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7th December 2009 SHAUN AND ALICE EXCEL AT AUSTRALIAN ALL SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIPS Two Harriers represented their state against the elite of the countries youth and did themselves proud. Shaun Geraghty was 12th in the 800 metres missing the final by just 1.76 seconds and a even better 6th in the 1500 metres. Alice Schenker was 5th in the hammer throw less than 5 metres from a bronze medal and also threw a PB.
8th December 2009 GILLIGAN SMASHES 15 YEAR OLD RECORD AND MORE FROM THE TRACK AND FIELD 5TH DECEMBER Brett Gilligan began the day well in breaking the 15 year old Men's Open Paul Vault record launching himself 4.30 metres over the bar. Zoe Schenker continues to break records or bettering her previous records in the field events, this time in the javelin 17.84m and discus 21.02m. In the 100 metres Bob Newton ran an excellent second in Heat 6 of the 100 metres in 16.18. Aaron Petrie was the quickest Harrier of the day with a 12.47 in taking out Heat 3. The other Harrier to take out a 100m heat was Geoff Jordon in Heat 4 with a 14.50 seconds into the stiffest head wind of the day . The 400 metre event saw Peter Cowell run a PB in the event with an excellent 1:00.81 for over an unsuitable distance and renewed confidence for his favoured 1500 metres. Jacob Nolan was the quickest Harrier on the day with a 58.50 for the men while in the women it was Yvette Tuohey. The Harriers dominated the 1500 metres with Bryan Keely the winner in 4:16.51 from Paul Boxshall 4:20.35. A great run by John Maher in the veterans with a 4:35.92 in his first try over the distance this season and causing the first oss in the age group for The Green Hornet in a lethargic 4:39.34. Virginia Bennett led the girls in with a fine run of 5:02.30. Other good performances in the event came from 12 year old Nathan Green with a 12 second PB and time of 5:28.34 and Phil Brown stepping out into the longer event with an excellent time of 5:13.43. In the 2000 metre walk John Watson seemed to walking a little quicker and was gaining on his competition with a time of 14:16.18. Stephen Palmer 15:03.32 and his walking style was a sight to behold. Other than our record breaking duo of Brett Gilligan and Zoe Schenker there were some impressive performances from the Harriers in the field events. Philip Clayton with a 35.02 discus throw just got pipped by brilliant all-rounder Josh Pickthall again in a close contest. Our Shepparton based veteran Malcolm Duncan also threw over 30 metres and together with youngster Richard Kellow provided very good performances. In the women's discus Harriers filled 6 of the top 7 placings. The event was won by leading junior Roxanne Kellow with a performance of 32.02m. Lauren Shearman also threw well 24.43m and of course Zoe broke the record. To the women's javelin and Alice Schenker returning from her Hobart adventure took out the event narrowly with a throw of 29.50 metre from her talented teammate Indiah Guy 28.69m. In the men's javelin Louis Schenker caused a boilover with a brilliant 47.64m throw that sailed into the middle of the arena. All-rounder Aaron Petrie 35.80m, Malcolm Duncan 33.56m and Garnet Rodda 31.14m all finished in top 6. The triple jump not normally one of the Harriers stronger events saw again success for Louis Schenker with a first and 11.77m effort over teammate Aaron Petrie 11.55m. Brayden Scanlon 9.98m and Zac Palmer 9.86m were 4th and 5th respectively.
10th December 2009 FROM THE HARRIERS XMAS PARTY The Harriers Xmas went ahead and if you unfortunately missed it well bad luck. Thanks to the assistance from Garnet and Ivan and to those who attended. Highlights included Shaun Ryan and Wendy Stibbe leading the haka, Garnet Rodda doing a rap dance and Chloe Green sending us on what seemed like a training run around the Crook St Park. The club really needs to look at these social functions and the support. It is a busy time of the year and we would like to hear from you and how events like these may have an increased patronage. Change the timing, what we offer or whether as a club member you even want these events? Any feedback would be welcome.
14th December 2009 ZOE IS CRAVING RECORDS AND MORE FROM THE TRACK AND FIELD 12TH DECEMBER Zoe Schenker and the infatuation with new records continued when she stretched her previous record distance thrown in the 50 plus category of the shot put out to 7.41m. Daughter Alice was the overall winner of the event with a 9.47m effort from team mate Roxanne Kellow 8.73m. Harriers filled six of the top 10 finishers in the event. At the men's shot put Richard Kellow with 8.72m was the leading Harrier in finishing 6th. Louis Schenker continued his fine form at the long jump in second place with 5.88m. At the women's long jump two Harriers had a close contest with Michelle Stevenson 3.65m just 6cm in front of Lauren Shearman 3.59m. The top 4 at the men's hammer came from the Harriers with Philip Clayton again leading the way with a throw of 43.56m. Other Harriers performing well were Louis Schenker 32.97m, Stephen Palmer 29.22m and Richard Kellow 24.69m. At the girls and the hammer tossing Roxanne Kellow with an outstanding effort of 37.83m took the honours but Alice Schenker 33.29m and Emily Macdonald 30.16m were also very good and the veteran Barbara Kellow 27.12m once again consistent and all women in the top four. To the track events and Sean Ryan led the Harriers in Heat 7 of the 200 metres with a much deserved victory in a time of 34.35. Brothers James and Matthew Cindric ran well with James the quickest Harrier 25.24 and 13 year old Matthew winning Heat 5 in 27.69 from team mate Phil Brown 28.13. At the blink and you will miss it event