Athletics News up to 2004 |
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Academy athletes impress, 2 November 2004
A number of Gippsland athletes competed at the Victorian All schools
track and field Championships, which were held last weekend at Meadowglen.
All athletes that competed had qualified by progressing through their
own school championships and the regional zone championships.
There were some impressive results from ten Latrobe City Athletic Squad members in the Gippsland Sports Academy.
Bairnsdale rising star, Zac Nelson, picked up two silver medals and a bronze medal in an impressive display. Zac gained silver with a jump of 1.67m in the under 14 High Jump event and also in the pole vault, clearing 2.10m on his way to another silver. The bronze medal was won by Zac in the long jump, with his jump just coming up short of the 5 metres (4.94m) marker. Zac also finished fourth in the final of the under 14 400m event breaking the minute (59.28).
Ashlea Lawry and Daniel McKay both won bronze medals in their age group 200m hurdles. Ashlea also finished fifth in the under 16 90m Hurdle final with a time of 14.76sec and also placed 11th in her age group heat of the 200m event.
Daniel ran well in his heat of the 200m hurdles, and produced in the final with a time of 27.66sec enough to secure the bronze medal. Daniel also finished 8th in the 100m hurdle final. Shannon McCurley also picked up a bronze medal, with an impressive time of 2.29.46min in the under 13 800m event.
Other impressive results were:
* Anthony McKay almost made the medals in the 1500m final, placing 4th
(4.45.79min). Anthony also finished 8th in the 800m final (2.23.04min)
* Holly Colbert competed in three events on the day, placing 5th in
the 200m final (27.40), 14th in the long jump and 15th in the triple
jump.
* Oliver Caffrey competed in three events, finishing 10th in the 200m
(23.49sec) and 400m (59.81) events. Oliver also ran an 11.95sec in the
heat of the 100m.
* Jack Ryan finished 5th in the under 15 100m final, in a time of 11.69sec.
Adam Conway contested the under 14 1500m final and finished 5th (4.48.19min)
* Hayley Brown finished well in her under 14 100m final, placing 7th
with a time of 13.67sec.
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Josh Froud excels at secondary school athletics titles, 21 October 2004
Summer is looming and athletics right around Australia is really starting to take off. In Bendigo the Victorian Secondary School Sport Association held their annual Athletics state titles and their were some excellent results, especially from some of the local Gippsland talent.
Swifts creek young gun, Josh Froud, has been in top form over the last couple of weeks as his results show. In the high jump at the secondary schools championships, Josh jumped a personal best of 1.95metres, narrowly missing out on getting over the two meter milestone. However, this was enough to land Josh a silver medal for his efforts. Josh, who is in his second year as an Gippsland Sports Academy athlete, then went on to claim gold in the Long Jump.
Josh also excelled at the All schools tournament held a week before the VSSA championships were held. Josh placed third in the long jump, 2nd in the triple jump and also placed in the high jump with a height of 1.90meters. Part of the Latrobe City Athletics squad, Josh has worked with Peter Winter and other academy coaches over the last year and travels many kilometres from Swift Creek for elite coaching and competition.
The academy congratulates Josh on his fantastic efforts at the schools competitions and hopes that his great form continues into the future.
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Laurins plans assault on World Junior Championships, 17 May 2004
The Gippsland Sports Academy star athlete Raffael Laurins competed successfully at the National Athletics Championships held in Sydney in late February. Raff was outstanding in both the shot put and discus placing first and second in the two events respectively. This resulted in Raff being the only Australian athlete to qualify in two field events for the World Junior Championships to be staged in Italy, in July this year.
Throughout his junior career Raff has been consistently successful having medalled well over 100 times at major events. Raff also holds the unique record of the worlds best performance throwing the 1kg discuss 77.68 metres (the furthest recorded discus throw in the world — any sex, an age, any weight).
Raff has been a tremendous asset to the Academy in his short time with the Latrobe City Athletics program, readily assisting and mentoring other athletes in the squad. Raff’s performances over the last year resulted in him winning the Academies most coveted award the Tim Forsyth Excellence Award.
Over the last month the Academy has assisted the Laurins family in seeking sponsorship dollars and funding in order to finance his training and trip to Italy. A dinner has been organised to take place at the Tavern in Moe, whereby the Tavern will contribute significant dollars to Raff. The Academy and the Laurins family are excited by his chances at the World Juniors with his training being tailored to allow him to peak at the event.
