of all age groups (or their coaches, parents etc on their behalf) to input their weekly training miles into the QBR route map on the website until, ' hopefully reaching Glasgow with the Baton ' at the last race of the Pentathlon event held on Sunday 13th July - before the Games begin.
The ILAP CG2014 Group is now established on www.worldwalking.org, with people already inputting their training miles – and its really easy to join them – please see below.
- Log onto www.worldwalking.org where it will ask you to input certain information, name, e-mail address, password etc before allowing you into the site.
- Once on the site go into Your Groups, find ILAP CG2014 Group and click on ‘Join Group'.
- At Walks, find Virtual Walks and scroll down until you find the Baton Relay (split into 11 Stages) and begin to add (log) your miles or kilometres in.
- The system is set up to record number of steps taken and will automatically convert your miles or kilometres into steps.
- You will then be able to see the total number of steps taken by everyone else.
- If you log on now you will find that Stage 1 is the current stage where you can log your miles on. However, remember that as more people begin to join and input their miles the Stages will begin to fill up and you may find that it may be the next Stage and so on.
- When you log into www.worldwalking.org afterwards go right into Your Groups (or the system may take you right in) to log your miles
Thomas Jamieson (Group Administrator) has kindly created an email address especially for ILAP CG2014 if people need to contact him to clarify anything - the e-mails address is [email protected]
Important!!
Please note that you must join the ILAP CG2014 Group if you wish your miles to be included in the overall total and be able to log on and see how many miles have been run.
If you input your miles as individual they will not count toward the overall ILAP CG2014 Group total
One option that some coaches or groups may wish to consider is to have one person input all of their athletes / groups miles per week – it really doesn’t matter as long as the miles go in.
Training miles from January 1st 2014 are‘allowed’ to be included!
In addition:
·Members of the Ravenscraig Sports Community Sports HUB, e.g., hockey, basketball & netball have been invited to organise an event(s) at the Ravenscraig Sports Centre and / or Inverclyde Academy on one or more of the days stated and also to invite their members to input their miles.
·Inverclyde Leisure Jogging Group members will be invited to input their miles.
which will hopefully lead to as many people as possible contributing their training miles, as when achieved it will be worlds longest ever run by an athletics group!
Please join the ILAP CG2014 Group and spread the message on Facebook as it will be something quite special to declare on 13th July that the (our) Baton has reached Glasgow!.
Finally, again in conjunction with the ILAP and including the Dreams Come True charity, there will be Dream Mile(s) for all age groups at the stadium on Sunday 31st August– however, more about that nearer the time.
Elliot/Cunningham - 8th MarchPositions (actual times in brackets)
1. Kieran Anderson 39:10 (34:30) 2. Gerry Gaffney 39:40 (31:45) 3. Sean Gaffney 43:48 (30:03) 4. Neil McLaughlin 44:25 (30:40) 5. Stephen Trainer (Guest) 41:58 (27:13) |
Balloch to Clydebank HM - 9th March46. Jule Gordon 1.22.57
47. Thomas Jamieson 1.23.13 95. Sharon Muir 1.29.03 |
Dunky Wright 5k - 15th March34th Thomas Jamieson 17.15
57th Julie Gordon 18.15 (5th Lady and 1st Lady Vet) 70th Sharon Muir 19.11 (8th Lady and 3rd Lady Vet) 110th John Bannister 22.50 |
Scottish National Cross Country Championships (22nd Feb)
Inverclyde Sports Personality Team of the year Inverclyde AC set out to better their performances from last year with an assault on the medals at the National Cross Country Championship in Falkirk.
The national event classed as the blue ribbon cross country event of the year has been a profitable hunting ground for local athletes over the years.
2014 was no different as Jonny Glen in the under 17 age group hit the front early on and set a blistering pace to gain a distance on his competitors, leading the best athletes in the country and nearly causing cardiac arrest for his supporters Jonny went from strength to strength as he ate up the course in an aggressive attack for the title. With 200m to go Jonny couldnt afford to relax as he found some extra gears empting all his talent in the final glory straight to claim his first long course Scottish title. Jonny is now unbeaten in all District and National competitions on the country, testament to the work and committment from his coach Ian Cameron.
