The rain finally held off for the official first week of the season’s Track and Field program on Wednesday 17th October. There was a huge crowd with plenty of familiar faces as well as many new faces. It was great to see multiple members of families competing enjoying the great sport of athletics.
Nowra Athletics Club began in 1960, offering Athletics to people of all ages and we are very proud to be classed as a Family Club. So, it’s great to welcome many new families this season where we fully encourage family participation.
In the senior long jump Paul Beresford soared through the air recording a jump of 4.54 metres whilst Sarah DeVries jumped 4.46 metres. Sarah then completed the triple jump on her own and measured a jump of 9.14 metres. In the boys’ event Nathan Groves jumped well with a top jump of 5.42 metres and Brock Miller jumped 4.30 metres.
Meanwhile in the high jump Liam Johnstone and Harrison Baxter both cleared the bar at 1.15 metres.
On the track Max Buckham took out the senior 600m in 1.38.12 minutes. Liam Dooley ran in second and Will Dyball was third. The junior race had a massive 31 participants! Cooper Barrett took the win in front of Toby Dyball and Harrison Baxter. One of our newest and youngest members Ben Sproule pushed hard to complete the 600m on little legs in 4.23.62 rounding out the huge field.
In the sprint program competitors lined up for the 60m and 100m. Some sprinting prowess was on show from all ages. It was great to welcome Dean Bryce to the track this season; who knew the cross country shortcut king could sprint? Gavin Dyball and Paul Musgrove returned to the track for another season and were joined by a number of new athletes including Mark O’Leary, Jeffrey Power, Karl Heidke, Kane Barrett and Pete Berry. These dads have all joined their children for athletics this year. Scott McLaren has also joined his children on the track this year; why spectate when you can run too?
In the women’s events we welcomed Tracey Barrett and Leanne O’Leary. In addition, we welcomed back the Stiles family after having last season off. Martin, Janelle and Lizzy Stiles participated with their trademark enthusiasm and smiles.
We look forward to a great season of athletics. All athletes are encouraged to complete registration on line and are invited to purchase Club uniform.