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Throws star Laurins, set for Nationals and beyond, 17 February 2004
Moe 18 - year old Raff Laurins is peaking at the right time in the lead up to the National Athletics Championships, which will be held in Sydney from the 26th–29th February. Raff will travel up to Sydney with his family support crew early next week on the back of a number of encouraging recent performances.
Over the past two weeks Raff has completed in three major Championships being the South Australian State Championships at Santos Stadium on the 7/2/04, at Olympic Park on Thursday at the Telstra A Series Championships and then again on Sunday at the Victorian State Championships. Each performance has been better than the previous with next weeks Nationals being of major importance in relation to be selected for the National Junior team to compete in Grosseto Italy in July this year.
At the Victorian Championships on Sunday Raff threw 3 personal bests and put a qualifier for the World Junior Championships with the 6 Shot Put of 18.05 metres. The previous Thursday Raff competed in the Open age event with the 7.2kg Put, only the third time he has thrown with the heavier weight, and recorded another personal best of 16.28 metres.
The week prior at the South Australian State Championships Raff achieved World Junior Championships qualifiers in both the Discus (58.2) and Shot Put (18.05). At this stage Raff is the only Australian athlete to qualify in the two field events.
Although Raff has achieved two qualifiers for the World Junior Championships it is still a prerequisite to place in the top two at the National Championships to ensure he is part of the World Junior Championships.
Raff a scholarship holder with both the Victorian Institute of Sport and the Gippsland Sports Academy Latrobe City Athletics Program has achieved tremendous results this year, which is a true testament to his natural ability, dedication to the sport and willingness and commitment to training and competition.
Raff said, "I am quietly confident of performing well next week at the Nationals and achieving my major goal for the year which is to compete at the World Juniors, the World Juniors is the 3rd Ranked World event behind the Olympics and the World Championships."
The Academy is thrilled with Raff’s progress and would like to encourage local businesses to support and offer financial assistance to help Raff fulfil his goals of competing in the World Junior Championships. Any enquiries will be fielded by Academy Executive Officer Robbie Coyle Ph: 5127 0223 or 0408 589 937.
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McKay and Laurins Country Athletic Champions, 30 January 2004
The 2004 Latrobe City Victorian Country Championships were held last weekend over three action packed days at the Joe Carmody Newborough Track. Nine (9) athletes from the Gippsland Sports Academy Latrobe City Athletics program dominated in a host of events and recorded excellent performances.
Outstanding performers were 16 - year old, Daniel McKay (Drouin), and 18 - year old, Raff Laurens (Moe), who won their respective age group champion trophies. McKay, who was competing in his very first championships, blitzed the competition with three gold medals. Daniel won the 200m in a time of 24.09, and then went on to win the 400m in 55.02 and the 200m Hurdles in 28.48, which was enough to win McKay the Inaugural Stuart Hunter Shield for best athlete under 16. Daniel also won a Gold medal in a 4 x 100m Relay.
Moe youngster, Raff Laurens also competed exceptionally taking home the Male Athlete of the meet for his efforts in the field events. Laurens was able to win 4 gold medals in the Discus, Javelin, Shot Put and the hammer throw in spectacular fashion.
Ashlea Lawry (Warragul) also shined winning 2 Gold (90m Hurdles, 200m Hurdles), 2 silver (100m and 200m events) and 1 Bronze medal in the Long Jump. She also combined with other Gippsland Athletic Club members, Hayley Brown, Lara Trevorrow and Justine Hughes to win Gold in the Under 16 4 x 100m Relay.
Kylie Mackellin (Moe) had a fantastic meet taking home a number of medals. Her performances were excellent winning 2 Gold (Discus Age & Open), 4 silver (Shot put Age & Open, Hammer Throw Age & Open) and 1 bronze medal. She also finished 5th in the Javelin.
Hamish Nelson (Bairnsdale) had a very heavy program, but that did not stop him on his way to 2 Gold (800m & High Jump) and 1 silver medal (Javelin). Hamish also finished 5th in the 400m and 1500m events.
Kane Smith (KOR) showed he has great potential winning 2 gold (High Jump & Long Jump) and 2 silver medals (100m hurdles and 100m event). He also combined with fellow academy team mate, Daniel McKay, and other Gippsland athletic club members (Oliver Caffrey, Anthony McKay) to win the Under 16 4 x 100m Relay.
Kathleen Goodwin (TRA) from Traralgon put in some great performances with 1 silver (800m 2.41.82) and 2 bronze medals (400m and 400m Hurdles) in the under 20 section. Kathleen also finished 4th in the 200m event, and won a bronze medal with other Athletic club members in the open 4x100m Relay.