In the first race of the day Cameron Watson carried the huge weight of expectation on his tiny shoulders. Cameron hit the front being followed by the chasing pack as the course was passing under foot, despite the heavy under foot conditions Cameron lead over 100 fellow athletes as they disappeared out of sight for the last 800m, on reaching the final straight Cameron was just passed as the finish approached but a steely determination to battle to the end saw him win National silver
Equaling Cameron with a silver medal podium finish were the under 13 girls, Nuala& Cliona McCheyne, Jennifer Lynn and Sara O'Docherty. Nuala lead the team home fresh from her national 800m medal last week she shadowed the leaders keeping Inverclyde colours to the fore, twin Cliona returned to form and gave a gutys run to keep close contact with sister Nuala. Jennifer and Sara began pushing through the field in the last 800m bringing the black and white strips in finishing position which had the mathematicians quickly calculating a team position and a delighted roar when the announcer asked for their attendance to collect National silver.
Despite medal winning performances Inverclyde pride themselves on a development plan for all, Matthew McKinnon is evidence of this with an improvement over the entire season comulating in him leading the club home in the very competitive under 15's. Josh Houston and Ross Forbes supported Jonny in the under 17 category and will be pleased with their placings.
In the senior race the elite trio of Craig Ruddy, Mark Pollard and Kris Gauson ensured a competitive edge to the front of the senior mens race. Kris Gauson fresh from an indoor 1500 best of half a second away from Commonwealth qualifing timeset the early pace but a strong finish from Craig had both powering down the final straight side by side with Mark giving another aggressive display on the course where he won twice. Gerry Gaffney was the top over 50 local athlete with a mature run seeing him passing runners as the laps wore on with Gerry getting quicker.
The national event classed as the blue ribbon cross country event of the year has been a profitable hunting ground for local athletes over the years.
2014 was no different as Jonny Glen in the under 17 age group hit the front early on and set a blistering pace to gain a distance on his competitors, leading the best athletes in the country and nearly causing cardiac arrest for his supporters Jonny went from strength to strength as he ate up the course in an aggressive attack for the title. With 200m to go Jonny couldnt afford to relax as he found some extra gears empting all his talent in the final glory straight to claim his first long course Scottish title. Jonny is now unbeaten in all District and National competitions on the country, testament to the work and committment from his coach Ian Cameron.
In the first race of the day Cameron Watson carried the huge weight of expectation on his tiny shoulders. Cameron hit the front being followed by the chasing pack as the course was passing under foot, despite the heavy under foot conditions Cameron lead over 100 fellow athletes as they disappeared out of sight for the last 800m, on reaching the final straight Cameron was just passed as the finish approached but a steely determination to battle to the end saw him win National silver
Equaling Cameron with a silver medal podium finish were the under 13 girls, Nuala& Cliona McCheyne, Jennifer Lynn and Sara O'Docherty. Nuala lead the team home fresh from her national 800m medal last week she shadowed the leaders keeping Inverclyde colours to the fore, twin Cliona returned to form and gave a gutys run to keep close contact with sister Nuala. Jennifer and Sara began pushing through the field in the last 800m bringing the black and white strips in finishing position which had the mathematicians quickly calculating a team position and a delighted roar when the announcer asked for their attendance to collect National silver.
Despite medal winning performances Inverclyde pride themselves on a development plan for all, Matthew McKinnon is evidence of this with an improvement over the entire season comulating in him leading the club home in the very competitive under 15's. Josh Houston and Ross Forbes supported Jonny in the under 17 category and will be pleased with their placings.
In the senior race the elite trio of Craig Ruddy, Mark Pollard and Kris Gauson ensured a competitive edge to the front of the senior mens race. Kris Gauson fresh from an indoor 1500 best of half a second away from Commonwealth qualifing timeset the early pace but a strong finish from Craig had both powering down the final straight side by side with Mark giving another aggressive display on the course where he won twice. Gerry Gaffney was the top over 50 local athlete with a mature run seeing him passing runners as the laps wore on with Gerry getting quicker.
Scottish National Indoor Age Group Championships (15th-16th Feb)
Greg Williams collected another Scottish National title last weekend at the Indoor Age Group championships at the Emirates Indoor arena in Glasgow.
