For the annual presentation evening for the young athletes, the under 13, 15 and 17 year olds the clubhouse was decked very impressively in the club colours and this aptly reflected the performances of our young athletes during the year. There was a buzz about the room as one entered, not just from the youngsters but from parents also as all caught up on news since the last club fixture eight weeks back. The support these parents have given has been appreciated.
No fewer than 34 members appear highly placed in the U K ranking lists - and they show up in a total of 60 events. Perhaps no surprise then that they should retain the EYAL league title and the final cup match. Of course there were other achievements away from club meetings when medals were gained in various championship`s right through to national level. With so many at this level it must have been difficult for team managers in selecting those for the club awards.
Outstanding from the under 13 boys Mason Sanford ranked number 14 in the UK for his 1500 metres whilst given wins for the club at 800 metres and thus he was an obvious choice for the middle distance award. Other boys at this age level had been regular attendees at the league often competing in numerous events. Awards were made to David Brown (sprints), Motiejus Norkus (hurdles), JAMIE Roberts-John (jumps) and Bevan Judd (throws) - his hammer throw ranking 6th in the UK. Max Good, Nathaniel Vickers and Toby Stothard were awarded for their contribution at various disciplines.
From the girls Shindara Ayo-Adeyemo took the jumps award, a real all-rounder Shindara finished the season ranking 14th in the shot and 13th in the pentathlon. Beatrix Cooke with a ranking of 25th over 1500m was awarded the middle distance trophy with Breanna Dosumu (sprints), Maya Colese-Siklodi (hurdles), Maddie Moss (throws), Brooke Nowell, Macie Hall and Orla Martin were rewarded for their contributions as team players.
To the under 15`s and two very outstanding athletes lead the way. Joshua Babalola won titles with the English schools the number one event - he also ranked number one for the hammer and these efforts now rewarded with thrower of the year. This must have been a close call for Jeremy Andersen was also to rank number one in the UK in the shot putt apart from good ratings in the discus and pentathlon thus his award was now for outstanding performances. The sprint trophy was to go to Zachery Ikharebore, George Dixon (hurdles), Jake Read (jumps) and Joe Delaney (middle distance). Luke Webb and Jakub Skamla were rewarded for their improvements and outstanding efforts.
For the under 15 girls three awards were easily awarded. That for throws to Monica Malagala who ranks as UK number two in both shot and discus plus number eight in the hammer. Ezrah Harrold who rates at number two over the 800 metres and at six for the 1500m was the obvious choice for the middle distance award whilst the hurdles award went to Chelsea Clarke, an event which gives her a ranking of five - she also rates highly in the triple jump and pentathlon. Amy Pugsley claimed the jumps award, with her second place ranking in the triple jump being her best event although she also appears high amongst the high jump and pentathlon. The sprints award went to Alicja Yalaju whilst Maddie Poulter, Josephine Walsh and Ava King received recognition for their achievements. It would have been noted from league results all had been consistent competitors.
Such is the standard from the under 17 men all those to receive awards appear highly in those UK rankings. James Becker (sprints), Edward Hughes (hurdles), Charlie Pyner (jumps), Jacob Hurrell (middle distance) and Stephen Adesina (throws). Daniel Brown, Jack Hignett and Oscar Dove also have placings in those rankings but with the performances of those above lost out on their specific events but performances during the season in club fixtures and championships deserved their awards.
With the under 17 girls Matilda Hewitt - ranked ninth in shot putt and also appearing in the discus and hammer events was to be the winner of the throws award. Likewise Sophie Catchpole (hurdles) and Amelie Scott (jumps) and Milana Thorpe with her multi events performances all rank as seventh in the UK. Olivia Hall (sprints) and Sienna Shipton (middle distance) plus Lucy Bulman and Sophia Gavrilovic were recognised for outstanding performances by the team manager.
All the above were team manager awards, now long standing club awards followed with Ezrah Harrold and Fred Ferman collecting the 1500 metre trophies for the under 15 age group whilst Monica Malagala and Jeremy Andersen claimed the shot putt trophies.. The Melbourne Park shields were awarded to Harry Marshall and Matilda Hewitt with the trophies for most improved athletes going to Harry Lee and Sophie Catchpole. Finally Jacob Hurrell and Amelie Scott were awarded the trophies as Athletes of the year.
Report Written by Roy Meadowcroft
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