George Cummings Road Relays (28th Sep)
(Dan Mulhare)
Inverclyde AC enjoyed a podium finish to collect Gold and Silver at the weekend while competing in the George Cummings relays in Houston. The race combines the Renfrewshire road relay title as well as the George Cummings title.
The first national relay competition sees teams of four for men and three for ladies. With a mix of youth and experience making up IAC's 'A' team the quartet of Michael Houston, Jonny Glen, Dan Mulhare and Craig Ruddy were going to be a force to be reckoned with.
Out first Michael provided the foundation for the team to build on improving on last years performance significantly bringing the team home 6th. With Jonny competing with the seniors for the first timehe set off to prove his worth in among the senior competitors pulling away from the chasing pack and focusing clearly on the runners in front Jonny reached the finishing straight in 5th.
The welcome return of Dan Mulhare having returned from his world travels set off giving the watching team mates the confidence that he is well and truly on the return to full fitness, Dan scythed through the few runners in front powering through the finish clocking the fastest IAC run of the day and putting the club into Gold medal position for the Renfrewshire title and third in the race overall. Craig Ruddy anchored the team and pushed for another fast run in the process passing second race place and comfortably bring IAC team home Gold in Renfrewshire and silver Cummings.
The second string runners had a fabulous effort with Greg Williams, John Cooke the return of Neil McLaughlin and the experience of Graeme Hyett proving too strong for other clubs 'A' teams with a seventh place finish.
Ross Forbes has now found his form in these relay races and will be pleased with a sub 15 minute run to build into his training programme, The real
surprise of the day was a personal best by over one minute by Gary McKendrick clearly benefiting from his fast track work during the summer. Long distance master John Sharp has flexed his endurance muscle to record the fastest master time of the day for the club.
Julie Gordon swapped places with Rachael Bushfield for top female on the day with Emma Rice and Chloe Simpson making up the 'Clyde' team finishing sixth overall.
A Team
M Houston 14.06, J Glen 13.35, D Mulhare 12.21, C Ruddy 12.54
B Team
G Williams 14.16, J Cooke 14.33, N McLaughlin 14.42, G Hyett 14.33
C Team
R Forbes 14.59, C Hunter 15.23, J Houston 15.23, T Jamieson 15.33
D Team
G McKendrick 15.04, G Morrison 17.34, J Sharp 14.41, G Gaffney 16.15
E Team
D Mallet 17.12, R Shaw 18.01, J Bannister 20.28, T Tracey 22.01
Ladies A Team
E Rice 17.00, C Simpson 17.36, R Bushfield 16.19
Ladies B Team
J Gordon 16.03
The first national relay competition sees teams of four for men and three for ladies. With a mix of youth and experience making up IAC's 'A' team the quartet of Michael Houston, Jonny Glen, Dan Mulhare and Craig Ruddy were going to be a force to be reckoned with.
Out first Michael provided the foundation for the team to build on improving on last years performance significantly bringing the team home 6th. With Jonny competing with the seniors for the first timehe set off to prove his worth in among the senior competitors pulling away from the chasing pack and focusing clearly on the runners in front Jonny reached the finishing straight in 5th.
The welcome return of Dan Mulhare having returned from his world travels set off giving the watching team mates the confidence that he is well and truly on the return to full fitness, Dan scythed through the few runners in front powering through the finish clocking the fastest IAC run of the day and putting the club into Gold medal position for the Renfrewshire title and third in the race overall. Craig Ruddy anchored the team and pushed for another fast run in the process passing second race place and comfortably bring IAC team home Gold in Renfrewshire and silver Cummings.
The second string runners had a fabulous effort with Greg Williams, John Cooke the return of Neil McLaughlin and the experience of Graeme Hyett proving too strong for other clubs 'A' teams with a seventh place finish.
Ross Forbes has now found his form in these relay races and will be pleased with a sub 15 minute run to build into his training programme, The real
surprise of the day was a personal best by over one minute by Gary McKendrick clearly benefiting from his fast track work during the summer. Long distance master John Sharp has flexed his endurance muscle to record the fastest master time of the day for the club.