the 70 metres James Cindric was again quickest Harrier in 8.95. Heat 4 was a family affair and it was the elder statesman that saluted when Dave Chisholm 10.10 got the better of Matthew Cindric 10.62. At the 800 metres Shaun Geraghty was the quickest Harrier with a second in Heat 1 with a time of 2:02.11 after same hard racing at the Australian All Schools. Jacob Nolan though provided the most improved performance and has dropped his time by over 10 seconds this season in the 800 metres with a 2:12.26. Later on Nolan won Heat 4 of the 200m in a handy time of 26:41. Lonain Burnett has won many times this season and took out Heat 3 of the 800 metres in 2:17.08. Also impressive was Matthew Cindric who performed well all day and won Heat 4 in 2:20.10. Stephen Palmer in Heat 5 ran a scintillating first lap and hung on to run 2:22.16 to win the heat. It was another Green versus Hilson 800 metre battle but that of the son's with Nathan took on Jake Hilson in Heat 6. The two youngsters both ran well and just like Dad does in the 800 metres Jake got the better of the junior Green Hornet who did run another PB of 2:41.45. The women's 800 metres provided great interest with many girls in attendance on the same day. Kirrily Burnett was equal quickest of the girls on the day with a run of 2:27.96 just a mouth in front of team mate Virginia Bennett 2:28.01 and Meredith Cook 2:30.93 not far away. In later heats of the 800 Kerrieanne Hocking ran a season best 2:42.35 and Anne Buckley won Heat 7 in 2:41.51. The individual track events ended with the 3000 metres and it was dominated by the Harriers. Paul Boxshall with a 9:21.13 ran past Shaun Geraghty 9:40.43 in the final 2 laps and Craig Green 10:40.47 was third. A pity the club had no relays teams and with country titles coming up and relay day in March we need some practice. Congratulations to the Eaglehawk 40 plus men's team that took the Harriers 4x400 record set last year by a couple of seconds. The club had some athletes at Doncaster and Aaron Petrie is starting to put a string of good all round performances together. A terrific jump of 1.90m in the high jump was a highlight, together with good performances in the long jump 5.80m, the 200 metres 24.74. Brett Gilligan also ran a solid 23.41 in the 200 metres to be amongst the leaders in the region at the event.
15th December 2009 SYMPATHIES Some ordinary news over the last few days for Victor Cook and John Maher whose fathers both died. Everyone at the Harriers is thinking of you and your families at this difficult time.
24th December 2009 COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS ENTRIES CLOSING SHORTLY Do not forgot about the Country Champs in Gippsland over the Australia Day weekend. Entries close on the 7th January. Go to the contents and track and field on this page to download entry form. Refer to notes on this page also in relation to accommodation.
24th December 2009 HO HO HO From the Bendigo Harriers have a Merry Xmas and prosperous 2010. Most of all have a same festive season.
24th December 2009 NEXT CLUB MEETING Next monthly meeting is 6th January. All invited and what's going on at Country Championships will be one thing on agenda.
24th December 2009 WEEKEND ACTION FROM THE MULTIS AND MILERS MEET (19th & 20th Dec) The club had several athletes at action at the weekend meet with the highlight the performance of Matthew Cindric in winning the Under 14 Pentathlon. A total of 2035 points was excellent from the 5 events with his best performances coming from the shot put with a 9.08m throw and 800 metres 2:27.42. From the women at the multi events the best performance came from Michelle Stevenson in an extremely close 40+ women's competition with 1418 points. Kerrieanne Hocking with 1368 points was not far behind either as the winner narrowly won with 1533 points. David Kinnersley with 5501 points was the leading open aged athlete from the Bendigo Region. His best scoring events were the long jump (6.58m, 716 points) and the 400 metres (53.72, 651 points) Sean Ryan warmed up for the Country Championships in winning the AWD Pentathlon with 247 points. His highest point event being the discus with a 14.63m throw. Geoff Jordan performed very well in his first track and field season and pentathlon event in scoring 1406 points and picking up the second placed ribbon. Geoff was consistent across all events with the best being an excellent 200 metres of 28.37. Other competitors that were involved in the multis were Louis Schenker (3rd U18's, 4236 points), Brett Gilligan who was on track for an excellent score but did not complete the remaining events including and after the pole vault, Jayden Beqir (4th U14's, 759 points) and Nathan Green (5th U14's, 720 points). The milers meet or PB meet if you want to call it had the Harriers with a few runners attending with most failing to achieve a new PB in swirling wind conditions. The highlight of the night for the club was the performance of John Maher in the 3000 metres with a 9:49.37. Josh Nolan and Bryan Keely also did season best times to show they should be primed for success after Xmas. Other than being able to watch Brenton Rowe run an unbelievable 8:01 in the 3000 metres the night was a little disappointing with low numbers. The Harriers had a runner show up to run the 3000 metres and was told he could not run even though the numbers were low and lanes are not required. The decision not to guarantee the leading Bendigo runner in the 800 metres this season in Kaine Leech a run in Heat 1 was puzzling as the event last year was designed for local runners to improve against the best in the state (editors opinion only). Leech with a best time of 1:53 would have been snapping at the heels of the winners in the event.
