Coaching/Events Report to the Strathaven Striders AGM, 27th November 2002Coaching
Has continued throughout the year on a Wednesday night from at 7.30pm. We are meeting at the Strathaven Sports Complex while the Scout /Guide Hall is being renovated. My thanks to Tony for arranging this and the Sports Centre staff for allowing us free use of the facilities.
The ladies continue to do there own thing on a Monday night but can I remind you that Wednesdays are open to all club members and I am more than happy to put you through your paces.
We have had a good turn out of the male striders throughout the year - normally at least six turning up for punishment and on some occasions as many as twelve.
You will remember that last year I awarded a Coach’s Award, which went to Eric Rice. I have now finally produced the award, so my apologies to Eric for him not being able to display this for all to see. This year I am awarding the Coach Award to Robert Thomson who very rarely misses a coaching session and always puts in 110% effort. Well done Robert!
Congratulations also to Anne Thistlethwaite and Jane Struth who have now also joined the coaching fraternity and gained their Level 1 athletics coach.
Athletics events and Club Championship
As always club members have taken part in a great number and variety of events this year and have travelled not only far and wide but also again upwards. The five championship events, the West Highland Way and the Round Strathaven 50 to mention but a few where we had a strong club presence.
The Club Christmas Handicap was won as usual by Dorothy’s DOG! Followed on a short lead by Hillary Wright. Hillary accepted the trophy on behalf of the dog. Pencil in Sunday December 22nd for this coming year – fancy dress as usual.
Participation in The Club Championship was very hotly contested this year and 28 members amassed well over 150 competitive runs between them, 28 PB’s and 6 Firsts in class. The men took to heart the fact that the first three places in the championship last year went to the ladies – this year there are four men in the top five. The men have also increased their average points score by over 10%, so come on ladies greater effort next year. Individually Anne Thistlethwaite has put in the best improvement since last year both in points gained and position, though newcomer John Thomson has greatly improved since his first race for the club at Troon. Others improving their position in the championship table are Stewart Robertson, Margaret Allison, Robert Thomson, Rosie Bell, Ian Trail, Jane Struth, Craig Hamilton, Steve Wright and though I don’t know how he did it Allan Young.
Before moving on to this years Club Champion can I mention three other worthy effort from club members. First - Tom Wilson for scoring a maximum 10 in acrobatic flying start skateboarding; Second – Alan Douglas for coming in first in a carrying a bear barrel competition and third - I was very proud to gain silver at the World Championship Four Legged Race.
After a very closely contested competition – once Anne Maxwell departed to the USA, the top five in the championship this year are, in reverse order, Stewart Robertson, Tony Thistlethwaite, Robert Thomson, Rosie Bell and our Champion Craig Hamilton.
Thanks for all your efforts.
John MacGillivray Club Coach
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