Julie Gordon swapped places with Rachael Bushfield for top female on the day with Emma Rice and Chloe Simpson making up the 'Clyde' team finishing sixth overall.
A Team
M Houston 14.06, J Glen 13.35, D Mulhare 12.21, C Ruddy 12.54
B Team
G Williams 14.16, J Cooke 14.33, N McLaughlin 14.42, G Hyett 14.33
C Team
R Forbes 14.59, C Hunter 15.23, J Houston 15.23, T Jamieson 15.33
D Team
G McKendrick 15.04, G Morrison 17.34, J Sharp 14.41, G Gaffney 16.15
E Team
D Mallet 17.12, R Shaw 18.01, J Bannister 20.28, T Tracey 22.01
Ladies A Team
E Rice 17.00, C Simpson 17.36, R Bushfield 16.19
Ladies B Team
J Gordon 16.03
Dumfries Half Marathon (22nd Sep)
Further afield Mark Pollard made the trip to Dumfries to compete in the half marathon as part of his preperation for the Amsterdam marathon in October. Dumfries a happy hunting ground for the sprinters of IAC Mark did the club proud by dominating the field from the gun to the tap for the full 13miles resulting in another Inverclyde athlete leaving Dumfries with a gold trophy.
'75 Trophy (21st Sep)
Inverclyde AC opened their winter account with an event day at the Battery with the 75 Trophy being the award for the fastest senior on the day.
The event traditionally used to select a peaking order for senior athletes has been developed to accomodate IAC's Run, Jump, Throw programme with races ranging from sprints through to the 5K senior race and a vertical jump and javelin throw.
At the start of the event the junior athletes incorporating under 9, 11, 13 & 15 age groups lined up for the race round the park. At the gun Cameron Watson was leading the long train of younger athletes with Matthew McKinnon hot on his heels and Emma Mitchell heading up the girls competition. With the age groups doing different distances it was the under 9s who were fast approaching the finish with Harris Morrison and Connor McGhee vying to be the first Inverclyde athlete home of the day as both young boys sprinted to the line it was Harris who gained the advantage crossing the line first.
As the remaining age groups battled round Nualu McCheyenne was having a commanding run with Jennifer Taylor leading the chasing pack. As the athletes reached into the third lap Cameron Watson strode into the finish line to secure victory with Matthew McKinnon and Emma Mitchell gaining their respective age groups.
Nuala held her winning margin to record her first club victory.
Moving onto the sprint event which was handicapped by age a fast moving Daisy Wilson pipped Harris Morrison on the line to become to speed girl of the day.
After the mixed event the seniors put their toes on the line to compete for the 75 Trophy and unsurprisingly Jonny Glen hit the front and dominated from start to finish after leaving the Battery and heading along the Esplanade and back Jonny recorded a fast 16minute run to claim victory.
Behind Jonny and interesting battle ensued with Michael Houston and John Cooke with Michael gaining the upper hand through additional speed training in the summer to secure second. Neil McLaughlin had a welcome return holding off the experience of Grame Hyett.
Ross Forbes moving up age groups tackled the seniors with a new found vigour and will be pleased with his run and the scalps achieved on the day.
Rachael Bushfield was the top female athlete on the run pulling away from Julie Gordon with 1K to the finish to secure the unofficial 'Relay Queen' for the week. Inverclyde do not just promote youngsters development and its was good to see Joan McGilp, Zoe Wilson and Alastair Thomson adorning the club colours for the first time.
The event traditionally used to select a peaking order for senior athletes has been developed to accomodate IAC's Run, Jump, Throw programme with races ranging from sprints through to the 5K senior race and a vertical jump and javelin throw.
At the start of the event the junior athletes incorporating under 9, 11, 13 & 15 age groups lined up for the race round the park. At the gun Cameron Watson was leading the long train of younger athletes with Matthew McKinnon hot on his heels and Emma Mitchell heading up the girls competition. With the age groups doing different distances it was the under 9s who were fast approaching the finish with Harris Morrison and Connor McGhee vying to be the first Inverclyde athlete home of the day as both young boys sprinted to the line it was Harris who gained the advantage crossing the line first.
