Scottish Track League - Meeting 4
Inverclyde AC's senior men's track & field team brought the season to a close with some fine performances at the Scottish Athletics League in Grangemouth.
The club's top jumper Robert Graham was once again in top form winning the long jump after catapulting himself well over the six metre mark claiming maximum points for the club. Similarly in the triple jump he hop, skip, jumped further than any other local athlete has cementing himself as greatest long and triple jumper the club has ever had. Robert now focuses on passing on his jumping skills to the clubs younger members over the coming months.
One of the most popular and prolific scorers inthe league was Mark Magee who regularly sets the team up participating in the first event of the day, high jump. After a shaky start Mark found his rhythm and strode confidently to the launch area before take off saw him glide effortlessly over the bar matching his own personal best height.
On the track Callum Hunter found his mojo in the 800m, As he entered the second and final lap of the race an excellent time was on the cards, the normal vocal support on the much needed back straight carried Callum into the home straight where a pick up in pace saw him stop the clock a fraction of a second outside his best ever, none the less a fabulous sub 2 minute run was recorded.
In the sprints, the clubs top points scorer Shaun Tonner stepped onto the start line blasting his body over both the 100m and 200m bringing the curtain down on his very busy season with a show of fine sprinting form.
In the longer sprint, the 400m, Scott McCluckie brought his new race plan to the competition and was always in contention around the final bend before pulling clear on the home straight to record not only victory but a new lifetime best.
David Henderson moved his marathon best time onto the track competing in the longest track event the 10,000m. With the task of clocking down 25 laps in what was testing weather conditions David got into his pace early on and remained focused throughout his many laps, with his plan reaping rich reward David eased past athletes who had miscalculated the challenge of the distance on the track. Stopping the clock in a new track best David now adds this to his impressive endurance portfolio.
Inverclyde AC acknowledges the assistance and support of the volunteers who traveled the country with the competing athletes to officiate and perform volunteer duties, Andy McIntyre, Alan Hainey, Craig Winter, Gerry Gaffney, Janice Hendrie and Iain Burnside who all brought their own skill set to their respective duties.
Inverclyde AC now commence the winter program at Ravenscraig stadium on Tuesday and Thursday at 5pm for all budding athletes wishing to join one of the country's top sports clubs.
The club's top jumper Robert Graham was once again in top form winning the long jump after catapulting himself well over the six metre mark claiming maximum points for the club. Similarly in the triple jump he hop, skip, jumped further than any other local athlete has cementing himself as greatest long and triple jumper the club has ever had. Robert now focuses on passing on his jumping skills to the clubs younger members over the coming months.
One of the most popular and prolific scorers inthe league was Mark Magee who regularly sets the team up participating in the first event of the day, high jump. After a shaky start Mark found his rhythm and strode confidently to the launch area before take off saw him glide effortlessly over the bar matching his own personal best height.
On the track Callum Hunter found his mojo in the 800m, As he entered the second and final lap of the race an excellent time was on the cards, the normal vocal support on the much needed back straight carried Callum into the home straight where a pick up in pace saw him stop the clock a fraction of a second outside his best ever, none the less a fabulous sub 2 minute run was recorded.
In the sprints, the clubs top points scorer Shaun Tonner stepped onto the start line blasting his body over both the 100m and 200m bringing the curtain down on his very busy season with a show of fine sprinting form.
In the longer sprint, the 400m, Scott McCluckie brought his new race plan to the competition and was always in contention around the final bend before pulling clear on the home straight to record not only victory but a new lifetime best.
David Henderson moved his marathon best time onto the track competing in the longest track event the 10,000m. With the task of clocking down 25 laps in what was testing weather conditions David got into his pace early on and remained focused throughout his many laps, with his plan reaping rich reward David eased past athletes who had miscalculated the challenge of the distance on the track. Stopping the clock in a new track best David now adds this to his impressive endurance portfolio.