Greg lead the charge for Inverclyde AC at the championships with a dominating run from gun to tape in the 1,500m. One of the pre race favourites Greg was not going to be overawed by the tag as he hit the front and spreading the field with a swift pace early on, as the laps went past he edged further ahead before cruising to glory and another National title in the bag. Robyn Kelly found another level in her performance at the right time lowering her 300m time by a full second to secure a place on the podium in her first year at under 16. Robyn who qualified with ease in the heat started the final in an unfavoued lane but undaunted Robyn sped through her gears and found an extra speed boost approaching the line to secure a medal and a fabulous new best. Adding to club bests Nuala McCheyne lowered hers in the first round of the 800m. Into the final a gutsy run over the first couple of laps saw Nuala shadow the leaders before moving into medal contention and a strong run to the finish saw her hold off the opposition before a photo finish confirmed a silver medal her first National recognition and a very quick best time. Ashleigh Lewis gave a professional performance in the triple jump, one of the most technical events to get the hop, skip, jump correct she bounded down the runway before soaring through the air to land in the sand and record a distance which proved to be the second longest of the day and another Inverclyde athlete heading to the podium. Other good runs came from Scott Hannaway who progressed through his heat and will be proud of his performances on the day. Drew McIntyre had the closest call of the day being edged out of a medal by 100th of second after some tactical influence by his more experienced competitors. |
Scottish University Indoor Championships
Greg Williams and Shaun Tonner were podium finishers at the Scottish University indoor championships at the Emirates indoor arena. Both athletes left with medals and new personal bests at the end of the day
Greg a finalist for the local Sports Personality added another notch to his impressive medal haul. Competing over 800m Greg took the race on from the gun and as the short laps went by it became clear that his intention was clear to set a new best as he reached deep into his ability to hit the last lap in front driving the pace on with his competitors stalking his position. As they leaders reached the final straight Greg two strides from the line was eased into second by the breadth of a vest, after such aggressive running to gain a silver and a new best will set him up nicely for the remaining races.
Shaun a permanent fixture at races in the Emirates cruised through the heats and semi before the final of the 200m exploded to life on the back straight with all athletes flying around the top bend still with podium places up for grabs, as the line fast approached a final drive from Shaun took him into a medal winning position and a new personal best, this to add to his new best set earlier in the day over 60m.
Greg a finalist for the local Sports Personality added another notch to his impressive medal haul. Competing over 800m Greg took the race on from the gun and as the short laps went by it became clear that his intention was clear to set a new best as he reached deep into his ability to hit the last lap in front driving the pace on with his competitors stalking his position. As they leaders reached the final straight Greg two strides from the line was eased into second by the breadth of a vest, after such aggressive running to gain a silver and a new best will set him up nicely for the remaining races.
Shaun a permanent fixture at races in the Emirates cruised through the heats and semi before the final of the 200m exploded to life on the back straight with all athletes flying around the top bend still with podium places up for grabs, as the line fast approached a final drive from Shaun took him into a medal winning position and a new personal best, this to add to his new best set earlier in the day over 60m.
Renfrewshire Road Race Championship - 2nd Feb 2014
Inverclyde Ac's Andy Douglas and Craig Ruddy lead the charge for Renfrewshire medals at the Road Race championship held within the battery park.
In arguably the most competitive field assembled locally for some considerable years Andy, Craig and Mark Pollard formed the leading pack boasting Scotlands top endurance athlete Callum Hawkins and Commonwealth selected marathon runner Derek Hawkins. After a lap in the battery athletes headed out toward the Esplanade at a fierce pace causing the following athletes to spread a full lap of the battery park. Andy followed the two leaders breaking free from Craig and Mark as the relentless pace continued at mid 4 minute mile pace. Approaching the Battery for the finish Andy had secured an excellent bronze in 24 minutes for the 5 mile course, with Craig and Mark just behind on his tail taking the consecutive places. With the team title on offer there was a fight for the other places as Michael Houston continued his rich vein of form claiming a spot with Neil McLaughlin and Thomas Jamieson running well to bring the counting places home to secure the team title for the day. With the senior men in dominating form the young athletes were intent on holding their own to grab headlines with the under 11 boys Josh Law, Ross Davidson and Andrew Winter preferring the road to the country with very good runs to secure the first medal of the day a silver. In the girls under 11 Hannah McGeehan, Leah Cameron and Caragh ORourke made the trip to the podium to collect Inverclyde second medal of the day with bronze. After winning the under 13 girls team event on the cross country Nuala McCheyne set the team up for victory as Jennifer Lyne and Sara ODocherty enjoyed the local support raising their game to complete the team and win the team title on the road. Ryan Gray, under 15 boys made it 10 County titles in a row ensuring his unbeaten run in 4 years continued by hitting the front after the gun and remaining there till he crossed the finish victorious once again. Supporting Ryan in the team race was Matthew McKinnon and Sammy Hearl and after a fine display the announcement of bronze team award was welcomed by all members. Josh Houston was a popular winner taking the under 17 race by the scruff of the neck as he produced his best commanding run proving his training regime is paying dividends. |
results.xls |
National Senior Indoor Track & Field Champs - 2nd Feb 2014
The fastest athlete in Inverclyde, Shaun Tonner became the 2nd fastest athlete in the country after collecting silver medal over 200m at the National Senior Indoor championships held at the Emirates Indoor Arena, Glasgow.
