The next event is Saturday 6th March – 8:45am for warm up lap
Yarra Ranges Athletics athletes had a busy weekend of athletics as club athletes enjoyed a twilight round, Region Track & Field Championships and weekend two of Athletics Victoria State Track & Field Championships.
Check-in Check in via CS-sport app is still compulsory on arrival. Athletes will not need to check-in for events on the day as in previous seasons. Athletes will only need to advise the field event officials at the event site if they are scratching from a field event. Track events will be pre-seeded and if an athlete does not appear for their relevant heat, the event will operate with a blank lane. If athletes miss their time slot, the athlete will be allowed to compete in a later heat if there is availability but will not score points. Athletes must report into the event site no later than 10 minutes before the event start time to allow those on the wait list the opportunity to compete. Athletes who are not at the event site prior to the commencement of the event will be scratched.
Twilight
Twilight rounds are always a fun, enjoyable evening and a perfect way to end the school and work week. Our athletes and parents really made the most of the environment to post some excellent results and destroy far too many hamburgers for dinner. Back to a regular Saturday morning round next week.
EMR Track & Field Carnival
A fantastic team of little athletics athletes represented our club at the Eastern Region Track & Field Championships, held on the Knox Athletics track. There were far too many awesome performance to highlight. Once again our athletes excelled on and off the competition arena with their efforts, sportsmanship and team support. Thanks also to the parents for doing duty’s as required.
Congratulations to our medallists Sasha Carroll, Scarlett Wheeler, Kayla Paton, Zoe Clarke, Madison Wheeler, Emily Fiedler, Tia Crossland, Arizona Peel, Ky Harris, Bailey Van Bert, Mitchell Pointon and Beau McKinnon.
Athletics Victoria State Track & Field Championships
Our senior club competed at Lakeside Stadium on Saturday & Sunday.
Congratulations to medallists Kiara Flavel, Ashleigh Rooke and Hayley Wilkins.
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.
Thank you to everybody this week for your tenacity in the face of the circuit-breaker lockdown. We hope that everybody have been able to make the most of the time and get out in the fresh air for a run or a ride, and we are looking forward to seeing everybody this weekend for our Littles ‘Coles’ community round
This Saturday morning we will be having our ‘Coles’ Community Round. We have a special selfie frame on the day to take your best picture in! We are asking everyone to wear Red on the day, or dress up like a fruit or vegetable if you like! You don’t need to wear your club tops this week, have some fun and we look forward to a great morning. Just remember to wear your Commonwealth Bank Registration Patch. We have ten $10 Coles vouchers to give away to the best dressed athlete on the day! We look forward to seeing you all.
Saturday 20 – Javelin 8am for U11-U16
Saturday will be Program 2. U11-U16 will have Javelin at 8am. All other athletes will start at 9am. At the end of the program we will be running Relay practice for those who are available.
Box Hill Relays – Sunday 21
Box Hill relays this Sunday the 21st of February. An email has been sent to all of our 57 athletes booked in for this Sunday. If you have not received an email please call Katie on 0403 819391. We are hoping that restrictions will ease and the kids can do what they love and have a run with their friends! Please remember to wear your Commonwealth Bank registration patch, White YRA competition top with Coles patch and navy blue shorts. Good luck to all the athletes and have fun!!
Regional Track & Field Rescheduled to Feb 27/28
The EMR Track & Field at Knox that was postponed last week has been rescheduled to next weekend.
Seniors
Week 1 Victorian T&F Championships Date: Friday 19th – Sunday 21st February 2021 Location: Lakeside Stadium (Aughtie Drive, Albert Park) Please stay tuned for more information from AV regarding this weekend, with regulations being assessed to ensure whether the weekend can go ahead.
Check-in Check in via CS-sport app is still compulsory on arrival. Athletes will not need to check-in for events on the day as in previous seasons. Athletes will only need to advise the field event officials at the event site if they are scratching from a field event. Track events will be pre-seeded and if an athlete does not appear for their relevant heat, the event will operate with a blank lane. If athletes miss their time slot, the athlete will be allowed to compete in a later heat if there is availability but will not score points. Athletes must report into the event site no later than 10 minutes before the event start time to allow those on the wait list the opportunity to compete. Athletes who are not at the event site prior to the commencement of the event will be scratched.