Inverclyde AC acknowledges the assistance and support of the volunteers who traveled the country with the competing athletes to officiate and perform volunteer duties, Andy McIntyre, Alan Hainey, Craig Winter, Gerry Gaffney, Janice Hendrie and Iain Burnside who all brought their own skill set to their respective duties.
Inverclyde AC now commence the winter program at Ravenscraig stadium on Tuesday and Thursday at 5pm for all budding athletes wishing to join one of the country's top sports clubs.
British Athletics Mountain Running Championships
Inverclyde AC's Andy Douglas collected another UK title when winning the British Athletics Mountain Running Championships which took place up Skiddaw near Keswick over the weekend.
A number of honours were up for grabs. Not least selection for the world championships to be held in Sapareva Banya, Bulgaria on 11th September, as most of the country’s top runners came to battle it out.
With the race also being the home country internationals and British championships there was even more at stake in the event.
Andy quickly hit the front and set a devastating pace which his competitors couldn't live with and the local athlete was soon on his own pushing to the top end of the course. As Andy reached the halfway stage he was clear in first place and the UK title and selection to represent Team GB again guaranteed.
Andy continued his effortless style to pull clear of the countries top endurance athletes crossing the line first to secure another UK title and selection for yet another world event later in the year.
A number of honours were up for grabs. Not least selection for the world championships to be held in Sapareva Banya, Bulgaria on 11th September, as most of the country’s top runners came to battle it out.
With the race also being the home country internationals and British championships there was even more at stake in the event.
Andy quickly hit the front and set a devastating pace which his competitors couldn't live with and the local athlete was soon on his own pushing to the top end of the course. As Andy reached the halfway stage he was clear in first place and the UK title and selection to represent Team GB again guaranteed.
Andy continued his effortless style to pull clear of the countries top endurance athletes crossing the line first to secure another UK title and selection for yet another world event later in the year.
Good Luck Jonny
Inverclyde AC's top junior endurance athlete has secured a huge step in his athletic development after accepting a sports scholarship with the University of New Mexico in Alberquerque.
Jonny who for the past three years has won every Scottish National title from cross country to road and track and from 3,000m to 10,000m. During this period he has also been a top contender at UK level securing selection for Team GB to compete at the European and World Cross Country championships alongside Rio bound Olympians Callum Hawkins and Andrew Butchart and the world's top endurance athlete Mo Farah.
Jonny's performances did not go unnoticed across the Atlantic and an offer of a sports scholarship from university of New Mexico shortly followed. After much personal sacrifice Jonny decided to take this excellent opportunity and heads stateside next week.
Jonny joined Inverclyde AC as a 10 year old where coach Janice Hendrie offered the direction, guidance and basic athletic development to the young athlete. Over the years Jonny followed IAC's development programme and moved under the watchful eye of coach Ian Cameron as a teenager.
Ian then brought in the assistance of Mark Pollard and between them worked on an individual programme which would take Jonny to the top of Scottish endurance junior squad. A sacrifice by Jonny to spend more time on training and less on socialising reaped major rewards winning the National Cross Country title for the first time, from then the titles rolled in at scottish level.
A development plan to compete around the UK saw Jonny confirm himself as a major competitor winning UK trial races. This saw him selected to run the top cross country event in the world the World Cross Country Championship in China.
Jonny has continued to train locally providing support and guidance to his younger clubmates, and it was with heavy heart that his young team mates gave him a warm send off at Ravenscraig track to send him on his way to America.
Jonny who for the past three years has won every Scottish National title from cross country to road and track and from 3,000m to 10,000m. During this period he has also been a top contender at UK level securing selection for Team GB to compete at the European and World Cross Country championships alongside Rio bound Olympians Callum Hawkins and Andrew Butchart and the world's top endurance athlete Mo Farah.
Jonny's performances did not go unnoticed across the Atlantic and an offer of a sports scholarship from university of New Mexico shortly followed. After much personal sacrifice Jonny decided to take this excellent opportunity and heads stateside next week.