As the remaining age groups battled round Nualu McCheyenne was having a commanding run with Jennifer Taylor leading the chasing pack. As the athletes reached into the third lap Cameron Watson strode into the finish line to secure victory with Matthew McKinnon and Emma Mitchell gaining their respective age groups.
Nuala held her winning margin to record her first club victory.
Moving onto the sprint event which was handicapped by age a fast moving Daisy Wilson pipped Harris Morrison on the line to become to speed girl of the day.
After the mixed event the seniors put their toes on the line to compete for the 75 Trophy and unsurprisingly Jonny Glen hit the front and dominated from start to finish after leaving the Battery and heading along the Esplanade and back Jonny recorded a fast 16minute run to claim victory.
Behind Jonny and interesting battle ensued with Michael Houston and John Cooke with Michael gaining the upper hand through additional speed training in the summer to secure second. Neil McLaughlin had a welcome return holding off the experience of Grame Hyett.
Ross Forbes moving up age groups tackled the seniors with a new found vigour and will be pleased with his run and the scalps achieved on the day.
Rachael Bushfield was the top female athlete on the run pulling away from Julie Gordon with 1K to the finish to secure the unofficial 'Relay Queen' for the week. Inverclyde do not just promote youngsters development and its was good to see Joan McGilp, Zoe Wilson and Alastair Thomson adorning the club colours for the first time.
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1 Jonny Glen 16.21
2 Michael Houston 16.36 3 John Cooke 16.39 4 Neil McLaughlan 16.53 5 Graeme Hyett 17.07 6 Josh Houston 17.48 7 Gary McKendrick 17.52 8 Ross Forbes 18.01 9 Callum Hunter 18.13 10 Jude Boulton 18.22 |
11 Gerry Gaffney 18.37
12 Graeme Forbes 19.06 13 Rachael Bushfield 19.21 14 James Watson 19.37 15 Gavin Morrison 19.39 16 Julie Gordon 19.44 17 Chloe Simpson 20.36 18 Matthew Thomson 20.53 19 Robert Gray 21.11 20 Robert Shaw 21.14 |
21 John Smillie 21.59
22 Cameron Spence 22.31 23 Craig Mitchell 22.43 24 John Bannister 23.19 25 Teresa Watson 23.27 26 Joan McGilp 23.58 27 Hazel Boulton 24.22 28 Zoe Wilson 27.36 29 Alastair Thomson 28.33 |
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Inverclyde AC's two Johns, Jonny Glen and John Sharp were at the top of their game in recent performances.
Jonny Glen made the journey south to Bedford to compete in the English age group track and field championships, a competition where the future of the UK's athletic talent competes for national honours.
Jonny was competing in the under 17 3K and as expected Jonny lined up in the final and found himself in the middle of the pack as the pace increased going into the second part of the race. A tactical battle ensued with the lead changing on several occasions, however Jonny stuck to his plan and covered all these moves until the last 1,000m where a burn up began with Jonny moving through his gears and reaching deep into his reserves to push himself through the field approaching the home straight in the leading pack, as the finish fast approached Jonny moved into fourth place just outside the medals with a time just off his best, but a last 1,000m in an exceptionally quick 2.45m.
John Sharp has been establishing himself as one of the top master athletes locally with a bronze in the Scottish National half marathon which was held in Moray.
John then made the journey across to Millport to compete in the Isle of Cumbrae road race covering one full lap of the island a distance of just over 10miles. John was always to the fore as the run progressed round the island with a group breaking away as they entered the town. An increase in speed saw John going stride for stride with a fellow competitor and an extra effort gained John an edge to take victory by one second.
Jonny was competing in the under 17 3K and as expected Jonny lined up in the final and found himself in the middle of the pack as the pace increased going into the second part of the race. A tactical battle ensued with the lead changing on several occasions, however Jonny stuck to his plan and covered all these moves until the last 1,000m where a burn up began with Jonny moving through his gears and reaching deep into his reserves to push himself through the field approaching the home straight in the leading pack, as the finish fast approached Jonny moved into fourth place just outside the medals with a time just off his best, but a last 1,000m in an exceptionally quick 2.45m.