24th December 2009 WEEROONA COLLEGE LINK WITH THE YMCA HARRIERS Story by Ivan Kitt Here is a great story from Ivan with some of the things our great club does with very little fanfare. Ivan has been a driving force behind this initiative and should be congratulated on his efforts. Seven years ago Weeroona College developed a program Building Stronger Links with local community and sporting clubs around the school neighbourhood. The Bendigo YMCA Harriers were the first club to take up the offer. It has been beneficial to both organisations. Club coaches have conducted coaching sessions for all year seven students providing the basic fundamentals of running, jumping and throwing. Club members have assisted with House Athletics' Sports, Track and Field and Cross Country, with some students accepting the offer of sponsorship by the school in paying registration fees of students to compete with the club. From this students have taken advantage of extra coaching assisting them in their athletics, or proving beneficial in other sports as well. We have shared our club tents and brought equipment to be used in the coaching sessions, and we have used the college's Gazebos and BBQ for the Dragon Mile, club break ups and special events. The school has supported the Bendigo Bank Dragon Mile, with the school having been successful in winning team events - the years 7 and 8 boys this year, as well as individual place getters. Four years ago the club began sponsoring an award in athletics for Junior and Senior Boys and Girls, and thanks to the Regional YMCA they have supported our club and the students with 3 months pool vouchers. Sashes are donated by the club and made by Frank Barr. A number of comments have been made how good the sashes look each year. It is my belief that this partnership can be developed and enhanced further, and as a club we should support and encourage the initiatives that are being developed at the moment. The first is the Year 9 and 10 elective in Athletics where they will do the Ath's 2Go coaching and officials course, first aid, coaching in various events, how and what makes a club function. This has been the idea of PE and Sports Teacher Dianne Andrea, and will be run over both semesters next year. The second idea is from Kristen Perdon to get students involved firstly with cross country, they meet at school and be taken to cross country runs on a Saturday in the school bus, and who knows, this could continue in to Track and Field. I have spoken with a couple at the possibility of getting throwing circles put in to help with the coaching of students but as a training base for club coaches to assist students and club members. There has always been a fair amount of support from the school, but I sense there is becoming a stronger awareness in the school, and therefore as a club we support encourage and welcome any new ideas that may be a benefit to our club and also to the school in sporting or other school programs. The club needs participants on and off the track for us to be successful and perhaps these new ideas could be the key to the Harriers, the oldest athletic club in Bendigo, to continue to be a successful club that irrespective of age, gender, or ability, we promote "Athletics Is For Everyone". Well done Ivan - from Ed and on behalf of the club
27th December 2009 COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS ENTRIES CLOSING SHORTLY Do not forgot about the Country Champs in Gippsland over the Australia Day weekend. Entries close on the 7th January. Go to the contents and track and field on this page to download entry form. Refer to notes on this page also in relation to accommodation.
27th December 2009 NEXT CLUB MEETING Next monthly meeting is 6th January. All invited and what's going on at Country Championships will be one thing on agenda.
2nd January 2010 MARYBOROUGH HIGHLAND GAMES SEES MULTIPLE WINS FOR HARRIER MEMBERS A huge crowd at Princess Park Maryborough attended the 149th Highland Games where athletics and traditional Scottish strongman sports interacted with those bloody bagpipes and dancing. Amongst the winners on the day were two brilliant efforts by Kirrily Burnett and Josh Nolan. Anybody that knows me is aware that I have not been a huge fan of professional athletics but I think after the performance of Kirrily Burnett I finally get it. We have handicapping in horse racing and yacht racing so why not aths. Not everyone will or physically can be elite in this sport but professional athletics has given Kirrily the opportunity to be recognised for all the hard work she has put in and the improvement over the past 12 months. In any sport there may be some there for the wrong reasons or inflated egos but today Kirrily was rewarded for hard work. In the Open Women's 400 metres off a mark of 46 metres Kirrily went to the front at the 150 metre mark of her heat and had to win it to make the final. Her opposition got within half a metre with 100 metres to go but Kirrily kicked clear to win comfortably. In the final Kirrily lead after 75 metres after passing the front marker. With 100 metres to go on the turn she had the whole field ready to swamp her but held a little in reserve to send the race favourite 4 wide on the turn and kick clear when it mattered. A narrow but exciting victory for Kirrily and a rather short acceptance speech was also a surprise. To Josh Nolan in the backmarkers 1600 metres and in a very mature run with Nolan gradually rounding up the frontmarkers for a very good win with nobody coming from behind looking like they would get close. After a good run at the PB meet 800 metres 13 days ago at his first competition of the season and some intense training in recent months Josh looks set for a bumper season. We won't talk about his form any further in case rivals send this to the handicappers but maybe there is some further improvement for the Joshua Tree. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day over at Maryborough and these end of days wins made it special for these two Harrier members and their supporters. Well done to the other Bendigo athlete that won on the day with Glenn Stephens winning one of the sprints.
11th January 2010 ATHS BENDIGO ORGANISE TOP LINE COACH on 18th January Vasily Grishchenkov - Level 5 - Coach Strength & Conditioning has been organised to come to Bendigo by Development Officers Judy and Jenny. Vasily has been involved in High performance athletes at an international level as both an athlete and coach for the past 30 years. As an athlete he was a USSR National record holder in Triple Jump (17.55). In 1983 he was ranked number ONE in the world, and was twice the Silver European medallist. Confirmation is required by the 14th January.