Jonny joined Inverclyde AC as a 10 year old where coach Janice Hendrie offered the direction, guidance and basic athletic development to the young athlete. Over the years Jonny followed IAC's development programme and moved under the watchful eye of coach Ian Cameron as a teenager.
Ian then brought in the assistance of Mark Pollard and between them worked on an individual programme which would take Jonny to the top of Scottish endurance junior squad. A sacrifice by Jonny to spend more time on training and less on socialising reaped major rewards winning the National Cross Country title for the first time, from then the titles rolled in at scottish level.
A development plan to compete around the UK saw Jonny confirm himself as a major competitor winning UK trial races. This saw him selected to run the top cross country event in the world the World Cross Country Championship in China.
Jonny has continued to train locally providing support and guidance to his younger clubmates, and it was with heavy heart that his young team mates gave him a warm send off at Ravenscraig track to send him on his way to America.
Andy Douglas, European Mountain Championships medalist
Andy Douglas of Inverclyde AC lead Team GB to a podium finish at the recent European Mountain racing Championships in Italy.
Andy a mountain racing specialist is one of the most feared endurance athletes in Europe when it comes to mountain and trail running. Having been selected after an excellent performance at the UK trials Andy lead the GB team to Arco in Italy to take on Europe's best.
At the start the fierce pace caused the field to spread out allowing for a free run on the narrower parts of the course and in true Andy style was to the fore of the race keeping close order on the leaders. As the athletes climbed higher and higher a small group had broken free from the chasing pack. By this stage Andy was being instrumental in keeping the pace high matching his Italian opposition at the front
On the descent a small gap had opened with Andy now occupying fourth overall and the lead GB athlete, pulling on all his experience and ability Andy hit the finish area crossing the line to secure a European fourth place and number one Britain to cross the finish, shortly after being joined by his three team mates confirmation of a trip to the podium was guaranteed to collect European bronze.
Andy a mountain racing specialist is one of the most feared endurance athletes in Europe when it comes to mountain and trail running. Having been selected after an excellent performance at the UK trials Andy lead the GB team to Arco in Italy to take on Europe's best.
At the start the fierce pace caused the field to spread out allowing for a free run on the narrower parts of the course and in true Andy style was to the fore of the race keeping close order on the leaders. As the athletes climbed higher and higher a small group had broken free from the chasing pack. By this stage Andy was being instrumental in keeping the pace high matching his Italian opposition at the front
On the descent a small gap had opened with Andy now occupying fourth overall and the lead GB athlete, pulling on all his experience and ability Andy hit the finish area crossing the line to secure a European fourth place and number one Britain to cross the finish, shortly after being joined by his three team mates confirmation of a trip to the podium was guaranteed to collect European bronze.
Scottish Track League (Aberdeen) - Sunday 12th June
Robert Graham rose to the challenge once again creating two new club records in both the long jump and triple jump. Robert flew down the runway in the long jump before launching himself further than any Inverclyde athlete before him recording 6.26m and a place in the local records. He then gathered himself together for the triple jump, which involves hop, skip and jump phases. Putting this process together involves some considerable strength, control and explosive power, Robert proved to have these in abundance as he extended the previous local best to 13.71m.
Creating a new best over 800m Inverclyde and Scotland's top junior endurance athlete Jonny Glen shadowed the leaders in lap one before cruising down the back straight and easing past the opposition to come into the home straight comfortably toward the finish line and a new best on a seldom run distance for Jonny.
Scott McCluckie has been a force over the longer sprint, 400m and was improving with every event gaining confidence along the way. As the gun set the athletes off a steady start by Scott until he reached the final 200m where he injected an increase in pace to blast round the final bend before he held form well on the home straight to stop the clock in a new lifetime best.
Scott's team mate Shaun Tonner was at his speedy best over the 200m confirming his status as the top 200m athlete locally. Shaun harnessed all his power from the blocks and produced his traditional excellent bend before catapulting himself onto the home straight and another very fast 200m time just outside his lifetime best.