Drouin young throwing talent, Adam Daldry had a superb weekend winning 1 silver (Hammer Throw) and 3 bronze medals (shot put, discus and Javelin). Adam also managed to win a bronze medal in the Under 18 4 x 100m Relay.
Josh Froud (Swifts Creek) had only the one event and did very well finishing just outside the medals in 4th place. Delwyn Hewitt the Program Manager of the Latrobe City Athletics squad also achieved some good results coming third in the 800 metres, 1500 metres.
Academy Executive Officer Robbie Coyle said, "All these results have pleased the Academy and provided evidence that the inaugural year of the program has definitely been beneficial and advantageous for the athletes performances. The athletes will continue with their training programs with the emphasis to improve upon these performances for next months 2004 Victorian State Championships, with their sights firmly on the 2004 Australian Age Championships which will be held over the next few months."
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Athletics Camp successful lead up to State Championships, 13 January 2004
The Latrobe City Athletics squad conducted a weekend long camp which incorporated educational sessions, performance analysis and training. The camp was conducted at the Moe / Newborough Sport and Recreation Centre and the Yallourn GippsTafe campus.
The Head Coach Mark Ladbrook along with Program Manager Delwyn Hewitt ensured the camp was a huge success via the planning and assortment of different activities that were conducted. The athletes in the squad come from East Gippsland (Hamish Nelson, Josh Froud), Latrobe City (Raff Laurens, Kathleen Goodwin, Kylie MacKellin), South Gippsland (Kane Smith) and West Gippsland (Daniel McKay, Adam Daldry, Ashlea Lawry).
On Saturday the squad utilised Phil Shelley, the Academies Strength and Conditioning consultant, in order to analyse there home training programs which was followed by a nutrition session conducted by Alison Caiafa.
In the afternoon Mr. Ladbrook took the squad for a video analysis from the previous months training session and provided expert advice on possible improvements and tips in order to implement them in to the athletes training session. The first day of the camp was complimented by a two hour training session down at the Moe / Newborough Athletics track.
On Sunday Mr. Shelley and Peter Winter took the first session of the day working on the athletes core strength via swiss balls. Lisa Stevens, the Academy psychologist then provided an informative session, which emphasised the value of visualisation and positive thinking in specific relation to competition performance and the upcoming Victorian Country Athletic Championships.
Mr. Winter, an Australian record holder in the decathlon then presented another valuable session on alternative training methods and peaking and tapering. Again this session will be invaluable in assisting the athletes in adhering to their training schedule and also allow them to have a clear perspective on their training workloads, ensuring that it is not over demanding and allowing for suitable rest periods. This session will also assist in helping the athletes to peak around their major events on the Athletics Calendar.
Carolyne Boothman followed with an enjoyable session that focused on Athlete Career Education and specifically self - esteem and marketing yourself and gaining sponsorship. During this session the athletes were encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and have some fun by promoting themselves amongst the group.
The last session for the camp weekend was another two - hour session at the Joe Carmody track. Academy Executive Officer Robbie Coyle said, "All of the athletes are to be commended on their effort and commitment over the weekend".
Most of the academy athletes will compete at the upcoming Latrobe City Victorian Country Athletic Championships to be held at the Joe Carmody Newborough Athletics Track. With over 1000 entries expected for the competition, it will be a great hit out for our academy athletes. The competition runs from Saturday 24th to Monday 26th January. Starting at 1.00pm Saturday afternoon.
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Academy Athletes Star, 14 October 2003
The VSSSA Southern Zone Athletics Championships were held in Knox last Thursday for Secondary school athletes in the Southern region of Victoria. The Gippsland Sports Academy had five athletes from the Latrobe City Athletics program compete at the Championships.
Josh Froud (Swifts Creek), Kane Smith (Korrumburra), Kathleen Goodwin (Traralgon), Adam Daldry (Drouin) and Kylie MacKellin (Moe) all represented their schools. All performed terrifically with top placing achieved by each of the athletes.
Josh got a silver medal in the Shot Putt, Kane a gold in the Long Jump and 90 metre hurdles and silver in the 100 and 200 metres. Kathleen continued with her great recent form and got a gold in the 800 metres and silver in the 200 metres. Kylie dominated the throwing events with a gold in the Discus and Shot Putt and silver in the Javelin, whilst Adam got silver in both the Shot Putt and Javelin.