Click here for more info
11th January 2010 MAD HARRIERS TEA PARTY (and more from track and field on the 9th January 2010) It was not the Mad Hatters Tea Party but the Harriers who were crazy enough to turn up in the heat must have been just a little mad. Sean Ryan summed it up beautifully in contemplating whether our bodies really like competing in this type of heat. Before anyone complains about the comment not being politically correct take it for what it was. No more complaints about our website because to date I have had more complaints about our website than the Victorian Transport Minister on Myki. Sean said, “I wish I was an African on a hot day like this.” It summed up the conditionally beautifully and the merits on whether we should be competing was more suited to the Kenyans and Ethiopians. The day commenced with the 1500 metre championships and Heat 1 saw the peacock green and canary yellow singlets of the Harriers worn on all 8 competitors competing. Josh Nolan continued on his winning form from the Maryborough New Years Mile and took out the event together with the Open Championship in an excellent time of 4:07.51. Shaun Geraghty 4:11.52 won his age group and was 2nd overall with Bryan Keely 4:17.84 in third. A blanket could have been thrown over the men’s 40+ 1500 metres championship well into the race which saw John Maher, Craig Green and Peter Cowell in that order run together for most of the first 1200 metres. Maher 4:34.18 in a season best time made a decisive move with 130 metres to go to outsprint Green 4:36.39 and Cowell 4:41.73 to take out the event. Meredith Cook was quickest of the women for the 1500 metres on the day with a time of 4:57.15 winning the Pre-Vet Championship. The Nolan clan continued the winning feeling with Jacob Nolan 4:49.87 in a season best time taking out Heat 2. Victor Cook 5:02.57 was third and other good runs came from Dylan Harvey 5:19.47. Michelle Stevenson 5:20.12 in the veterans 40+ championship won narrowly over Anne Buckley on the comeback trail in a season best 5:21.16. Stevenson continued her fine form with season bests in three events. A 16.16 into a headwind in the 100 metres, 14.10m javelin throw and 7.98m in the triple jump was a good lead in to the Country Championships in the next fortnight. In the men’s 100 metres James Cindric 12.33 was second in Heat 1 and Dave Chisholm 13.60 had another victory in Heat 3. First year athlete Geoff Jordon is improving all the time which was displayed by 3 PB’s from his 4 events. A time of 13.68 into a headwind in the 100 metres was .68 second reduction. An almost 2 second deduction in the 400 metres in a time of 1:04.85 and a quarter of a metre improvement in the triple jump 9.24m rounded out a great day for Geoff. In the 400 metres Peter Cowell outlasted his rivals in Heat 2 with a good win in 1:01.37. Steve Ryan turned back the years taking out Heat 4 in 1:20.28 after a great dual with Wolf Heiden. Stacy Fiske in his first run over 400 metres this season showed some good speed with a 56.14. The women’s discus was the most dramatic event on the day when a mini tornado over just a few seconds tried to lift the shade structure off the ground with a number of competitors under it causing the event to be shortened to 2 throws. It was a Harriers First 4 with Roxanne Kellow 29.57m just too good for Alice Schenker 27.14m, Lauren Shearman 23.43m and Barbara Kellow 22.60m. Philip Clayton once again won the men’s discus with a throw of 37.15m. All-rounder David Kinnersley 32.51m was third and veteran Malcolm Duncan was in fine form and 4th overall with 27.93m. Steve Ryan 16.34m had a season best throw and Richard Kellow, Peter Bourke and Garnet Rodda also had a good competition. The men’s javelin saw another narrow Harriers victory when Louis Schenker 46.61 had his best throw for the season. David Kinnersley also improved considerably throwing the spear 40.56m and Malcolm Duncan was again the leading veteran in a field event with 33.49m. With brother Louis taking the men’s event, sister Alice Schenker took out the women’s by just 2cm with a throw of 28.55m. Indiah Guy 3rd displayed again her potential with a season best 26.87 at LUBAC. Brett Gilligan returned to form with a season best 16.31 in the 110 metre hurdles after knocking over a few of them and breaking one in half to show their may be further improvement. Earlier in the day a 4.00m effort in the pole vault saw an easy victory in the event. David Kinnersley 12.69m took out the triple jump easily but youngster Matthew Cindric 8.05 displayed some talent also. The walk event shortened to 1500 metres saw 60+ John Watson 10:57.16 and 70+ Eddy Rowan 11.10.47 display the Harriers motto ‘Athletics for Everyone’. Congratulations to two Harriers that recently won on the pro circuit at the 149th Highland Games at Maryborough. Josh Nolan won the backmarkers mile event and Kirrily Burnett took out the women’s 400 metres in grand style (refer to latest news for more information on this story). Peter Cowell also recently had 2 victories at the distance series 800 and 1600 metres held at the Tom Flood Sports Centre on a Thursday night. The club from January 22 to 24 will have several athletes compete at Moe in the Victorian Country Championships. Some of the athletes to watch will include John Maher, Meredith Cook, Malcolm Duncan, Brett Gilligan, Alice Schenker, Charles Chambers and the 40 plus men’s and women’s relay teams.