Track stalwart Mark McGhee started the day in fine form with a massive points scoring high jump improving his own best height to 1.60m. He followed this up with performing the role as back up to Robert in both the long and triple jump adding valuable points to the clubs total scoring.
David Tamburini carried the flag in the 5,000m, all 12 laps of the Aberdeen track require total focus and as previous matches David let the less experience race ahead before steadily pulling them back and passing moving up the field in the scoring matrix.
On the field a mix of strength and experience with Craig Eaglesham and Kenny Morrison throw the shot putt and discus into huge points scoring range to ensure Inverclyde remain in contention for the final two matches in the coming weeks.
Creating a new best over 800m Inverclyde and Scotland's top junior endurance athlete Jonny Glen shadowed the leaders in lap one before cruising down the back straight and easing past the opposition to come into the home straight comfortably toward the finish line and a new best on a seldom run distance for Jonny.
Scott McCluckie has been a force over the longer sprint, 400m and was improving with every event gaining confidence along the way. As the gun set the athletes off a steady start by Scott until he reached the final 200m where he injected an increase in pace to blast round the final bend before he held form well on the home straight to stop the clock in a new lifetime best.
Scott's team mate Shaun Tonner was at his speedy best over the 200m confirming his status as the top 200m athlete locally. Shaun harnessed all his power from the blocks and produced his traditional excellent bend before catapulting himself onto the home straight and another very fast 200m time just outside his lifetime best.
Track stalwart Mark McGhee started the day in fine form with a massive points scoring high jump improving his own best height to 1.60m. He followed this up with performing the role as back up to Robert in both the long and triple jump adding valuable points to the clubs total scoring.
David Tamburini carried the flag in the 5,000m, all 12 laps of the Aberdeen track require total focus and as previous matches David let the less experience race ahead before steadily pulling them back and passing moving up the field in the scoring matrix.
On the field a mix of strength and experience with Craig Eaglesham and Kenny Morrison throw the shot putt and discus into huge points scoring range to ensure Inverclyde remain in contention for the final two matches in the coming weeks.
National Under 12 Superteams
Inverclyde AC youngest age group, the Zoomin Zebra's joined the ranks of the club's role models in winning national medals at Scottish Athletics Under 12 Superteams competition.
The national event offers run, jump, throw experiences in a competitive environment for all budding athletes who are under 12 years of age.
The IAC boys team of Edward Docherty, Charlie Semple, Harris Morrison and Aidan McGarrigle were looking forward to the event after weeks of practice within IAC development group. The long jump was first up and after the first round of jumps the boys placed themselves among the leading jumpers, after the three rounds and examination of the results the local boys all finished within the top 10 places.
In the 75m sprint the boys were in a class of their own running some of the fastest individual times of the day. The final individual event of the day the turbo javelin, the quartet were using all their technical knowledge to ensure the correct flight path was taken to gain maximum distance.
The conclusion for the competition was the 4 x 100m relay, after weeks of disciplined practice Aidan blasted from the start catching some of his opposition before a seamless changeover to Harris who strode down the back straight opening the gap before Charlie built on the lead around the final bend. Handing over to Edward who despite being some considerable distance in front sprinted down the home straight encouraged by the large support to a fine victory and the fastest time in the country for the young athletes.
An anxious wait for the mathematicians to collate some 200 athletes scores resulted in an excellent silver medal being awarded to the local boys, setting the standard for the senior athletes in the coming weeks.
The girls quartet Hannah Thomson, Orla McGeehan, Niamh McGarva and Niamh McIntosh were also having success as their events followed the same timetable as the boys.
Each girl brought their own individual expertise to the run, jump, throw disciplines with Niamh McGarva impressing the crowd after she launched the javelin some considerable way to finish among the best throwers of the day. Her namesake Niamh McIntosh was at her speedy best running an excellent 75m to finish well up the rankings on the day.
With Orla and Hannah providing exceptional back up displaying a very high competence level on the technical points of jumping and throwing adding points to 'Clyde's' team position.