** Compulsory Information ** You must have a face mask on your person at all times within the venue. Wear a mask if you cannot adhere to social distancing guidelines. Remain 1 person per 2sqm distanced. If you feel unwell stay at home. Remember to download the CS Sports App before arriving to the venue. This will speed up the CHECK IN process or arrival. Follow all information on all signs within the venue. Remember to CHECK IN using the CS Sports App. Follow all information on all signs within the venue.
For a detailed list of results on all AV events, the AV results hub is the place to go.
This weeks round of little Athletics is on Friday night from 5.30pm, our first twilight round for the season. Always a fun evening!
EMR Championships This Weekend
Yarra Ranges Athletics athletes have been competing and training as the Track & Field championship season approaches. Our Little Athletics athletes finally get to test themselves against other clubs at the Eastern Metro Region Championships to be held at the Knox Athletic Track next weekend. Two days of fun, sweat and tears as our athletes strive for more PB’s.
Good luck to the Under 9 through Under 16 athletes competing at Region Track and Field this Saturday and Sunday! Thank you to our wonderful parents and officials for doing duty so our athletes can compete. A separate email will be sent with a duty roster and information for the weekend. If you need any help before then please call Katie on 0403 819391.
PB Round
The club helped these athletes prepare with our annual “PB Round” on Saturday. Athletes got the opportunity to ring the bell for every PB… It was a very noisy morning of athletics! We look forward to seeing more fantastic performances at “regions” this weekend.
Seniors
Our senior athletes have plenty of competitions over the next few weeks. More rounds of AVSL, Vic Milers, HVC, Vic Throwers and State Championships all happening in the next 3-4 weeks. Good luck to all our athletes participating.
Round six of AVSL was held in at several locations around Victoria, with many club athletes competing. Good luck to athletes competing at Vic Milers on Tuesday evening and Victorian 5km champs on Thursday evening.
Club Presentations
The club was finally able to present awards for the 2019-20 Little Athletics season. The “normal’ presentation day was thwarted by COVID-19, however the wait was certainly worth it. Our club and age group champions were among the many awards presented on Saturday morning at Morrison Reserve.
Results HQ
All of our athletes results are loaded into Results HQ every week. Log in to see your PBs and other results. If there is any issues with this please contact info@yarrarangesathletics.org.au
Relays
Box Hill Relay (Sunday 21 Feb) & EMR Region Relay (Sunday 28 Feb) teams will be announced at the end of this week. Please let us know if your athlete is unable to run at either of these days, asap, so we can make arrangements for the team to run! Thank you to those athletes coming to run for Yarra Ranges. It looks like we are taking the biggest team of athletes from Yarra Ranges in a number of years! Looking forward to two great days of team racing!
BOX HILL RELAY DAY – SUNDAY 21st FEBRUARY – U8-U16 The Day will be broken into U8-U11 in the morning and the U12-U16 in the afternoon. This year the U8-U11 will NOT have mixed teams (Boys & Girls) So unfortunately the U8 will only have one race 4×100. The U9-U12 can race 4×100, 4×200 and Medley. U12-U16 will have mixed races and can run in up to 4 races, dependent on athletes available.
EASTERN METRO REGION RELAY DAY – SUNDAY 28th FEBRUARY – U9-U12 (track tbc) Just for the U9-U12, as the U13-U16 will have direct entry to State Relays. Athletes will run in up to 4 races this year as there is no heats, just straight finals.
STATE RELAY DAY – SATURDAY 27th MARCH – U9-U12 – Casey Fields Teams will have qualified through Region Relay Day – This year Relays is over 2 days. More teams will qualify this year in the 4×200 and the Medley.
STATE RELAY DAY – SUNDAY 28th MARCH – U13-U16 – Casey Fields No qualifiers needed. Direct entry for the U13-U16 age groups. We would love to have at least 4 athletes from each age group, boys and girls. Hopefully even more from our bigger age groups! Athletes can be promoted up 2 age groups to form teams. Please text Katie on 0403 819391 or sign up at the Registration Table on Saturday.
Relays are a fun, team orientated event and we encourage all children to participate. As a club we enjoy the whole day competing against other clubs from around the region and state. The children enjoy spending the day with friends from our club and making new friends with other athletes while doing what they love!
This year, athletes can compete in up to 4 events, up from 3. Teams compete in a number of different events, 4 x100m; 4 x200m mixed, 4x100m, 4x200m and the Swedish Relay for girls & boys.
