PAGE 58 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Timing’s right at little aths A STRONG contingent of more than 100 young athletes, including many new members, came together with family, friends and supporters at the velodrome oval last Saturday for Leongatha Little Athletics Club’s second competition meeting for the 2011/12 season.
In windy but warm conditions, athletes found an extra yard of pace with the club’s new electronic timing gates and related equipment now in operation, thanks especially to a $5000 IGA Community Grant. The new timer adds an extra degree of professionalism to track events, and can also
be used by schools in the district for carnivals and special competitions. There were two centre records broken last Saturday, both in the 80m hurdles. Wes Graeme flew across the hurdles to stop the clock at 14.57 seconds in the Under 14 boys class, and Eddie Colwill did likewise in 19.06 seconds in the Under 7 boys. New members are welcome, with anyone interested in joining encouraged to attend this Saturday’s meeting, October 22, starting at 9.30am. More information can be found on the club’s website: www.leongathalac.com; or contact club registrar Helen Patterson on 5662 4797.
Golden girls: Taleaha Olsen crosses through Leongatha Little Aths’ new electronic timer gates just ahead of fellow Under 11 athletes Amy Tudor (centre) and Sophie Allen.
Little aths come and try LAST weekend approximately 80 athletes turned up for the Wonthaggi start of season come and try day.
Budding champ: watch out Sally Pearson, as ‘on track’ athlete Ava Patterson is on her way to becoming another hurdles champion.
The weather was cool and the ground a little soft in places but it didn’t stop any of the young athletes from trying the variety of track and
field events. Competition starts this Saturday October 22 at 9 am at Wonthaggi Secondary College, Dudley Campus. Newcomers are most welcome. Please remember to bring a water bottle and sun protection even if it’s overcast.
Athlete registration will be held on Wednesday October 19 at the Wonthaggi Secondary College, McBride Campus, between 5 and 7 pm. The registration fee of $90 covers insurance, affiliation and local competition fees. For more information contact Terra Plumb on 5672 4299
Nominate a sports hero LOCAL MP and member for Bass, Ken Smith, is encouraging all sport enthusiasts to nominate a local sporting club, a team, an individual sport or club person for the recently announced 2011 Victorian Government’s Community Sport and Recreation Awards.
“These awards acknowledge and celebrate local sporting heroes, the hard work and dedication by individuals behind the scenes of sporting clubs or a team or club right across Victoria which deserves recognition for their outstanding achievements,” he said. “The Victorian Government is committed to acknowledging the people who volunteer their time to contribute to the community and this particular program is a way in which passionate, hardworking sportspeople, often those who are working behind the scenes making a difference week in week out, can be recognised.” There are nine award categories provid-
ing recognition for significant contributions made by clubs, teams and exceptional people involved in sport and recreation in our local communities. If you know of a worthy recipient submit your nomination now. The nine categories are; • Community Sporting Club of the Year · Community Participation Award · Young Sportsperson of the Year · Senior Sportsperson of the Year · Service to Sport Award · Diversity Award · Local Hero of the Year · Community Coach of the Year · Minister’s Award for the Sportsperson of the Year. Nominations close on Monday October 31 and can be made via the internet at www. sport.vic.gov.au. The awards night will be held at the MCG on Wednesday November 30 and will honour the successful nominees with cash prizes for their contributions to the community.
Twirl-wind of success A LOCAL baton twirler has achieved success at a state and national level. Leongatha South’s Beth Forrester recently competed in a strut event (a basic marching routine) at the national championships, which saw her finish eighth. It came after she placed first across Victoria. Beth’s achievement was highlighted by the fact she only began twirling on a regular basis this year. “She is looking forward to competing in more events next year, including team events in which we need more members,” her coach, Cassandra Roberts said. Cassandra has recently moved to Leongatha and is hoping to start up a baton twirling club in the area. The sport involves twirling, throwing and catching a baton, whilst incorporating dance steps into a routine, blending the body with the baton. Baton Twirling is an international sport, with over 20 countries participating around the world. “There are different levels of competition ranging from tiny tots to adult.” “It helps develop confidence, rhythm and physical fitness. The skills learnt improve hand eye co-ordination and ambidexterity,” Cassandra said. Athletes work towards competing in mini competitions, states and nationals, including travelling to
Beth Forrester: the youngster has taken on baton twirling at the national stage. interstate competitions. “There is also the potential to work towards qualifying for the world team to participate in international competitions,” Cassandra said. Anyone who wants more information can contact Sandra on gippslandtwirlers@y7mail.com.