In the 4 x 100m relay for the girls Orla got the team off to a flyer on the first leg before handing over to Niamh McIntosh on the back straight before Hannah roared around the top bend allowing Niamh McGarva to cross the finish line and bring the curtain down on a very good display of athletic ability for the girls.
The national event offers run, jump, throw experiences in a competitive environment for all budding athletes who are under 12 years of age.
The IAC boys team of Edward Docherty, Charlie Semple, Harris Morrison and Aidan McGarrigle were looking forward to the event after weeks of practice within IAC development group. The long jump was first up and after the first round of jumps the boys placed themselves among the leading jumpers, after the three rounds and examination of the results the local boys all finished within the top 10 places.
In the 75m sprint the boys were in a class of their own running some of the fastest individual times of the day. The final individual event of the day the turbo javelin, the quartet were using all their technical knowledge to ensure the correct flight path was taken to gain maximum distance.
The conclusion for the competition was the 4 x 100m relay, after weeks of disciplined practice Aidan blasted from the start catching some of his opposition before a seamless changeover to Harris who strode down the back straight opening the gap before Charlie built on the lead around the final bend. Handing over to Edward who despite being some considerable distance in front sprinted down the home straight encouraged by the large support to a fine victory and the fastest time in the country for the young athletes.
An anxious wait for the mathematicians to collate some 200 athletes scores resulted in an excellent silver medal being awarded to the local boys, setting the standard for the senior athletes in the coming weeks.
The girls quartet Hannah Thomson, Orla McGeehan, Niamh McGarva and Niamh McIntosh were also having success as their events followed the same timetable as the boys.
Each girl brought their own individual expertise to the run, jump, throw disciplines with Niamh McGarva impressing the crowd after she launched the javelin some considerable way to finish among the best throwers of the day. Her namesake Niamh McIntosh was at her speedy best running an excellent 75m to finish well up the rankings on the day.
With Orla and Hannah providing exceptional back up displaying a very high competence level on the technical points of jumping and throwing adding points to 'Clyde's' team position.
In the 4 x 100m relay for the girls Orla got the team off to a flyer on the first leg before handing over to Niamh McIntosh on the back straight before Hannah roared around the top bend allowing Niamh McGarva to cross the finish line and bring the curtain down on a very good display of athletic ability for the girls.
GB Mountain Running Championship
Andy Douglas of Inverclyde AC was King of the mountains again after winning the GB championship title held recently in the Lake District, Cumbria.
Andy who was the best mountain runner in the world last year having collected the mountain World Cup, opened his season at the GB championships which was also being held as the European championship trial. A confident Andy was looking to secure selection for Team GB and hitting the front at the start saw the competition allow Andy to dictate pace as the gradient increased upwards putting even more pain on the body.
Once Andy got into his stride the ease of which he moves is an example to all budding athletes and so it turned out to be as the opposition had no answer to the power and determination of the local athlete as he descended quickly to claim another GB title and automatic selection for Team GB to compete at the European championships in a few weeks.
Andy who was the best mountain runner in the world last year having collected the mountain World Cup, opened his season at the GB championships which was also being held as the European championship trial. A confident Andy was looking to secure selection for Team GB and hitting the front at the start saw the competition allow Andy to dictate pace as the gradient increased upwards putting even more pain on the body.
Once Andy got into his stride the ease of which he moves is an example to all budding athletes and so it turned out to be as the opposition had no answer to the power and determination of the local athlete as he descended quickly to claim another GB title and automatic selection for Team GB to compete at the European championships in a few weeks.
BMC Grand Prix - Saturday 14th May
Inverclyde AC's top endurance trio Jonny Glen, Craig Ruddy and Mark Pollard traveled to Manchester to test their endurance pace over 5,000m.
Mark was up first in his race. Fresh from being crowned silver medalist in the UK for 50K title he was coming way down to see how his pace had been affected by the massive mileage recently. Mark started well matching the pace of the race as he was going through 1,000m distances on the 3 minute mark. As the race wore on Mark was digging deep to hold his pace, in true gutsy style of Mark he rallied over the last 1,000m to recorded a fine last effort of 2:50 minute.
