Athletics returns for summer season

Lynx prepares for a discus throw in the return of little aths. Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS. 365633_13

By Jamie Strudley

After a few quiet weeks post cross country season Yarra Ranges Athletics welcomed members, parents and the community back to the first round of track and field athletics for 2023-24

Over 250 little athletics started their season at Morrison Reserve on Saturday morning (7 October). Excitement for the summer ahead and an opportunity to catch up with friends from last year made for a fun morning of athletics. We hope all our trialling athletes enjoyed the morning and look forward to seeing you back next weekend.

The senior team travelled to Duncan McKinnon Reserve in Moorabbin for round 1 of the AVSL competition. Athletes generate points for this team based competition based on their event results. The YR Athletics team produced so many superb performances to secure a fourth placed team finish. There are 10 teams in the division including athletics powerhouses teams from Geelong, Knox, Ringwood and Sandringham, we proved we will be a force to reckon with this season.

We also welcomed six new members competing at their first round of AVSL for YRA including Taryn Bourke, Shani Bullard, Erica Purcell, Carolyn Rosenbrock and Ali Coffey. Hope you all enjoyed the day and welcome to team Yarra Ranges Athletics.

Five club records were broken (pending confirmation) by

Ashleigh Rooke Women U20 Discus 31.91m,

Carolyn Rosenbrock Women Open and 40+ 3000m Walk 16.29.2,

Anne-Marie Ebbels Women 40+ Hammer Throw 25.42m

Bradley McMeeken Men Para 1500m 6.48.8

Women

100m: Ashleigh Rooke 13.43 (0.8);Taryn Bourke 14.44 (-0.7); Shani Bullard 14.63 (-2.1); Elisabeth Coffey 15.15 (-1.2); Erica Purcell 16.97 (-2.7);

400m: Zoe Clarke 66.11; Ashleigh Rooke 67.29; Rori Jones 67.40; Kristina Nackovski 72.04; Mia Strudley 72.65; Erica Purcell 89.73;

1500m: Zoe Clarke 5:08.8h; Rori Jones 5:32.6h; Mia Strudley 5:34.7h; Carolyn Rosenbrock 6:44.2h;

1500m Walk: Emilie Garside 8:55.7h;

3000m Walk: Carolyn Rosenbrock 16:29.2h;

Discus: Ashleigh Rooke 31.19m; Hayley Wilkins 24.38m; Meg Sparkes 25.03m; Kathi Hewitson 11.99m; Sharon Cook 16.72m;

Hammer: Sarah Ebbels 29.00m; Anne-Marie Ebbels 25.42m;

Javelin: Hayley Wilkins 34.29m; Ashleigh Rooke 25.76m; Meg Sparkes 17.63m; Kathi Hewitson 11.53m; Sharon Cook 10.73m;

Shot Put: Sarah Ebbels 6.85m; Anne-Marie Ebbels 6.48m;

Long Jump: Shani Bullard 3.85m; Taryn Bourke 3.32m; Erica Purcell 3.15m;

Men

100m: Mitchell Mullens 11.28 (-1.4); Liam Russell 12.72 (-1.7); Oliver Duncan 12.85 (-2.8); Joseph Johnston 14.12 (-1.7);

400m: Liam Russell 55.14; Oliver Duncan 59.27; Joseph Johnston 65.05; Ash Almond 66.28; Bradley McMeeken 89.68;

1500m: Mitchell Pointon 4:44.4h; Alistair Coffey 5:21.6h; Craig Hewitson 5:32.3h; Bradley McMeeken 6:48.8h;

Discus: Ash Almond 27.43m;

Javelin: Ash Almond 46.97m; Craig Hewitson 15.81m

Long Jump: Liam Russell 5.45m; Ash Almond 4.54m; Oliver Duncan 5.13m; Alistair Coffey 3.94m;

Training for six-12 year olds starts Tuesday 10 October from 4pm. Seniors training (12yo plus) continues on Tuesday and Thursday from 5.30pm at Morrison Reserve. Check the socials and website for more details. Yarra Ranges Athletics welcomes and encourages all athletes of any age or ability.

If you, or someone you know, wants to join in the fun of track and field registration is now open. Go to www.lavic.com.au or www.athsvic.org.au or email info@yarrarangesathletics.org.au for information about events and registration.

For information on training, how to join or trial, photos, results and updated news, visit the website at yarrarangesathletics.org.au or check us out on Facebook. Run, Jump, Throw…too easy!