Having lead the Inverclyde AC relay team to victory at the recent international event Shaun returned to the Emirates Arena to challenge the fastest athletes in the country over 200m.
With a large turnout a demanding programme of three rounds was on the cards. A confident Shaun cruised through round one victorious to secure a more favourable outside lane in the semi final. A fine display of power from the blocks saw Shaun cross the line securing a lane in the final.
With only six lanes available the competition for a podium place was going to be fierce. With a near perfected start Shaun was off and driving through his gear hitting top gear as the back straight emerged, eating up the track with 100m to go Shaun moved into a medal position before switching on additional burners to take him across the line in second place and a new best time.
To be classed as the second fastest athlete in the country at the championships on his first ever senior championship is reward for the work and dedication Shaun puts into his athletics.
Having lead the Inverclyde AC relay team to victory at the recent international event Shaun returned to the Emirates Arena to challenge the fastest athletes in the country over 200m.
With a large turnout a demanding programme of three rounds was on the cards. A confident Shaun cruised through round one victorious to secure a more favourable outside lane in the semi final. A fine display of power from the blocks saw Shaun cross the line securing a lane in the final.
With only six lanes available the competition for a podium place was going to be fierce. With a near perfected start Shaun was off and driving through his gear hitting top gear as the back straight emerged, eating up the track with 100m to go Shaun moved into a medal position before switching on additional burners to take him across the line in second place and a new best time.
To be classed as the second fastest athlete in the country at the championships on his first ever senior championship is reward for the work and dedication Shaun puts into his athletics.
International Indoor at the Emirates Arena - 25th Jan 2014
Inverclyde AC boys and girls relay teams justified their invitation from British Athletics to compete in the Sainsbury Indoor International at the Emirate Arena in Glasgow.
Mixing with the elite from America, The Commonwealth, GB and for the first time a Scotland team Inverclyde's Evie Semple, Robyn Kelly, Ashleigh Lewis, Georgia Morrison, Shaun Tonner, Drew McIntyre, Connor Malley and Scott Hannaway took to the track for the medley relay. The relay was made up of 400m, 200m, 100m and finishing with 100m.
First up were the girls with Evie leading off over the 400m, a strong first 200m had the 'Clyde' team among the front of the pack, approaching the second leg , a solid change over saw Robyn drive hard down the back straight to ensure Inverclyde were in a competitive position before handing to Ashleigh who pulled in the runners in front of her over the first 100m leg. Georgia set off and was handed the baton to complete the glory of running the last 100m bringing Inverclyde home.
As the boys team stepped onto the track there was an air of expectation as Shaun Tonner blasted to the front, more akin to 200m it was no surprise as Shaun grabbed the race by the scruff of the neck and dominated before handing over to Drew.
Fresh from a new personal best Drew powered over 200m enjoying the front running and keeping the chasing pack competing in his wake before Connor received the baton in front. Connor increased the local club lead over 100m before an almost perfect changeover to the youngest team member Scott who had the pressure and joy of leading Inverclyde across the line victorious in front of the packed arena after an excellent glory leg .
The joy of winning for the boys was increased when World Sprint champion Kim Collins came over and congratulated them for their performance.
Mixing with the elite from America, The Commonwealth, GB and for the first time a Scotland team Inverclyde's Evie Semple, Robyn Kelly, Ashleigh Lewis, Georgia Morrison, Shaun Tonner, Drew McIntyre, Connor Malley and Scott Hannaway took to the track for the medley relay. The relay was made up of 400m, 200m, 100m and finishing with 100m.
First up were the girls with Evie leading off over the 400m, a strong first 200m had the 'Clyde' team among the front of the pack, approaching the second leg , a solid change over saw Robyn drive hard down the back straight to ensure Inverclyde were in a competitive position before handing to Ashleigh who pulled in the runners in front of her over the first 100m leg. Georgia set off and was handed the baton to complete the glory of running the last 100m bringing Inverclyde home.
As the boys team stepped onto the track there was an air of expectation as Shaun Tonner blasted to the front, more akin to 200m it was no surprise as Shaun grabbed the race by the scruff of the neck and dominated before handing over to Drew.