15th January 2010 5000 METRE CHAMPIONSHIPS (by Greg Hilson) Ballarat YCW’s Richard Gleisner ran fastest time of 15.53 minutes in Tuesday night’s Athletics Bendigo 5000 metres Championship held at the Latrobe University Bendigo Athletics Complex in Flora Hill. University’s Andy Buchanan was second over the line running 16.29 minutes to be first Under 20 athlete. Matthew Hooke from the Bendigo YMCA club was third over the line & 1st Open age competitor in 17.14 minutes. Harrier John Maher was first over 40 in 17.26 minutes, with club mate Michelle Stevenson running 20.06 minutes to claim first female over 40. Luke Gregory from University was the fastest under 18, with South Bendigo’s Leigh Browell, the first Pre-Veteran. Charles Chambers won the 50 & over section, whilst his Bendigo YMCA team mate Hunter Gill claiming first over 60. Richard Gleisner Ball YCW Inv 15.53.01 Andy Buchanan University U20M 16.29.012 Matthew Hooke Bgo YMCA OpenM 17.14.013 John Maher Bgo YMCA V40M 17.26.014 Luke Gregory University U18M 17.35.015 Greg Hilson Sth Bendigo V40M 19.08.026 Leigh Browell Sth Bendigo V35M 19.40.017 Michelle Stevenson Bgo YMCA V40W 20.06.018 Charles Chambers Bgo YMCA V50M 20.27.019 Trevor KellyE/Hawk V50M 20.27.0210 Ned Slater University Inv 21.06.011 Hunter Gill Bgo YMCA V60M 24.32.0112 Tony Fahy Bgo YMCA Inv 24.39.013 Ken Bruechert Bgo YMCA Inv 27.51.014
17th January 2010 HILSON BUILDERS SPRINT SERIES ROUND UP By Ivan Kitt Competition was keen after the xmas break as athletes strived to secure good points with only two rounds remaining before the finals. In the 150 metres first heat Jake Hilson gained an opening at the top of the straight and dashed to the front and looked set for victory until Lonain Burnett who has been running consistently and improving each run stormed down the outside to gain victory from Jake Hilson and Felicity Trew. The second heat was another close finish with first time competitor in the series Geoff Jorden quickly rounded up the limit markers and dashed to the front, held on for a good win from a strong finish from Grant Astall in second place and Darryl Nettleton getting up for third place. The first of the 300 metre events resulted in a good win by Grant Astall appreciated the extra distance, as he raced past Greg Hilson who had got the better of son Jake Hilson taking second and third place respectively. In the second heat of the 300 metres, Geoff Jordan looked set for his second victory but could not hold out the fast finishing burst from Kaine Leech who ran from the scratch mark with Lonain Burnett in third place. Results of the Hilson Builders Sprint Series Round 3: Heat 1 150 metres: 1st. Lonain Burnett 17.25, 2nd. Jake Hilson 17.67, 3rd. Felicity Trew 17.87, Kaine Leech 18.12, Sam Nettleton 18.53. Heat 2: 1st.Geoff Jordan 16.39, 2nd. Grant Astall 16.66, 3rd. Daryl Nettleton 17.41, Celine Mountjoy 17.76, Keely Trew 18.15, Liam Clarke 19.19, Isabel Clarke 19.86. Heat 1 300 metres: 1st. Grant Astall 35.36, 2nd. Greg Hilson 36.12, 3rd. Jake Hilson 37.72, Celine Mountjoy 38.39, Felicity Trew 40.60, Isabel Clarke 43.98. Heat 2: 1st. Kaine Leech 37.05, 2nd. Geoff Jordan 37.10, 3rd. Lonain Burnett 37.43, Keely Trew 38.09, Daryl Nettleton 38.86, Liam Clarke 41.36. Winners of the Good Loaf Sourdough Bakery for the fastest heats were Geoff Jordan 150 metres, and 300 metres Grant Astall. Aggregate Points after round 3 Lonain Burnett 53, Darryl Nettleton 42, Kaine Leech 42, Keely Trew 37, Celine Mountjoy 33, Jake Hilson 32,Dujon Fuzzard 30, Isabel Clarke 30, Liam Clarke 30, Grant Astall 28, Felicity Trew 25, Sam Nettleton 25, Demi GoodHall/Hoffman 24, Geoff Jordan 18, Luke McKenzie 15, Greg Hilson 13, Steve Ryan 10,Jordy Waldron 10, Georgia Miller 10, Next round of the Hilson Builders Sprint Series will be held on Thursday 28 th. February along with the RetireInvest Distance series. Athletes need to be at the Sports Centre for the Sprint Series by 6.30 pm, ready for a 6.55 pm start
17th January 2010 REGIONAL SHIELD FINALS - We need all Harriers that are AV registered competing!!!!!!!!! Saturday 6th February will see some of our age groups go head to head in the AB Shield Final in attempting to make the State Shield Finals on the 13th February at Doncaster. It would be great to bring you some ladders to see if we have a chance in the respective age groups but suggest we have all our athletes competing in as many events as possible on the 6th to make the final. If you have never done an event try it on the 6th February.
17th January 2010 CHAMPIONSHIP RELAYS COMING UP On Tuesday 2nd February (4 x 800m) and Tuesday 16th February (4 x1500m) there is the local AB relay Championships. The Harriers have dominated this competition recently and as a club and in the team environment they are great fun. If you are interested in competing within a team in your age group then please email craigagreen@optusnet.com.au to register your interest. You may even want to be proactive and organise a tream in your age group. Teams will be selected based largely on performances this season.