In the next race both Jonny and Craig were looking to test themselves prior to moving up in distance to the 10K challenge night. Jonny changed his tactics slightly and sat in the middle of the pack instead of his traditional front run. A solid speed ensured athletes were clocking sub 3 minutes for the equivalent of one lap of the battery park. Both Jonny and Craig were working well keep close order with each other, benefiting from the pace makers at the front. Going passed half way Craig lost a few strides as Jonny opened up a gap. With a few laps remaining the speed increased with Jonny pushing himself and emptying his reserves of energy over the last lap saw him improve his best by some 7 seconds taking him close to the 14 minute barrier for over 3 miles. Craig rallied going into the last lap finishing a few strides behind Jonny in another very fast time.
All three will now travel south again to participate in the night of 10K's where the best of UK endurance athletes will be on show.
Mark was up first in his race. Fresh from being crowned silver medalist in the UK for 50K title he was coming way down to see how his pace had been affected by the massive mileage recently. Mark started well matching the pace of the race as he was going through 1,000m distances on the 3 minute mark. As the race wore on Mark was digging deep to hold his pace, in true gutsy style of Mark he rallied over the last 1,000m to recorded a fine last effort of 2:50 minute.
In the next race both Jonny and Craig were looking to test themselves prior to moving up in distance to the 10K challenge night. Jonny changed his tactics slightly and sat in the middle of the pack instead of his traditional front run. A solid speed ensured athletes were clocking sub 3 minutes for the equivalent of one lap of the battery park. Both Jonny and Craig were working well keep close order with each other, benefiting from the pace makers at the front. Going passed half way Craig lost a few strides as Jonny opened up a gap. With a few laps remaining the speed increased with Jonny pushing himself and emptying his reserves of energy over the last lap saw him improve his best by some 7 seconds taking him close to the 14 minute barrier for over 3 miles. Craig rallied going into the last lap finishing a few strides behind Jonny in another very fast time.
All three will now travel south again to participate in the night of 10K's where the best of UK endurance athletes will be on show.
West District track and field championships - Saturday 14th May (Part 2)
he black and white stripes of Inverclyde AC were in full force at the West District track and field championships. A total of 41 appearances over the two days ensured Inverclyde's athletes were always on show to the delight of the large local support.
Michael Houston rose to the challenge of of the 3,000m steeplechase which involved tackling hurdles and the energy sapping water jump. Michael was always in the leading group negotiating the water jump with ease to the delight of IAC support team. As the race wore on Michael positioned himself well to record another fine run and his second trip to the podium in two years.
Michael's training partner Callum Hunter contested the 800m early on the Saturday morning, being competitive so early in the morning was never an issue for Callum. Using his excellent pace judgement Callum strode over the first lap before setting himself up well on the back straight and an increase of speed saw him cruise passed his competitors, approaching the finish line Callum stopped the clock bang on a very good 2 minutes and a trip to the podium to collect silver.
It was a good day for the Hunter family when younger sibling under 20 athlete Andrew was looking for a return to form over 200m and 400m after an excellent session last year. Andrew decided the championships were the time to produce his undoubted talents. In the 200m a good start saw Andrew being competitive around the bend, hitting the home straight in a medal winning position, he held this form and crossed the line in a time just outside his best winning bronze. In the longer sprint, 400m, Andrew was more committed after a steady start and in the back straight began moving into top speed as he hit the final bend passing athletes as he went. Into the home straight the determination and ability joined forces to carry Andrew across the line to emulate his 200m bronze and a 52 second recording.
A 200m, 400m double was the order of the day in the under 20 category as Evie Semple stepped onto the track after Andrew in both the 200m and 400m. A strong start in the 200m put Evie in a fine position in the final straight as she held form well to record a new personal best and bronze medal. In the 400m Evie attacked the first 300m with a new found vigor, as she hit the 80m to go mark the pain of 400m running hit hard. Despite this Evie relaxed her form and recorded her second personal best of the weekend and her second bronze of the weekend.