John Sharp has been establishing himself as one of the top master athletes locally with a bronze in the Scottish National half marathon which was held in Moray.
John then made the journey across to Millport to compete in the Isle of Cumbrae road race covering one full lap of the island a distance of just over 10miles. John was always to the fore as the run progressed round the island with a group breaking away as they entered the town. An increase in speed saw John going stride for stride with a fellow competitor and an extra effort gained John an edge to take victory by one second.
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Scottish track and field championships (17-18th August)
Inverclyde AC made the long trip north to Aberdeen to compete in the Scottish age group track and field championships. This event is the pinicle of the season for all athletes under 20 and is the final National event to make a name for yourself.
IAC athletes certainly did this with a total of 5 silver and 1 bronze travelling on the return journey.
In the oldest category of the day under 20 Greg Williams and Shaun Tonner set the tone for the less experienced athletes with Greg setting off in the 800m, being the district champion his place in the final was expected and so it turned out to be. After a steady start the pace started hotting up with 500m to go with Greg shadowing the leading pack, reaching the back straight the kick was on as the field spread out with Greg moving into top gear cruising into medal contention. With the final ferocious kick for home Greg was in silver medal position hunting down the leader but just ran out of space as both crossed the finish line together with Greg sealing a new lifetime best and silver medal.
Shaun confirmed his title as speed king for IAC competing in the 100m and 200m. More favoured over the 200m, Shaun powered through the heats of the 100m reaching a very competitive final where a photo separated the top 6, Shaun gaining 4th in a very fast time despite the headwind. In the 200m an easier path to the final saw him drawn inside two of Scotland's fastest athletes, unphased by this Shaun shot from the blocks keeping close order as three athletes reached the home straight ahead of the field, tearing up the home straight Shaun secured bronze in an equalling lifetime best.
The ever popular Jonny GLen competing over 1500m under 18 age group had a cat and mouse race to contend with, Jonny used his experiences to great effect with 600m to go a break away occurred that was covered by him as the pace increased with every stride the leaders were coming back approaching the last 120 in full flow Jonny moved into 2nd place and despite a tactical move by other athletes Jonny brushed this aside to secure silver again in a new best.
In the under 16 sprints INverclydes find of the season came in the shape of Drew McIntyre, Drew joined IAC some 2 months ago and has been working with the sprint teams to find his feet in the sport. Reaching the final of the 100m was added bonus for his development but after seeing his fellow athletes climbing the podium he impressed everyone with a blistering run in the final, starting steady Drew moved through his gears hitting top speed a few metres from the line crossing the line in silver medal position recording the club another best and an impressive 11 second run, he followed this up with a commanding performance winning his 200m.
The under 14 duo of Robyn Kelly and Connor Malley are experiencing the pressure of expectation having performed well all season, but young athletes rose to this challenge.
Robyn recorded a silver over her hurdles which is just reward for the work she has been putting in over the summer months and will look toward increasing that workload as she moves into the older age group this winter. Connor was unfortunate to have a small injury which inhibited his long jump but a determination to perform was evident in his javelin as he launched it further than ever to visit the podium to collect a national silver medal.
A number of other impressive performances were recorded by Evie Semple who was a stride away from a 400m bronze and Emma Mitchell starting to regain her form with a final position in 800m.
Andrew Hunter was the quiet destroyer recorded a fine performances in both his races with brother Callum doing his bit over 800m
IAC athletes certainly did this with a total of 5 silver and 1 bronze travelling on the return journey.
In the oldest category of the day under 20 Greg Williams and Shaun Tonner set the tone for the less experienced athletes with Greg setting off in the 800m, being the district champion his place in the final was expected and so it turned out to be. After a steady start the pace started hotting up with 500m to go with Greg shadowing the leading pack, reaching the back straight the kick was on as the field spread out with Greg moving into top gear cruising into medal contention. With the final ferocious kick for home Greg was in silver medal position hunting down the leader but just ran out of space as both crossed the finish line together with Greg sealing a new lifetime best and silver medal.
