As we approached the danger round of AVSL with reduced entries and a few late scratchings, our athletes persevered to secure a win by just 200 points, showcasing true grit in less-than-ideal summer conditions ☔️ —a testament to every team member as we maintained our lead in the Division 5 ladder with four rounds to go 👏
The female A Team, comprising Ash, Annabel, and Alex, contributed significantly, bringing in over a quarter of the team’s score of 5500 points. Meanwhile, high scoring from our 1500m runners and Jammo’s commendable first walk for the season at Doncaster helped us narrowly edge out the late surge from Whittlesea. Hugo, in a display of versatility, accrued 900 points across various events, despite an errant discus that took out an unsuspecting local media photographer.
It was also a nostalgic moment for our long-standing members as we reconnected with former club athlete David Edwards, who imparted some sage advice to Ash about refining her triple jump technique.
We find ourselves in a promising “Premiership window,” and with sustained efforts in the remaining rounds, we aim to secure the Division Premiership and reward our dedicated athletes with medallions for competing in at least three rounds of AVSL.
Athlete of the Week
This week’s accolade goes to Hando, whose dedication shone through both on and off the field. His first-to-arrive, last-to-leave attitude, combined with two solid throws, contributed a crucial 670 points to our tally.
AVSL Round 8 Results
| Event | Athlete | Result | Notes |
| Female OP | |||
| 200m | Ashleigh Arnold | 28.53 | Wind: -2.0 |
| Shot Put | Ashleigh Arnold | 6.13m | |
| Triple Jump | Ashleigh Arnold | 8.34m | |
| Female 16 | |||
| 800m | Annabel Atkins | 2:45.29 | |
| Female 14 | |||
| 200m | Alexandra Stubbs | 37.01 | Wind: -2.1 |
| 800m | Alexandra Stubbs | 3:05.64 | |
| Discus | Alexandra Stubbs | 10.67m | |
| Shot Put | Alexandra Stubbs | 3.93m | |
| Triple Jump | Alexandra Stubbs | 6.59m | |
| Male 18 | |||
| 200m | Elden Zeng | 24.56 | Wind: -2.3 |
| Male 16 | |||
| 100m | Tom Roach | 24.19 | Wind: -0.1 |
| 200m | Hugo Stubbs | 27.87 | Wind: -2.2 |
| 800m | Hugo Stubbs | 2:05.31 | |
| 1500m | Thomas Lindeman | 4:12.2h | |
| 1500m | Jasper Quinn | 6:20.8h | |
| Discus | Hugo Stubbs | NM | No Mark |
| Javelin | Tom Roach | 8.43m | |
| Long Jump | Tom Roach | 1.60m | |
| Shot Put | Hugo Stubbs | 6.84m | |
| Male 40+ | |||
| 1500m | Robert Schwerkolt | 4:51.6h | |
| 1500m Walk | Andrew Jamieson | 9:22.7h | First walk of the season due to injury |
| Discus | Ian Handasyde | 19.63m | |
| Shot Put | Ian Handasyde | 7.20m |
🚨STOP THE PRESSES 🚨
Massive congratulations are in order for Ben Beischer, our very own Old Scotch standout, for being selected to represent Australia at the FISA World University Cross Country Championships in Muscat, OMAN next month. His selection is a tremendous accolade and is a wonderful reward for his commitment to training. Out of the 9 athletes selected by Athletics Australia 4 have come from APS schools which is a testament to the APS schools programs.
Around the Grounds
Our athletes kept busy over the AV break, with notable mentions including Mark Purvis, John Braszell, and Hugo Stubbs, who maintained their form in 5km Park Runs.
Tom Russell secured 2nd overall in the Rip 2 River 5km event, while Ben Beischer 6th made an impressive showing at the Surfcoast meet over 10km in Geelong.
At the 5.5km Portsea Twilight, our athletes shone with Bart Leeton (2nd), Tom Lindeman (4th), and Hugo Stubbs (5th) overall also making the podium their own in the 12-15 age group , and Annabel Atkins placing 8th in her age group. A special nod to the Lindeman family where Mum & Dad and all 3 boys participated so that’s a gold medal effort if I ever saw one for their collective effort.
Finally this week cheers to Tom Bowers 3rd overall and Amanda Moulding for their achievements at the 2024 Mountain 2 Surf event in Lorne.
What a great summer for our members outside the AVSL competition. Well done to all our athletes and apologies if anyone was missed from the summer wrap
Training
- Sprints training – this week for speedier types will be at 4.30pm at Righetti Oval Kooyong on Tuesday and Thursday.
- Middle distance – please reach out to David L for update
- If unsure you know the drill. Check with the coaches.
Upcoming Events
- Vic Milers Club #3 Thursday 18th January at Box Hill. Entries close Monday 15th at midday https://athsvic.org.au/events/victorian-milers-club/
- AVSL Round 9 is scheduled for Sat 20th January 2024. Club will be based at Yarra Ranges
- OSAC have been allocated High Jump duty for the afternoon
- Assistance required from 1:30pm-5:30pm. Please put up your hand and let us know if you can help us out.
- Following week no AVSL but there is the Victorian Country Championships over the Australia Day weekend you maybe interested in participating in?
- Entries close midday Monday 15th Janaury https://athsvic.org.au/events/victorian-country-track-field-championships/
Four rounds to go so lets ensure we register early and put ourselves down for 2-3 events as they all count and see if we can go through the season undefeated?
GO SCOTCHIES