Due to clashes with the calendar, this season only the Region Relays Carnivals will only be for U9-U12 athletes to qualify for the State Relays. The U13-U16 athletes will have a direct entry into the State Relays, with unlimited Team entries. All events at the Region and State Relays are Timed Finals only, and seeding at State is based on performance at Region. The number of events an athlete can compete in increases from 3 to 4. As all events are either Finals or Timed Finals, depending on entries, Team changes no longer exist on the day. Team changes can still occur between Region and State Relays. The number of teams that qualify for the State Relays in the U9-U12 age groups has increased for the 4×200 and the Medley. The 4×200 is now 24 teams, previously 16, the Mixed Sex 4×200 is now 16 teams previously 8, and the Medley is now 16 teams, previously 8.
If you would like more information please have a chat to Kate Downward, Nick Fiedler, Dannie McKinnon or Katie Clarke.
Safety
Track Safety It is essential that we all work together to try and reduce the chance of incident and injury during our competitions (and training). Please keep the following guidelines in mind when moving around the track: – Before crossing the track, look left and right – treat it like a road. – Groups needing to move from one side to the other, walk around the outside of the track. Avoid walking across the infield or across the jumps and throws areas. – Do not cross the track near the finish line, move well past before looking and crossing. – It is understood that sometimes it is unavoidable to have young (toddler) siblings with a supervising parent. On those occasions they must be kept well clear of event areas at all times. – Equipment use is for competition (and training), if athletes are using outside of competition, they are to be fully supervised and only using with correct competition or training technique.
A few more event specific safety requirements: – High Jump: Mats are only for use during competition. Playing on mats at other times is not allowed. – Discus: Watching athletes are not to stand at the net, stand or sit back away from the nets. Don’t play in front of the net area (not even to the side of the tape) – Shot put: Only adult officials to be in front of the thrower. All watching athletes are to sit behind the thrower. – Un-laned (lap) Races: Remind athletes to give others running space, particularly when passing. Don’t cut in front of others, run straight to avoid tripping others over. – Finish line area: Fast moving athletes and spectators don’t mix. Keep well clear of the finish line (even for taking photos). Circular race (800/400) athletes only move to the start cones when called up by the starters.
YRA Little athletes had an excellent day out on the blue track at Albert Park lake for the State Combined Event Championships, with six athletes competing. It has been a year since Little Athletics Victoria has had a state competition and it was good to see how all the athletes embraced competition again.
Some PBs, lots of fun and a great experience against quality opposition. A huge congratulations to all of our Littles who gave it their all in the Ranges colours. We can’t wait to see you all racing again soon!
PB Round This Week
This weekend is PB round. A chance to chase your Personal Bests in the events of your choice! You get to choose the 4 events you would like to compete in to see if you can snag yourself the special trophy at the end of year Presentation Day. If this is your first PB day and not sure what to do please message info@yarrarangesathletics.org.au or call Dannie on 0407 867 852. Our Under 6 athletes will be staying together as a group and competing in their own Combined Event Day.
Please note there is an 8am start for those wanting to get a PB in javelin and an 8:30am start for those wanting a PB in the walk or hurdle events.
2019/20 Summer Presentation This Saturday
To our members and athletes from the Summer of 2019-2020,
It is no secret that last year was interrupted, difficult, frustrating and perhaps even scary or sad. We hope that you were all able to navigate the challenges with the support of family and friends.
The Committee is excited to invite all athletes that qualified for trophies from last Summer to come to the track at Morrison Reserve on Saturday 6th February from 11am to be part of the formal presentation. 50% participation is required for a trophy to be produced, please check with us via reply e-mail if unsure.
Equally, the Committee is thankful for the support and understanding that many of our members and families have shown as each version of a plan was erased by the many changes to government and sporting restrictions.
The plan for the morning is to present our major awards first from 11am, then present the age group awards. It is hoped that all awards will be handed out by 12pm. If you are unable to attend, please reply so we can make alternative arrangements for collecting trophies or awards.
As a brief summary of why it has taken this long to arrange a Presentation activity. The starting point was a desire to give the event some importance, rather than just issuing trophies from an empty room. When the season was cut short in March 2020, it seemed that group gatherings would not be possible for some time, so the original plan was for an October presentation to re-launch the new season.
Unfortunately, by the time October arrived, we were under far more complicated restrictions, with only small groups possible for several weeks. The volume of work required by our volunteer committee to just ensure competition could be provided with the restrictions made it difficult to add anything extra.