These five athletes along with the other four Academy Athletics athletes completed their first training session at the Joe Carmody track on the weekend. Mark Ladbrook (Head Coach) along with Phil Shelley (strength and conditioning) and Peter Winter (decathlon throws coach) took the athletes through some technical coaching in addition to fitness testing completed earlier in the day. Peter comes to the Academy with a swag of athletic achievements having qualified in decathlon at the World Junior Championships in 1990, holding the National decathlon records in 1994 and 1996, getting a silver medal at the Canadian Commonwealth Games in 1994 and competing at the Atlanta Olympics in Decathlon in 1996.
It is definitely going to be beneficial for each of the athletes in their quest to achieve the best possible results in their respective disciplines. For the next two training sessions the practical coaching will continue with the squad also looking to incorporate a psychology and nutritional session.
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Athletes achieve great results at Schools Championships, 7 October 2003
Three athletes from the Latrobe City Athletics Program in the Gippsland Sports Academy competed at the State Schools Championships at Olympic Park in Melbourne over the weekend. Raff Laurens, Josh Froud and Kathleen Goodwin all achieved terrific results in their respective disciplines.
Both Raff and Kathleen qualified to compete in the National Schools Championships to be conducted in Queensland during December. Raff from Moe, also a VIS scholarship holder, came first in shot putt and javelin, whilst coming second in both the discus and hammer throw. Raff’s throw of 41.67 metres in the hammer throw was his stand out performance. Raff has qualified in four events the Javelin, Discus, Hammer Throw and Shot Putt.
Kathleen from Traralgon continued her strong form, which she displayed recently in Canada placing second in the 400 metres hurdle at the State Championships. Since the Canadian events Kathleen has favoured the hurdling events and looks likely to continue with these events seemingly becoming her strongest events. Rounding out a hectic running schedule she place 5th in the 400 metres and 7th in the 200 metres. Kathleen’s performance in the 400 metres hurdles qualified her for the Australian Schools Championships.
Josh has got enormous raw ability and will benefit greatly from his inclusion in the Athletics program, as he hasn’t previously received any coaching. The Latrobe City Athletics programs will conduct their first session this Sunday at the Joe Carmody Athletics Track in Newborough.
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Commencement of Athletics Program, 12 September 2003
The Gippsland Sports Academy would like to announce the inaugural year of operation of the Latrobe City Athletics Program. The Academy is delighted with the response they have received in relation to attracting high quality coaches, excellent athlete applications and Latrobe City for becoming the Program Sponsor. Executive Officer Mr. Robbie Coyle also stated, that "the Academy is also delighted with the structure of the program and in particular the Advisory Panel Members and the fact that there is a representative from the majority of the regional shires of Gippsland".
The athletics induction day begun last weekend on the 14th of September at the Gippsland Tafe Yallourn Campus. The programs base training venue for the year is the Joe Carmody track in Newborough. This is clearly another example of the growth of the Academy with the Athletics program being the sixth program within the organisation. Further to this a former Gippsland boy, Mark Ladbrook has been appointed the Head Coach.
Mark has been a successful elite athlete himself having competed at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics in the 400 metres and 4 * 400 relay team and at the 1995 World Championships in the 400m. Given this, Mark has real life experience in competing at the highest level and as such has been the major driver in implementing the programs plan in order to assist the young athletics athletes in Gippsland to improve their performance coupled with the Academies holistic approach to servicing the athletes. Mark said "this will definitely be advantageous for the young athletes of Gippsland given the access to coaching and sports science expertise, which comparative to when I was training in my youth was non–existent. Joe was definitely ahead of his time and obviously put a lot of emphasis into the technical side of my training" referring to Gippsland Athletics legend Joe Carmody.
There are nine athletes in the program with the stringent selection criteria being the attainment of the Athletics Australia 2003 / 04 Australian Championship Qualifying Standards for the athlete’s age group. The athletes will train approximately once a month with some two - day training camps included right through until April 2004.
Another local person Delwyn Hewitt has also recently been appointed the Program Manager and believes this will be a "terrific coup for Gippsland Athletics and really set a great platform for the expansion of the athletics program within the Academy for future years".
The Gippsland Sports Academy would also like to announce they are having an inaugural Athletes Conference Day on the 4th of October 2003. The conference will be held in the Auditorium at the Gippsland Institute of Tafe campus and will include an Australian Olympic Committee interactive ‘Live Clean Play Clean’ presentation by three–time Olympic Weightlifter Damian Brown in conjunction with nutrition, psychology, time management and goal setting and a media relations presentation.
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