17th January 2010 MORE RECORDS FOR THE HARRIERS THAN A BRASH'S STORE DURING THE MID 80'S (and more from track and field on the 16th January 2010) There were more records broken for the Harrier athletes than the old vinyl records you would have found at a Brash's store in the 70's and 80's. For the youngsters benefit records are those huge looking black CD's found in your parents cupboards and sometime were referred to vinyl. It was four Under 14 boys who have never achieved a Bendigo record that teamed together with some excellent baton changes to take out the 4 x 400 centre record in 4:47.10. The team of Josh Powell, Jayden Beqir, Nathan Green and Matthew Cindric got over the top of a talented South Bendigo team who were also trying to capture an U13 and U14 record. Well done to the South team who took out the U13 record. Our Under 14 team was also young with an 11yo, 2 x 12yo and 13yo and also without 2 very talented athletes that would normally be in this team. Roxanne Kellow has been throwing the hammer consistently all year and broke her own centre and residential record in the Under 16 age group extending the distance by over a metre to 39.03. If daughter can do then Mum can follow just as good. In the other throwing event of the day Barbara Kellow in the shot put smashed her centre and residential record by a long way to 8.43 metres in the 40+ age group. The record breaking continued. At the shot put again Zoe Schenker improved her existing centre and residential record to 7.83 metres in the 50+ age group category. There were some other excellent performances in the very warm conditions with Jacob Nolan leading off the day for the Harriers with an outstanding performance in a very good field in Heat 2 of the 800 metres. A season and personal best of 2:11.13 has seen Nolan probably the biggest improver on the track during 2009/2010 together with Shaun Geraghty who ran well again in Heat 1 as quickest Harrier in 2:01.69. Philip Clayton threw his season best at LUBAC and extended his unbeaten streak with a 44.19m throw in the hammer. Geoff Jordan after taking victory at the Hilson Builders Sprint Series 150 metres at Tom Flood on Thursday night winning again in Heat 4 of the 200m in a season best 27.85. Caitlyn Hocking in 29.01 lead throughout Heat 2 of the 200 metres to record a solid victory. Mum Kerrieanne was also in good form in Heat 3 running a season best 31.46. There were a few athletes that recorded two season best performances on the one day. Michelle Stevenson continues her improvement in the field events with season best performances of a 3.75m long jump and 7.52m in the shot put. Another athlete with a season best double was Melinda Gilligan 5.73m shot put and 11.26 in the 70m. In the men a dual season best was recorded by Dave Chilshom 18.78m hammer and 28.33 in the 200m. Other athletes to record season bests were Ken Bruechert 11.63 in the 70m, Paul Bennett 2:32.73 in the 800m, Richard Kellow 25.14m in the hammer throw and Heinrich Schenker 16.04 in the hammer throw. Stacy Fiske 24.66 in the 200m is improving at each run with his best performance of the season and quickest Harrier in the event. Lonain Burnett 26.10 won Heat 3 of the same event and other Harrier winners were Steve Ryan 32.26 in Heat 6 and Sean Ryan 35.7 in Heat 7. Brett Gilligan had a solid day with a season best 10.77m in the shot put, leading Harrier and second overall. A draw in the high jump with a leap of 1.80m in tricky conditions and ended the day with a 59.67 win in the challenging 400 metre hurdles. The Harrier girls recorded some very good performances in taking out their heats of the 800 metres and practice for next week. Meredith Cook was the quickest of the women on the day and just outside her PB taking out Heat 5 in 2:29.76. Just outside her PB was Michelle Stevenson 2:38.40 winning Heat 6 and not to be outdone was the winner of Heat 7 Anne Buckley returning to form in 2:43.02. Why Michelle and Anne were not in the same heat for this 40+ Championship event is beyond us (see comments below). Victor Cook came from a long way back and with a well timed run to win Heat 4 of the 800 metres in 2:22.28. The day ended with Ian Wellard 10:59.97 running the final lap in lane 4 taking an easy win in the 3000 metres. This website has been used to record the thoughts of the editor and what many others have also been saying to me and will continue to do so. If we can make athletics and the competition better there may be some suggestions put up that can be looked at or ignored by the powers that make these decisions. It may make us unpopular and I know I am still getting knives from my back but the aim is to increase participation and for continuous improvement. The last 2 weeks if you don't know have been Championship days for the local AB athletes of all 4 clubs. On page 13 of the AB Summer Handbook it is quite clear these are championship days for the individual events. Why we cannot run in our age groups for that one day is beyond many people that competed on the day? For example in the 40+ Men's 800 metres we had athletes run over a number of heats. Why not put them in the one Heat for their age category? We are aware the computer system does not like it but why not make athletes enter like they do for other championship events by doing it prior to the competition day. This would then give Bill the time to enter the names into the computer system. There was also no recognition on the day to the winners and doing this on Presentation Day when it has been forgotten is too late. Something for AB to think about and give the prestige that a local Championship should have with some emphasis in the local track and field calendar. To be a Bendigo champion is something many athletes would be proud of. I know myself and many others would be and finishing second twice and the winner not getting recognition put little value into your efforts not only today but all the training and effort for the past 3 months. For some these 2 days it was some athletes grand final. You would have not known this to be anymore than a September pre-season event.
17th January 2010 KIRRILY WINS AT PRO RUNNING EVENT AT RINGWOOD Harrier athlete Kirrily Burnett took out his second pro victory within a fortnight in taking out the 800 metres at Ringwood. One of the most improved athletes on the local scene her bank account must be starting to build. By the way this is story 100 since the website started so thanks to everyone making writing stories easy. To see all stories go to the latest news link.