Inverclyde's top 200m athlete Shaun Tonner is returning to top form at the right time, having recently been selected to represent the Scottish University team at the forth coming international. An explosive start had Shaun up on some of his challengers and a powerful bend had him entering the final straight in contention for the top places. Working well on his race plan brought Shaun home in a very fast 22 seconds and a podium visit to win silver.
In the youngest age group, under 13 Lewis Hainey continued his development over 800m. Lewis who made huge strides in the indoor arena was looking to test his new tactics outdoor. At the bell with one lap to go Lewis implemented his tactics and raced down the back straight into e medal winning position, his hunger on the final few metres provided profitable as he won bronze in a new best time.
There were also excellent runs for Niamh McIntosh, Ciaran Hogg, Stephainie Docherty and Sophie Williams over 100m and 200m. Ben Nicol over 800m, Cameron Watson over 1,500m creating life time bests.
Michael Houston rose to the challenge of of the 3,000m steeplechase which involved tackling hurdles and the energy sapping water jump. Michael was always in the leading group negotiating the water jump with ease to the delight of IAC support team. As the race wore on Michael positioned himself well to record another fine run and his second trip to the podium in two years.
Michael's training partner Callum Hunter contested the 800m early on the Saturday morning, being competitive so early in the morning was never an issue for Callum. Using his excellent pace judgement Callum strode over the first lap before setting himself up well on the back straight and an increase of speed saw him cruise passed his competitors, approaching the finish line Callum stopped the clock bang on a very good 2 minutes and a trip to the podium to collect silver.
It was a good day for the Hunter family when younger sibling under 20 athlete Andrew was looking for a return to form over 200m and 400m after an excellent session last year. Andrew decided the championships were the time to produce his undoubted talents. In the 200m a good start saw Andrew being competitive around the bend, hitting the home straight in a medal winning position, he held this form and crossed the line in a time just outside his best winning bronze. In the longer sprint, 400m, Andrew was more committed after a steady start and in the back straight began moving into top speed as he hit the final bend passing athletes as he went. Into the home straight the determination and ability joined forces to carry Andrew across the line to emulate his 200m bronze and a 52 second recording.
A 200m, 400m double was the order of the day in the under 20 category as Evie Semple stepped onto the track after Andrew in both the 200m and 400m. A strong start in the 200m put Evie in a fine position in the final straight as she held form well to record a new personal best and bronze medal. In the 400m Evie attacked the first 300m with a new found vigor, as she hit the 80m to go mark the pain of 400m running hit hard. Despite this Evie relaxed her form and recorded her second personal best of the weekend and her second bronze of the weekend.
Inverclyde's top 200m athlete Shaun Tonner is returning to top form at the right time, having recently been selected to represent the Scottish University team at the forth coming international. An explosive start had Shaun up on some of his challengers and a powerful bend had him entering the final straight in contention for the top places. Working well on his race plan brought Shaun home in a very fast 22 seconds and a podium visit to win silver.
In the youngest age group, under 13 Lewis Hainey continued his development over 800m. Lewis who made huge strides in the indoor arena was looking to test his new tactics outdoor. At the bell with one lap to go Lewis implemented his tactics and raced down the back straight into e medal winning position, his hunger on the final few metres provided profitable as he won bronze in a new best time.
There were also excellent runs for Niamh McIntosh, Ciaran Hogg, Stephainie Docherty and Sophie Williams over 100m and 200m. Ben Nicol over 800m, Cameron Watson over 1,500m creating life time bests.
West District track and field championships - Saturday 14th May (Part 1)
nverclyde AC's golden trio of Drew McIntyre, Shelby Morrison and Scott Hannaway dominated at the West District track and field championships at Ayrshire Athletics Arena in Kilmarnock last weekend.