Shaun confirmed his title as speed king for IAC competing in the 100m and 200m. More favoured over the 200m, Shaun powered through the heats of the 100m reaching a very competitive final where a photo separated the top 6, Shaun gaining 4th in a very fast time despite the headwind. In the 200m an easier path to the final saw him drawn inside two of Scotland's fastest athletes, unphased by this Shaun shot from the blocks keeping close order as three athletes reached the home straight ahead of the field, tearing up the home straight Shaun secured bronze in an equalling lifetime best.
The ever popular Jonny GLen competing over 1500m under 18 age group had a cat and mouse race to contend with, Jonny used his experiences to great effect with 600m to go a break away occurred that was covered by him as the pace increased with every stride the leaders were coming back approaching the last 120 in full flow Jonny moved into 2nd place and despite a tactical move by other athletes Jonny brushed this aside to secure silver again in a new best.
In the under 16 sprints INverclydes find of the season came in the shape of Drew McIntyre, Drew joined IAC some 2 months ago and has been working with the sprint teams to find his feet in the sport. Reaching the final of the 100m was added bonus for his development but after seeing his fellow athletes climbing the podium he impressed everyone with a blistering run in the final, starting steady Drew moved through his gears hitting top speed a few metres from the line crossing the line in silver medal position recording the club another best and an impressive 11 second run, he followed this up with a commanding performance winning his 200m.
The under 14 duo of Robyn Kelly and Connor Malley are experiencing the pressure of expectation having performed well all season, but young athletes rose to this challenge.
Robyn recorded a silver over her hurdles which is just reward for the work she has been putting in over the summer months and will look toward increasing that workload as she moves into the older age group this winter. Connor was unfortunate to have a small injury which inhibited his long jump but a determination to perform was evident in his javelin as he launched it further than ever to visit the podium to collect a national silver medal.
A number of other impressive performances were recorded by Evie Semple who was a stride away from a 400m bronze and Emma Mitchell starting to regain her form with a final position in 800m.
Andrew Hunter was the quiet destroyer recorded a fine performances in both his races with brother Callum doing his bit over 800m
Triangular event with GGH & Helensburgh (Sun 25th Aug)
Registration is at ravenscraig track, Greenock from 10am, events will be 100, 200, 800, jump and throw. Also a 3K for over 15s.
Senior track and field champs - 10th August
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Craig Ruddy and Shaun Tonner flew the flag high for the Inverclyde area with outstanding performances at the Scottish Senior Track and Field Championships.
Craig who continues to put his foundations in place for next years Commonwealth Games competed in the 5K in his first championship event after a forced lay off. As the race unfolded Craig shadowed the leading pack as the lead changed on a number of occsions such was the windy conditions. At the half way stage a group of 8 athletes had broken away with European under 20 champion Callum Hawkins moving the pace along, undaunted by this Craig moved onto the shoulder of the leader moving through the gears to hit the front with 500m to go. As he did the field spread out such was the injection of pace going down the back straight Craig was out in front striding for glory with training partner Sean Fontana from Glasgow edging closer, as both athletes approached the home straight the months of rehab allowed Fontana to take the lead which he held through the finish with Craig securing silver recording a season best time and the confidence to move into his winter programme to further prepare for next year. At the other end of the distance spectrum under 20 athlete Shaun Tonner decided to take on the country's top senior athletes in both the 100m and 200m. With the sprints being well attended Shaun had a programme of 3 races. In the first round he cruised through his heat recording a new official best securing a place in the semi final, however the weather proved a bit unfavourable as he ran into a head wind making his run slightly slower than the second semi who benefited from a tail wind. In his more favoured 200m Shaun powered round the bend securing a top finish to secure a final place. In his final he had a good start as he got into his running was in contention for a top finish approaching the home straight, as all athletes flew along the home straight a photo finish was required to separate the placing with Shaun awarded a position just outside the medals but a fastest ever personal best. Shaun now looks forward to leading the club into the age group championships this weekend in Aberdeen, where he can enjoy competing in his own age groups. |
(Shaun Tonner)
(Craig Ruddy)
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Allan Wells
Inverclyde coaches Mark Pollard and Kenny Morrison had the privilege of gaining pointers from Scotland's greatest ever sprinter.