25th January 2010 VICTORIAN COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS REPORT HARRIERS BEST PERFORMANCE FOR YEARS What a wonderful effort from those athletes that attended and supporters that cheered on the club members to the best result in a number of years. The club just missed out on 3rd by a few points and increased its score from the 500's to mid 900's even though we did not have all athletes attend and others unfortunately injured. The story is long but everyone deserves acknowledging. The club won 26 gold, 36 silver and 18 bronze medals with all 43 Harriers that competed earning points for the club. The men's team finished 2nd overall and the women's team were 4th overall. Congratulations to the Eaglehawk club who dominated the competition with some outstanding teamwork and commitment in taking the overall title, together with the men's and women's overall. The Bendigo region also with South Bendigo and Bendigo University performed well to have the Bendigo clubs far and away the most outstanding region at the titles. Before spreading the great story of the Harriers can those members that may have got Tall Poppy Syndrome get off the back of one club. Comments that are overheard by athletes parents about their kids are not on and certainly is not what our club is about. Athletics is mainly an individual sport but this weekend is about the TEAM or in the view of many it should be. 'Athletics for Everyone' is our motto so don't knock it. What I miss coming into aths from team sports is that team feeling in winning the big grand final or just doing your best as a club. We shouldn't be knocking the clubs that compete with team in mind over individual performance and the girl that collapsed on Saturday evening was a athlete that had not over competed and was accustomed to competing over the distance. Our club had some very sore athletes too by weekends end who competed in 8 events. Note that friendly rivalry is great and everyone should enjoy that but let's keep it to that. Back to the good news now! One by one as all athletes deserve a mention lets look at the performance of all the heroes representing the club. The Harriers had some of the best performers of the championships. Shaun Geraghty in the Under 18 Men had a 100% winning record from his 4 events in winning all the middle distance events with the 800m, 1500m and 3000m treble. Just to show that Geraghty is not only a track athlete he also took gold in the javelin with a season best performance. The best performer of the Harrier women with a 100% strike rate from the 3 events entered was Anne Buckley who became a triple gold medalist in the 40+ plus age category. Buckley returning from an interrupted winter with illness won the 1500m, 3000m and 10000m. The 1500 metres was won in a Championship record time of 5:13.10. The highest point scorer for the Harrier men and overall for the club was the field event all-rounder Under 18 Louis Schenker who took out 3 gold in the jumping events (triple, high and long), silver in the javelin and bronze in the hammer that fully displayed his versatility in a busy schedule. Michelle Stevenson in her first track season at the club displayed courage throughout the 3 days of competition with a viral infection and asthma causing concern. Stevenson was the highest point scorer for the women in taking a well deserved gold in a championship record time from the 800 metres (2:39.45) and finishing runner up to teammate Anne Buckley with 3 silver in the 1500m, 3000m and 10000m. The veteran 40 plus athlete Johnny Maher now known as SuperMaherio was another star performer with 2 gold in the 5000m and 10000m, together with 2 silver in the 800m and 1500m. Maher ran 17.3 high quality kilometres for the weekend together with Victor Cook running the furthest of the Harriers on the weekend. The Harrier girls who have dominated the local competition in the throwing events continued with their great form at the championships. Dual gold medalists were Under 16 Alice Schenker (Shot Put and Hammer plus 2 minor medals in the discus and javelin) and Under 18 Roxanne Kellow (Discus, Hammer plus 1 minor medal in the Shot Put). The third championship record was taken out by gold medalist Barbara Kellow in the hammer throw with a performance of 29.41m. Kellow also took out silver in the shot put and discus. Gold medals in the hurdles gave Brett Gilligan the double in the 110m and 400m hurdles to go with his silver in the pole vault and silver from the 4 x 100 relay. Youngster Brayden Scanlon a Gilligan coached athlete also won two gold in taking out the Under 14 javelin and discus and team silver in the 4 x 100m. Garnet Rodda won gold in the javelin plus bronze in hammer after overcoming recent setbacks with injury. Another that was injured was Zoe Schenker who looked in a bad way on the Saturday and was hobbling around. On the Sunday though she took gold at the discus on one leg to go with the silver in the shot put. Josh Powell with a run like the Melbourne Cup legend Kiwi flew home to take the gold in 400m with a personal best of just over 61 seconds. A medal in the 200 medal and 4 x100 relay was a great result at this first countries. David Kinnersley was busy with 2 silver (triple jump and pole vault) and 3 bronze (hurdles, high jump and long jump) together with silver in the team 4 x 100 relay running a grand final leg. Harrier and through to the next round of Australia's top model is Ashlea Monigatti who showed some talent in the field events with silver in the long jump (4.99m) and bronze in the triple jump (10.46m). Cody Williamson having his first competitive run for 6 months collected silver in the 800 (2:02.68) and bronze in the 1500 metres (4:11.69) in addition to his unexpected relay silver in the 4 x100. Distance athlete Craig Green ran a track PB of 17:51.13 for silver in the 5000m, another PB of 4:35.78 in the 1500m for bronze together with a bronze in the 800m. Emily Macdonald-Jones threw the hammer brilliantly with a 32.10m winning silver. A well deserved bronze was won by Harrier photographer Hunter Gill in the 3000 metres in a time of 13:10.85. Indiah Guy at her first Country Championships and coached by Peter Barrett (got that in for you Peter and a mention on this site makes you famous) took out silver in the hammer with a personal best of 30.58m in front of a vocal crowd cheering her on. Jack Monigatti was the bridesmaid all day but not disgraced in winning silver at three events from the 90m hurdles, 100m and 200m silver. In the team event 4 x100 relay the Monigatti performance was crucial in taking gold. A late arrival on the Sunday Jacob Nolan did not disappoint with a personal best and silver medal in the 800 metres in a time of 2:10.51. Malcolm Duncan was the unluckiest Harrier in taking 3 silver but missing by narrow margins. In the long jump a new championship record 5.31m was not enough with Greg Hilson jumping 5.32m. A 26.02 metre throw in the discus left him just 1.01m short of the gold and finally a season best 37.72m in the javelin capped a fine weekend for the new Harrier member. The 13 year old Matthew