Fresh from a new personal best Drew powered over 200m enjoying the front running and keeping the chasing pack competing in his wake before Connor received the baton in front. Connor increased the local club lead over 100m before an almost perfect changeover to the youngest team member Scott who had the pressure and joy of leading Inverclyde across the line victorious in front of the packed arena after an excellent glory leg .
The joy of winning for the boys was increased when World Sprint champion Kim Collins came over and congratulated them for their performance.
Correspondence from organisers of Sainsbury Indoor International where IAC competed in the club contest, highlight that behaviour and professionalism of IAC members are credit to the sport.
"On behalf of British Athletics and Glasgow Sport I would like to congratulate the athletes who represented your Club today in the Club Connect Relay at the Sainsbury's Glasgow International Match.
All the Athletes were a credit to the Club's they represented, taking all the information they were given in a very mature manner. The Team Managers from all Clubs proved to be a positive, calming influence on the Athletes and myself.
Your Club's athletes, managers and Karen Forbes from British Athletics all contributed to a very successful day. I hope they enjoyed themselves."
"On behalf of British Athletics and Glasgow Sport I would like to congratulate the athletes who represented your Club today in the Club Connect Relay at the Sainsbury's Glasgow International Match.
All the Athletes were a credit to the Club's they represented, taking all the information they were given in a very mature manner. The Team Managers from all Clubs proved to be a positive, calming influence on the Athletes and myself.
Your Club's athletes, managers and Karen Forbes from British Athletics all contributed to a very successful day. I hope they enjoyed themselves."
Scotland squad for sprint relay teams
Inverclyde speed kings Shaun Tonner and Drew McIntyre have been rewarded for their hard work and endeavour over last summer and the past winter by being included into a Scotland squad for sprint relay teams.
Scottish Athletics sprint lead Roger Harkins, coach to Scotland most decorated female athlete Lee McConnell will take the main role in developing sprint relay teams to represent Scotland at international events and future Commonwealth Games teams.
19 year old Shaun has been winning National age group medals for the past three years and is focused on keeping that streak going as he progresses toward the senior age groups. Drew has been competing since last year after bursting onto the scene with a medal winning performance in the under 16 age group.
Both athletes are delighted with their invitation and hope to build on the experiences to work with the fastest athletes in the country with the end result of wearing a Scottish kit.
Scottish Athletics sprint lead Roger Harkins, coach to Scotland most decorated female athlete Lee McConnell will take the main role in developing sprint relay teams to represent Scotland at international events and future Commonwealth Games teams.
19 year old Shaun has been winning National age group medals for the past three years and is focused on keeping that streak going as he progresses toward the senior age groups. Drew has been competing since last year after bursting onto the scene with a medal winning performance in the under 16 age group.
Both athletes are delighted with their invitation and hope to build on the experiences to work with the fastest athletes in the country with the end result of wearing a Scottish kit.
National Open Indoor track and field
Inverclyde AC had a number of athletes competing at the National Open Indoor track and field held at the Emirates Indoor Arena, Glasgow.
Following on from the successes of the young athletes on the cross country this event gave the track and field specialists an opportunity to display their talents. In the sprints Drew McIntyre lead the way in his less favored 200m by exploding from his blocks hitting the back straight in full flow before driving toward the finish stopping the clock in a lifetime best which put him among the fastest young athletes in the country. This was after a record equaling 60m where a victory by some 5 metres was the biggest margin of the day in the shortest sprint of all.
Drew's training partner and fastest local athlete Shaun Tonner competing in the senior ranks for the first time was not disappointed recording the second fastest 200m of the weekend and the fastest local athlete of the day over 60m. Ensuring Shaun and Drew dont have it all their own way locally, young guns Connor Malley, Scott McDonald and Scott Hannaway recorded performances which will create a foundation to mirror their elder clubmates. .
In the longer sprint, 400m Andrew Hunter and Evie Semple had the pleasure of each other and at the break, 200m both athletes were leading the other competitors with Andrew making his bid for glory as the last lap bell sounded. Evie tried to cover his increase in pace but a determined Andrew was not to be denied his glory winning in a massive confidence boosting best in time for his next challenge. Evie kept the other at bay to insure IAC at the fore again.
In the under 16 girls 300m Robyn Kelly continued the 'Clyde' trend racing to another personal best in recent weeks and will look to reduce that as she customizes herself to the increase in pain over the longer sprints.
In the youngest girls age group Inverclyde had a trio of personal best in the 800m. In the first race Nuala McCheyne set and excellent 2.36mins with a dogged run. After witnessing this sister Cliona and Georgia Morrison set off in the next race and with vastly different tactics obtained the same achievemt and coaching goals by reducing their personal bests.