Mark and Kenny were at the Scottish Athletics playground to podium workshop where young athletes are being identified as potential talents for the future, both Mark and Kenny are involved and ensure that not only does IAC provide a recognised development programme by coaching run, jump, throw that when an athlete has potential for national squads that our coaches have the required skill to ensure the athlete has a coach capable of looking after them and developing them at that level.
Both secured the experiences of Allan and will bring this experience to enhance the coaching development within IAC.
Mark and Kenny were at the Scottish Athletics playground to podium workshop where young athletes are being identified as potential talents for the future, both Mark and Kenny are involved and ensure that not only does IAC provide a recognised development programme by coaching run, jump, throw that when an athlete has potential for national squads that our coaches have the required skill to ensure the athlete has a coach capable of looking after them and developing them at that level.
Both secured the experiences of Allan and will bring this experience to enhance the coaching development within IAC.
Scottish National relay championships
Inverclyde AC had seven relay teams competing in the Scottish National relay championships at Grangemouth last weekend. The most exciting finish to the day came in the 4 x 400m relay for senior men. The under 20 quartet of Matthew Thompson, Greg Williams, Callum Hunter and Shaun Tonner took on the might of Scotland's senior teams. On the first leg Matthew Thompson was up against some of the country's fastest 400m runners and did himself and the club proud before handing the baton to 800m specialist Greg Williams, the Scottish Schools champion had a steady first 200m before exploding into life on the home straight bringing the team home close to the medal positions. Callum Hunter handled the third leg and defied his limited experience with a very strong finish to haul Clyde into contention. Anchor leg Shaun Tonner had the pressure of bringing the team home and on the back staright a good finish was on the cards, however reaching the home straight Shaun had moved through his gears and was within a few strides of the medallist, with three runners going stride for stride toward the line for two medals Inverclyde support managed to lift Shaun as he edged ahead to secure silver as bronze buckled through the line such was the competitive nature of the finish.
Not to be outdone the under 14 girls 4 x 100m relay equalled the mens silver medal Stephanie Docherty had the explosive first leg around the top bend and began making inroads into the opposition. West District 200m champion Robyn Kelly had a storming second leg to ease through the field taking Inverclyde into the top places. Alyssa McLellan having moved from distance races is now finding her very fast feet profitable as she strode round before handing onto Ashleigh Lewis who like Shaun had the glory of bringing Inverclyde home in another national medal winning position.
Inverclyde pride themselves in their recognised development plan as such another five relay teams were on show. In the senior 4 x 100m relay Gerard Cooke and the return of Craig Eaglesham joined Matthew Thompson and Shaun Tonner to miss out on a medal as they finished just off the podium in fourth place. The young sprint quartet of Nuala McCheyne, Lucy , Beth Larkin and Georgia Morrison will benefit from their experience and return next year eager to improve.
In the 3 x 800m the under 18 team Josh Houston, Robert Todd and Ross Forbes ensured the black and white were in among the field pack competing for places. The under 14 teams of Nuala and Cliona McCheyne and the very busy Ashleigh Lewis were competitive in the final as the boys trio of Ryan Gray, Reece Williams and Sammy Hearl added the competition to their development education.
Inverclyde are holding the first track and field event at the newly opened Ravenscraig Stadium this Sunday at 10am with a variety of events which is open to those who wish to try athletics.
Not to be outdone the under 14 girls 4 x 100m relay equalled the mens silver medal Stephanie Docherty had the explosive first leg around the top bend and began making inroads into the opposition. West District 200m champion Robyn Kelly had a storming second leg to ease through the field taking Inverclyde into the top places. Alyssa McLellan having moved from distance races is now finding her very fast feet profitable as she strode round before handing onto Ashleigh Lewis who like Shaun had the glory of bringing Inverclyde home in another national medal winning position.
