Seniors
Yarra Ranges Athletics athletes competed at the Athletics Victoria State Track & Field Championships over the weekend. The championships were held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with events for age groups from Under 14 through to Open Men & Women. Yarra Ranges Athletics had seven athletes compete over the weekend.
Fantastic performances by all our athletes, with special mentions for silver medallists Kiara Flavel (U17 1500m) and Sarah Ebbels (U17 Hammer Throw).
The championships continue next weekend with 8 Yarra Ranges athletes in action.
Littles
After almost 12 months of big competition days being banned, postponed or cancelled, the young athletes from Yarra Ranges Athletics were full of enthusiasm and excitement to be participating at the annual Box Hill Relays.
A team of 57 athletes aged from 7 to 15, hit the track to race in the full range of track relay events. The traditional 4x100m, 4x200m and the newly introduced Swedish Medley over 1000m – seeing athletes run 100m, 300m, 200m and 400m legs leading to many position changes in each race.
Conditions were perfect, and the large crew of parent team managers got the runners warmed up, and excited before each race.
The morning was the domain of the youngest runners, and the youngest of all the Yarra Ranges teams were the highlight – U8 Boys finished 3rd, and the U8 Girls finished first in the 4x100m. Their endeavour was matched by the other teams as many athletes raced 3 or 4 times in heats and finals giving 100% for their team. In a sign of true teamwork, a number ran in higher age groups to help fill teams and allow others the chance to race.
As the day continued into the afternoon, the races for age groups U12 and above filled the schedule. The Yarra Ranges crowd maintained their noisy support for all teams, and were witness to some spectacular racing.
In highly competitive fields, the U12 Girls were the stars, securing 3 podium finishes, 2nd in the Swedish Medley and the 4x200m, and 3rd in the 4x100m.
The U16 teams ran excellent races, and included several younger athletes running up in age groups to allow the teams to compete. The 3 podium finishes a just reward for teamwork. Many other teams raced both heats and finals, as an excellent preparation for the upcoming State Relay Championships.
The full list of podium teams were: Gold: U8 Girls 4x100m, U16 Boys Medley; Silver: U12 Girls Medley and 4x 200m, U16 Mixed Gender 4x200m and 4x100m; Bronze: U8 Boys 4x100m, U10 Boys 4x200m, U13 Boys 4x200m, U12 Girls 4x100m.
Thanks goes to the Team Managers, Coaches and all club supporters for the efforts organising, training, marshalling and cheering. It was a wonderful day of racing and demonstrating the Yarra Ranges Athletics team spirit. Club officials received several positive comments regarding the behaviour and acts of sportsmanship by our athletes and we are so proud of everyone who was there on the weekend.
Twilight this Friday – 6pm
This weeks round of little Athletics will be another Twilight Round on Friday night from 5.00pm (setup)/6:00pm (start) as we have Region track & Field Championships over the weekend.
Good luck to all our athletes representing Yarra Ranges Athletics at AV State and EMR Region Championships
The BBQ will be cooking burgers and sausages for dinner.
Region Track and Field Carnival
This weekend at Knox will be the Region Track and Field Carnival for our U9-U16 athletes. A revised timetable has been sent to everyone, please check your email.
DO NOT FORGET YOUR COMMONWEALTH BANK REGISTRATION PATCH!
Good luck to all athletes competing this weekend!
Region Relays
Region Relays has been cancelled and all teams have direct entry to the State Relay Championships at Casey on the 27th Mar for the U9-U12. The U13-U16 team will be entered in the following weeks when the portal opens. If anyone is unavailable to run on these days please contact info@yarrarangesathletics.org.au or call Katie on 0403 819391.
State Relays
LAVic has changed the schedule for State Relays and they are only going to run the 4×100 races. All 4×200 and Medleys have been cancelled. We had 32 teams entered but are now down to 12.
An email is being sent to all those who have shown an interest in relays this season. We are so sorry this is effecting so many of our athletes. Most will only have 1 run. We have the option to withdraw teams. Some will be willing to enjoy the experience for what it is but we understand that it is not for everyone.
Please check your email and let us know before Tuesday what your family plans. Large competitions have become so difficult because of COVID and LAVic staff are trying their best.
State Track & Field Championships
Plans for the State Track & Field Championships to be held at Lakeside Stadium on Sat 13th & Sun 14th March remain unchanged.
Yarra Ranges Athletics 