Greg Williams gave a performance more akin to his ability recording a time just off his best after competing in the fastest 1500m of the day. Greg making the transition to elite level in the coming weeks strode confidently around the first few laps before digging deep to ensure the clock was stopped just a fraction outside his best. Undoubtedly a new best will arrive in the next few outings.
Inverclyde now look forward to competing at the Indoor International next weekend where an invitation to take part in a relay will be a welcome addition to the race calender.
Following on from the successes of the young athletes on the cross country this event gave the track and field specialists an opportunity to display their talents. In the sprints Drew McIntyre lead the way in his less favored 200m by exploding from his blocks hitting the back straight in full flow before driving toward the finish stopping the clock in a lifetime best which put him among the fastest young athletes in the country. This was after a record equaling 60m where a victory by some 5 metres was the biggest margin of the day in the shortest sprint of all.
Drew's training partner and fastest local athlete Shaun Tonner competing in the senior ranks for the first time was not disappointed recording the second fastest 200m of the weekend and the fastest local athlete of the day over 60m. Ensuring Shaun and Drew dont have it all their own way locally, young guns Connor Malley, Scott McDonald and Scott Hannaway recorded performances which will create a foundation to mirror their elder clubmates. .
In the longer sprint, 400m Andrew Hunter and Evie Semple had the pleasure of each other and at the break, 200m both athletes were leading the other competitors with Andrew making his bid for glory as the last lap bell sounded. Evie tried to cover his increase in pace but a determined Andrew was not to be denied his glory winning in a massive confidence boosting best in time for his next challenge. Evie kept the other at bay to insure IAC at the fore again.
In the under 16 girls 300m Robyn Kelly continued the 'Clyde' trend racing to another personal best in recent weeks and will look to reduce that as she customizes herself to the increase in pain over the longer sprints.
In the youngest girls age group Inverclyde had a trio of personal best in the 800m. In the first race Nuala McCheyne set and excellent 2.36mins with a dogged run. After witnessing this sister Cliona and Georgia Morrison set off in the next race and with vastly different tactics obtained the same achievemt and coaching goals by reducing their personal bests.
Greg Williams gave a performance more akin to his ability recording a time just off his best after competing in the fastest 1500m of the day. Greg making the transition to elite level in the coming weeks strode confidently around the first few laps before digging deep to ensure the clock was stopped just a fraction outside his best. Undoubtedly a new best will arrive in the next few outings.
Inverclyde now look forward to competing at the Indoor International next weekend where an invitation to take part in a relay will be a welcome addition to the race calender.
BUPA International at Edinburgh
Eleven Inverclyde AC athletes made the trip to Edinburgh to take part in the BUPA International having been selected due to outstanding performances over the past few months.
At a chilly and windy Holyrod Park Cameron Watson set the standard for his team mates and the opposition to follow as he hit the front from the gun in the under 13 boys race, dictating the race until the wind took its toll on the petit frame of Cameron when his competitors reduced his lead, however Cameron is made of sterner stuff these days and pushed on to ensure another national title and a clear message to his opposition that he will be a force come the National cross country in February. In the girls race Nuala and Cliona McCheyne and Niamh Docherty gained valuable experience in their first outing at this level of competition and will be happy with their performances. Ryan Gray was next up and despite giving 2 years in age and a considerable frame size pushed the pace on matching the UK's top age group athlete Ben Greenwood. Ryan took on the pace breaking clear only for Ben to match the break with Ryan winning silver an excellent achievement in this age group. Matthew McKinnon continued to build on his foundation and will progress as a result of his run in the same race. The next event saw the under 20 junior mens race which incorporated the junior international with athletes from America, Europe and UK taking on the homegrown talent of Jonny Glen, Josh Houston and Ross Forbes.At the start the explosion from the line set the standard for the race as a fierce pace spread the field immediately with the international athletes dominating the front, however what they didnt bargin for was the dogged determination of Inverclyde's Jonny who was mixing it in the middle of the pack. With a vocal support throughout the course Jonny dropped some of the internationalists and moved up a competitive level to not only win the National race but claim the scalp of some of the worlds best junior athletes.Josh and Ross were valuable counters and all at IAC were proud to see the boys competing at this level. In the senior womens race Nyke Mulholland continued her return to race form will build on this foundation in the coming months. Racheal Bushfield racing for Scottish Universities was pleased to be competing after an injury layoff. |