Inverclyde pride themselves in their recognised development plan as such another five relay teams were on show. In the senior 4 x 100m relay Gerard Cooke and the return of Craig Eaglesham joined Matthew Thompson and Shaun Tonner to miss out on a medal as they finished just off the podium in fourth place. The young sprint quartet of Nuala McCheyne, Lucy , Beth Larkin and Georgia Morrison will benefit from their experience and return next year eager to improve.
In the 3 x 800m the under 18 team Josh Houston, Robert Todd and Ross Forbes ensured the black and white were in among the field pack competing for places. The under 14 teams of Nuala and Cliona McCheyne and the very busy Ashleigh Lewis were competitive in the final as the boys trio of Ryan Gray, Reece Williams and Sammy Hearl added the competition to their development education.
Inverclyde are holding the first track and field event at the newly opened Ravenscraig Stadium this Sunday at 10am with a variety of events which is open to those who wish to try athletics.
Frank Sinclair 10k race - Sat 1st June (Results)
| frank_sinclair_2013.xls |
West of Scotland track & field championships
(Robyn Kelly - double gold)
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(Greg Williams - 800m champion)
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(Jonny Glen & Callum Hunter)
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(Shaun Tonner - fastest local athlete)
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West of Scotland track & field championships
Inverclyde AC had a number of athletes performing in the West of Scotland track & field championships held for the first time in Kilmarnock. Held over the Friday & Saturday for some considerable years thanks go to the coaches who managed the logistics of this with the normal efficiency.
Over the two days Inverclyde's golden girl Robyn Kelly was an impressive performer starting the medal rush for Clyde with a very mature victory in the 200m. Robyn was joined in the final by club mates Alyssa McLelland and Stephanie Docherty and as the gun went so did the athletes approaching the final straight Robyn was in third but a determination and maturity Robyn's will to win proved too strong crossing the line victorious with Alyssa and Stephanie gaining good performances in the final.
Over the same distance still in the under 14 age group Connor Malley again made the podium with an excellent silver. Andrew Hunter in a very competitive under 16s ran a new lifetime best and should be very proud of his performance.
In the 1500m again Inverclyde were to the fore with the most dominant performance of the weekend as top endurance youngster Ryan Gray destroyed the under 14s from the gun collecting yet another gold title winning by some 120m in a time some of his older athletes were pushed to achieve. In the under 18s Jonny Glen took up the challenge of Ryan in his own race as he shadowed the pace makers until one lap to go when the injection of pace spread the field leaving just four athletes battling for the medals, as they moved into sprint mode a sight seldom seen as Jonny hit the home straight moving at pace to secure a visit to the podium to collect his silver.
On the Saturday a very early start with the 800m heats witnessed under 20 Greg Williams cruise to the final, the under 18 duo of Callum Hunter and Jonny Glen making their final with Callum producing a fabulous new best to emulate brother Andrew from the night before.
The 100m had a number of Inverclyde athletes on show with Shaun Tonner being the fastest local athlete of the day in the senior/under 20 race as he exploded from the blocks and powered into the headwind making light of the weather to secure silver and another black & white vest on the podium. Following Shaun's example the younger athletes of Andrew Hunter, Ashleigh Lewis and Connor Malley all making their respective age group finals with Connor collecting his second medal of the day with a bronze for his efforts.
The under 14 hurdles Robyn Kelly and Ashleigh Lewis both made the final and the chance for Robyn to gain her double for the first time at these championships, clearly trying to make the race exciting Robyn again left it late to take the lead crossing the line requiring a photo to decide and split the athletes when news broke of her victory excitement amount the athletes as Robyn sat on top of the podium for the second time. Ashleigh proved her versatility with a very good hurdles added to her final placing in the 100 and long jump ensuring she is one of the most accomplished athletes around, endorsing the run, jump, throw ethos of IAC.
Greg Williams saved the best for last as he took to the line in the 800m after a cagey start Greg hit the from and dominated the pace until 200 to go when the seniors began attacking the lead of Greg however they under estimated the gear range Greg has as he smoothly moved through them hit the front again with 60m to go getting faster with every stride as he stopped the clock victorious in the fastest time of the day.
Our development plan is also proving valuable with athletes developing their athletic skill set. Robert Todd continued his improvement and experience over 800m. Just missing a final slot by the narrowest of margins.