Local Sports Personality finalist Drew, competing over the 100m was a hot favorite having won the title the previous two years, a tag Drew is becoming accustomed to having recorded some of the fastest sprint times in the country. Having his first run out over the distance since collecting the indoor sprint titles Drew exploded from the blocks in normal fashion before relaxing in the middle part of the race. As the final few metre's approached Drew was being shadowed by the opposition but a confident Drew extended his chest to cross the line first securing a hat trick of victories and one of the fastest times in Scotland on the day.
Shelby Morrison was a double delight having found her mojo over the last few months with a massive best over 5K Shelby stepped down in distance to the 1,500m a steady start over the first few laps as she assessed the tactics proved positive. With 500m to go she increased pace quite considerably to pull clear of the chasing pack. Shelby went through the bell and again increased pace looking comfortable cruising down the back straight. Approaching the home straight a delighted Shelby crossed the finish to collect her first title of the championships.
The following morning Shelby was again on the start line this time over 800m. A brisk pace set by her opponents was shadowed by Shelby before using a similar tactic as she pounced quickly changing gear to break the field apart. Striding effortlessly over the last 300m a magnificent double was secured as she crossed the line as 800m, 1500m champion.
In the under 15 boys Scott Hannaway is making large fast strides in his athletic development. A hat trick of events contesting 100m, 200m and 300m was a tall ask for Scott. His run of the day came over the longer sprint, 300m. Having gained the confidence to attack the 300m he started well going through the halfway mark a determined Scott pulled level with the leader at this stage. Both athletes were stride for stride approaching the finish line but with a very vocal support near the finish Scott pulled clear to cross the line first recording a championship best time for the event and gold medal.
Not content with a gold in the 300m, Scott tackled the 100m and 200m, having successfully negotiated the heats for both, he put his neck on the line as the gun set the athletes off firstly over the 200m where a fine final straight had him crossing the line in the top positions to win bronze. Over the shorter sprint, 100m a similar placing of third gave Scott his hat trick of medals on what was his most successful championship to date.
Local Sports Personality finalist Drew, competing over the 100m was a hot favorite having won the title the previous two years, a tag Drew is becoming accustomed to having recorded some of the fastest sprint times in the country. Having his first run out over the distance since collecting the indoor sprint titles Drew exploded from the blocks in normal fashion before relaxing in the middle part of the race. As the final few metre's approached Drew was being shadowed by the opposition but a confident Drew extended his chest to cross the line first securing a hat trick of victories and one of the fastest times in Scotland on the day.
Shelby Morrison was a double delight having found her mojo over the last few months with a massive best over 5K Shelby stepped down in distance to the 1,500m a steady start over the first few laps as she assessed the tactics proved positive. With 500m to go she increased pace quite considerably to pull clear of the chasing pack. Shelby went through the bell and again increased pace looking comfortable cruising down the back straight. Approaching the home straight a delighted Shelby crossed the finish to collect her first title of the championships.
The following morning Shelby was again on the start line this time over 800m. A brisk pace set by her opponents was shadowed by Shelby before using a similar tactic as she pounced quickly changing gear to break the field apart. Striding effortlessly over the last 300m a magnificent double was secured as she crossed the line as 800m, 1500m champion.
In the under 15 boys Scott Hannaway is making large fast strides in his athletic development. A hat trick of events contesting 100m, 200m and 300m was a tall ask for Scott. His run of the day came over the longer sprint, 300m. Having gained the confidence to attack the 300m he started well going through the halfway mark a determined Scott pulled level with the leader at this stage. Both athletes were stride for stride approaching the finish line but with a very vocal support near the finish Scott pulled clear to cross the line first recording a championship best time for the event and gold medal.
Not content with a gold in the 300m, Scott tackled the 100m and 200m, having successfully negotiated the heats for both, he put his neck on the line as the gun set the athletes off firstly over the 200m where a fine final straight had him crossing the line in the top positions to win bronze. Over the shorter sprint, 100m a similar placing of third gave Scott his hat trick of medals on what was his most successful championship to date.