Singleton Striders head coach Hilary Kennedy admits her junior athletes exceeded her expectations at the Region 2 Championships held last week at the Hunter Sports Stadium.
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“Saturday morning started with a very wet track, yet the summer sun broke through and created favourable conditions,” she reflected.
“After the Zone Champs held at Cessnock in December, we set some new goals at regionals which were then well and truly achieved.”
Lily Macnamara, Kaitlyn Van Zyl and Jordy Brown are amongst the Singleton athletes progressing to the State championships at the Sydney Olympic Park from March 16 to 17.
“Jordy stole the show with an incredible win in the u14 90m hurdles. Jordy also set a new region record of 13.49 which was inspiring for the young athletes.”
Before scrolling through the endless amount of PB’s (personal best) and medal victories, one must first realise that these young club members journey to train in Singleton from as far Maitland, Cessnock, Muswellbrook and the Central Coast.
Branxton based Saxon Lorenz continued to impress all before him when competing in five different events.
The 13-year-old would finish first in the 200m hurdles (PB), second in high jump (PB), third in the 400m (PB) while also challenging his opponents in long jump and the 200m sprint.
Jono Penton also collected three medals (first & PB – high jump, second & PB – triple jump, second & PB – 100m).
Others included Tyler Mullard (second & PB – long jump, 100, 200m), Jaiden Boldery (javelin), Luca Santry second – (100m, second & PB – long jump), Jai Santry (first & PB – long jump, third - high jump), Emily Northey (second & PB – 400m), Ella Northey (second & PB – 400m), Ethan Williams (second - hurdles and third - triple jump) and Elise Kerr (second & PB – triple jump and high jump).
Bella Oatley also claimed a podium finish in long jump (she cant progress due to age).
“Last year our small squad saw multiple personal bests at the Regional carnival and two athletes progress to State
“This year we have 10 athletes who have qualified and will compete in Sydney with an incredible 21 events between them.”
“But not only did they perform well and set new personal bests; they also demonstrated the values we hold so dearly.”
“The display of sportsmanship on and off the track, respecting officials and volunteers and supporting their club mates was upheld and I couldn’t be prouder.”
Some athletes will now prepare for NSW State Combined Events in Dubbo.