Junior captain Matthew Thompson consolidated his sprinting improvement over 100 & 200 taking the scalp of training partner GED Cooke.
In the under 14 Georgia Morrison and Samantha Williams had the experience of a major championship and despite their very young years performed their best on the day.
The young 800m had Sammy Hearl, Gillian Carmichael and Cara Hogg clocking more experience under their belt in the hot atmosphere of the track and field.
On the field long jump and high jump Jill Magaghy represented the club under the watchful eye of jumps coach Emma Steele
Inverclyde are now back on the track with the run, jump, throw programme being delivered on Tuesday's at 5pm.
Over the two days Inverclyde's golden girl Robyn Kelly was an impressive performer starting the medal rush for Clyde with a very mature victory in the 200m. Robyn was joined in the final by club mates Alyssa McLelland and Stephanie Docherty and as the gun went so did the athletes approaching the final straight Robyn was in third but a determination and maturity Robyn's will to win proved too strong crossing the line victorious with Alyssa and Stephanie gaining good performances in the final.
Over the same distance still in the under 14 age group Connor Malley again made the podium with an excellent silver. Andrew Hunter in a very competitive under 16s ran a new lifetime best and should be very proud of his performance.
In the 1500m again Inverclyde were to the fore with the most dominant performance of the weekend as top endurance youngster Ryan Gray destroyed the under 14s from the gun collecting yet another gold title winning by some 120m in a time some of his older athletes were pushed to achieve. In the under 18s Jonny Glen took up the challenge of Ryan in his own race as he shadowed the pace makers until one lap to go when the injection of pace spread the field leaving just four athletes battling for the medals, as they moved into sprint mode a sight seldom seen as Jonny hit the home straight moving at pace to secure a visit to the podium to collect his silver.
On the Saturday a very early start with the 800m heats witnessed under 20 Greg Williams cruise to the final, the under 18 duo of Callum Hunter and Jonny Glen making their final with Callum producing a fabulous new best to emulate brother Andrew from the night before.
The 100m had a number of Inverclyde athletes on show with Shaun Tonner being the fastest local athlete of the day in the senior/under 20 race as he exploded from the blocks and powered into the headwind making light of the weather to secure silver and another black & white vest on the podium. Following Shaun's example the younger athletes of Andrew Hunter, Ashleigh Lewis and Connor Malley all making their respective age group finals with Connor collecting his second medal of the day with a bronze for his efforts.
The under 14 hurdles Robyn Kelly and Ashleigh Lewis both made the final and the chance for Robyn to gain her double for the first time at these championships, clearly trying to make the race exciting Robyn again left it late to take the lead crossing the line requiring a photo to decide and split the athletes when news broke of her victory excitement amount the athletes as Robyn sat on top of the podium for the second time. Ashleigh proved her versatility with a very good hurdles added to her final placing in the 100 and long jump ensuring she is one of the most accomplished athletes around, endorsing the run, jump, throw ethos of IAC.
Greg Williams saved the best for last as he took to the line in the 800m after a cagey start Greg hit the from and dominated the pace until 200 to go when the seniors began attacking the lead of Greg however they under estimated the gear range Greg has as he smoothly moved through them hit the front again with 60m to go getting faster with every stride as he stopped the clock victorious in the fastest time of the day.
Our development plan is also proving valuable with athletes developing their athletic skill set. Robert Todd continued his improvement and experience over 800m. Just missing a final slot by the narrowest of margins.
Junior captain Matthew Thompson consolidated his sprinting improvement over 100 & 200 taking the scalp of training partner GED Cooke.
In the under 14 Georgia Morrison and Samantha Williams had the experience of a major championship and despite their very young years performed their best on the day.
The young 800m had Sammy Hearl, Gillian Carmichael and Cara Hogg clocking more experience under their belt in the hot atmosphere of the track and field.
On the field long jump and high jump Jill Magaghy represented the club under the watchful eye of jumps coach Emma Steele
Inverclyde are now back on the track with the run, jump, throw programme being delivered on Tuesday's at 5pm.