Big arm: Jacob O’Reilly throws the javelin at Saturday’s come and try day.
Talented: Melody Notley shows her technique with the discus.
More champions in Leongatha THE Leongatha Table Tennis Association and their participants have had a very successful three weeks of activities. The first week of school holidays had us saying good luck to Michaela Campbell and Brittney Taylor (Wonthaggi) as they prepared to fly to Sydney, NSW. These two young athletes were handpicked to represent Victoria in table tennis. To have any number of participants chosen from their club to represent their state in a national event is an amazing achievement. A very candid Brittney brought her Gold Medal to the A-A Reserve play night in Leongatha. She was so proud of her medal but did not want to brag. Brittney’s gold medal was a result of the girls Under 15 teams grand finals. Michaela was entered in the girls Under13 team. Her team did not celebrate a medallion finish. Michaela however did win many of
her games, giving her team a fighting chance. The Leongatha Table Tennis Association congratulates you both on your achievements. The second week of school holidays produced more champions of a slightly different kind. The association held their club championships evening for all A-A Reserve players for 2011. Results A Grade singles winner - Maurice Valk. Runner-up Mark Dowling. Score: 6-11, 11-4, 11-5, 11-8. A Reserve singles winner – Cam Dowling. Runner-up John McCarthy. Score: 5-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-6, 11-8. Women’s A Reserve singles winner – Brittney Taylor. Runner-up Kathy Campbell. Score: 8-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-5. A-A Reserve combined doubles winners – Ian Tuckett / Dean Snelling. Runners-up Michael Holwerda / Bryce Holwerda. Score: 14-12, 8-11, 11-6,
8-11, 11-5. Last week was B Grade’s turn to identify their B Grade club champion for 2011. B Grade singles winner – Steve Santilli. Runner-up Will Collins. Score: 11-5, 11-2, 13-11. B Grade doubles winners – Steve Santilli / Will Collins. Runners-up John Page / Aiden Holwerda. Score: 11-6, 5-11, 11-8, 14-12. Presentations will be made to all of the club championship finalists on the grand final night in November. The weekly results have been equally exciting. A-A Reserve September 28 Fudd 9-27 d Road Runners 2-15, Yosemite Sam 7-27 d Mixtures 4-16, TNT 9-29 d Yogi Bears 2-15, Flintstones 6-19 d Stingrays 5-14, Coyotes 6-20 d Sure Shots 5-18. October 12 Fudd 6-19 d Stingrays 5-13, TNT 7-21 d Coyotes 4-15, Mixtures 7-22 d Sure Shots 4-15, Yosemite Sam 7-18 d Road Runners 4-12,
Flintstones 8-28 d Yogi Bears 3-12. B Grade September 8 Garden Gnomes 5-15 d Smash 0-0, Hot Shots 3-11 d Monkeys 2-8, Young & Old 3-11 d Mad Men 2-9. September 15 Hot Shots 4-12 d Garden Gnomes 1-6, Smash 3-10 dd Mad Men 2-7, Monkeys 3-11 d Young & Old 2-8.
Ladders A-A Reserve TNT ...........................20 83 286 Flintstones .................20 77 254 Yosemite Sam............16 78 265 Fudd .........................14 67 226 Stingrays ...................12 68 225 Mixtures .....................10 63 237 Coyotes .......................10 62 231 Sure Shots ....................8 62 221 Road Runners ...............8 56 205 Yogi Bears ....................2 46 177
B Grade Hot Shots .......................10 2 Monkeys ........................8 20 Garden Gnomes ...........8 20 Young & Old .................8 17 Smash .............................6 13 Mad Men ........................2 13
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