Cindric performed well in the Under 16's (ridiculous how the age groups work) in receiving a bronze from the triple jump. Meredith Cook battled hard against quality opposition in taking 3 silver medals at the Open 1500m, 5000m but also ran a PB in the 10000m with a slashing time of 36:31.01. Paul Bennett also took a bronze in the 1500m (5:04.55) but was more disappointed he could not beat his daughter Virginia's time (5:04.19) in the same event where she also won bronze. A terrific battle between Phil Brown and Terry Hicks saw Phil run a season best 58.90 in the 400 metres to go down narrowly but take silver. In the 200 metres it was another medal with bronze. The fine year of Richard Kellow continues when he won silver in the hammer with a throw of 27.94m. Sean Ryan provided some classic commentary during the Titles but backed it up on the track with 3 medals in taking 100m,400m silver and discus bronze. Maybe if the Black Duck was chasing him he would have run faster (see athlete profile in right column above for more information.........) One of the most deserved medals of the championships was a bronze from Victor Cook in the 10000 metres after running the 4 longest events of the weekend. Terrific team performances were rewarded in a gold medal from the Under 14, 4 x 400 boys with the team of Jayden Beqir, Jack Monigatti, Brayden Scanlon and Josh Powell. The 40 plus men's 4 x 400 team of Malcolm Duncan, Phil Brown, Victor Cook and Peter Cowell just went down to Eaglehawk after a titanic struggle in a club record time. The women's 40 plus collected a bronze in the 4 x 400 relay with the team of Michelle Stevenson, Debbie Kirne, Barbara Kellow and Anne Buckley. An upset with the men's 4 x 100 Open Men's team proving to be the number one Open sprint combination at the championships from Bendigo in a silver medal finish with the team of Aaron Petrie, Brett Gilligan, Cody Williamson and David Kinnersley second to Wodonga. Even though all athletes did not win individual medals everyone contributed to the points total of the Harriers by running, jumping or throwing their guts out and cheered on each other. I think a few Harriers were spurred on by the crowd yelling from the Harriers tent at the 300 metre mark and may have gone a little early. Here are some highlights from the rest of our fine team. Aaron Petrie was a solid contributor being a member of the silver winning 4 x 100 Open Men's relay and narrowly missing medals with 4ths in the high jump and javelin. Youngster Brenton Hassett will take much experience away from the championships with good 5ths in the 800 and 1500m against quality runners. Dylan Harvey will also be better for the experience against some outstanding athletes but again contributed to the points score in the 800 and 1500m with 7th place finishers. Just like Dylan, Jamie Cook had to step up to tough Under 20 competition for the first time and also learnt from the experience in the same events in taking 6th places. Heinrich Schenker showed the spirit the Harriers are about in competing in many field events to assist in a terrific team total for the 60+ men. Under 14 Jayden Beqir at his first titles may have used more energy up off the track with some off event games but we are sure he had great fun, collected a silver in the 4 x 100 relay and made the 100 metre final. Another Under 14 Nathan Green also at his first titles ran an excellent 4th in the 1500 metres and will be better for the experience. Melinda Gilligan may have competed in 3 events and note threw the shot a very good 6.51m (.42m further than the editor) but the time she spent parenting and feeding the group of boys who took many points in addition to other organisation was well appreciated by everyone. An injury interrupted pre-season has seen Peter Cowell work hard to get back to his best and a season best 4:39.86 in the 1500m was a terrific run. No one will forget his battle with Tracy Wilson who has a 6 second quicker PB but Cowelly and others in the 4 x 400 relay served it right up to the far quicker Borough team on paper until the shadows of the post. Having to cope with going up to Open age competition also for the first time it was always going to be hard for Yvette Tuohey but as usual she never gives in and her 7th place in the 800 metres was a very good result at the end of a long weekend. Thank-you to all the supporters and helpers that assisted the club have an excellent weekend. To the Kitts, Neil Macdonald with the massages and support, all the parents that supported their kids and other athletes, and to everyone else that assisted thanks for a great weekend. To Meredith Cook who organised the accommodation well done as it a very difficult task when we do not hear from everyone. If I have forgotten anyone I do apologise (let me know and I will update this story after a sleep).
28th January 2010 HILSON BUILDERS SPRINT SERIES 28TH FEB After the fourth round of the Hilson Builders Sprint Series, a number of athletes have cemented their spot in the final to be conducted on Thursday 18th. February. With this Thursday evening will see the last of the Heats conducted. The 300 metres were the first events to be decided, In the first heat Will Scholes came with a well timed run to score a comfortable win over Greg Hilson and Kaine Leech running into third place. In heat two of the 300 metre Jeff Jorden in only his second run in the series ran another top performance to win from Darryl Nettleton who is having a good series in second place and Jake Hilson also having a good series in third place. After a short break the 150 metres were run with Keely Trew holding off a strong finish from Geoff Jordan showing good form with Celine Mountjoy in third place. While in the second race sponsor after a successful Country C'Ships continued with a victory from Felicity Trew and Jake Hilson finishing third. Winners of the The Good Loaf Sourdough Bakery were Will Scholes in the 300 metres and Greg Hilson successful in the 150 metres. After Thursday nights final round the top Eight point scorers will contest the Final, and the next Eight will run the consolation on Thursday 18th. February. Aggregate Points after round Four: Lonain Burnett 64, Darryl Nettleton 56, Kaine Leech 55, Keely Trew 52, Jake Hilson 46, Celine Mountjoy 45, Isabel Clarke 40, Liam Clarke 40, Felicity Trew 39, Geoff Jordan 36, Sam Nettleton 35, Greg Hilson 31, Grant Astall 28, Demi Goodall Hoffman 24, Luke McKenzie 15, Will Scholes 15, Steve Ryan 10. Results: 300 metres Heat One: 1st. Will Scholes 35.63, 2nd. Greg Hilson 36.44, 3rd. Kaine Leech 37.05, Lonain Burnett 37.49, Keely trew 37.86, Celine Mountjoy 38.81, Sam Nettleton 39.17, Liam Clarke 43.12, Heat Two: 1st. Geoff Jordan 36.98, 2nd. Darryl Nettleton 37.22, 3rd. Jake Hilson 38.01, Felicty Trew 38.69, Isabel Clarke 41.62. 150 metres Heat One: 1st.Keely Trew 17.58, 2nd. Geoff Jordan 17.79, 3rd. Celine Mountjoy 17.98, Kaine Leech 18.21, Liam Clarke 18.52, Isabel Clarke 18.81. Heat Two: 1st. Greg Hilson 16.84, 2nd. Felicty Trew 17.20, 3rd. Jake Hilson 17.61, Darryl Nettleton 17.90, Lonain Burnett 18.21, Sam Nettleton 18.55.