It is hoped that our families understand the challenges for everyone involved. While it is a long way from ideal, the trophies and awards will recognise and help us remember the season of 2019/20.
Regional Track and Field has been granted approval from the State Government!
Registrations will be opened this afternoon and close on Friday at Midday.
All athletes in the U9 – U16 age groups will be advised by email when the portal has opened.
There is no cap on numbers, but don’t leave it till too late. Once registration is closed no late entries are accepted.
Reminder this year that athletes can compete in up to 5 events.
Regions is at Knox Athletics Track on the Weekend of 13th and 14th February. There will be a guide to which days have events for your age group on the LAVic website. If anyone needs more information please message us and we can help you.
YRA Littles were presented with their certificates and medals from our combined event on Dec 12.
We were treated with the Zatopek:10 held at Box Hill, well and truly making up for the absence of live athletics from last year. Featuring another (and official) World Record run from Jaryd Clifford, the evening did not disappoint!
Words below from Athletics Australia
The Australian Summer of Athletics is now underway, with the first event of the season, the ever-prestigious Zatopek:10 taking place in Box Hill overnight. Rose Davies (Scott Westcott) etched her name into the history books as the 2020 Australian Women’s 10,000m national champion, with a remarkable 31:39.97 – which included a 65-second last lap. And seven years after winning his first Zatopek:10 Rio Olympian Brett Robinson (Nic Bideau) was crowned the Australian Men’s 10,000m national champion for 2020 after taking out the title in a time of 28:00.25. DAVIES AND ROBINSON TAKE OUT PRESTIGIOUS ZATOPEK:10 TITLES
And, in typical fashion, Jaryd Clifford had an inspiring message for athletics fans post race. “Paralympic athletes should be rock stars like our Olympic counterparts, I’ve always looked up to people like Ryan Gregson and I’ve always looked up to people like Michael Roeger,” he said. “I think that’s how everyone in athletics should do it – have heroes that are Olympians and have heroes that are Paralympians.” “We are one team.” CLIFFORD BREAKS WORLD RECORD
Bendigo Country Championships
Congratulations to everybody who competed at the Bendigo Country Championships last weekend.
Upcoming Little Aths Program
8am start for older age group Javelin (Sat Dec 30).
In spite of some wintery conditions, Littles and Seniors both went ahead with some fantastic results to boot!
Littles will be back at the track with what is looking to be ideal conditions, Seniors AVSL will be returning in a few weeks.
Two Bays
An absolutely massive thanks to the our amazing volunteers last Sunday who braved an early start to run the Two Bays Trail Run carpark! This will secure the club a healthy little funding boost to get us through the summertime.
Jane & Jamie Pointon, Katie Clarke, Jamie Strudley, James Laven, Luke Hunter, Bryan Ackerly, Graeme Woolridge, Anne-Marie Ebbels & Susan Taylor
This week marks the return of Littles at Morrison Reserve and Seniors AVSL, with our home venue this week for Seniors being Bill Stewart Reserve.
Please note updates to the Seniors calendar as well as some important information about Little Aths Relays and the State Combined Event, information for both can be found further down the newsletter.
Funding relief
Yarra Ranges Little Athletics Centre has been given a much-needed funding boost for its upcoming season thanks to a $4,900 grant from Coles.
The Little Athletics centre in Mt Evelyn is one of 158 grassroots sports club across Australia to share in $521,000 for sports equipment from the latest round of the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund. It is the single largest round of grants distributed to Little Athletics centres since the Fund was established two years ago to support little athletes hoping to follow in the footsteps of champions like Sally Pearson and Brandon Starc.
The grant comes amid research from the Australian Sports Foundation in July which estimated that over 16,000 local sports clubs were at risk of closing due to reduced revenues and increased costs arising from COVID-19. Yarra Ranges Little Athletics’ Treasurer Jane Pointon said the grant to purchase a new electronic starting kit, speakers and tablets will help get its athletes and volunteers back on track after a tough year. “The new equipment will significantly improve the experience of our athletes, volunteers and their families and ensure our competition days can run more efficiently,” he said. Coles State General Manager Mark O’Connor said Coles was pleased to support the Yarra Ranges’ budding athletes and parent volunteers.
“We know it’s been a difficult six months for everyone involved in community sport, particularly little athletes. We hope news of this grant of nearly $5,000 to Yarra Ranges Little Athletics centre will give their athletes, families and volunteers a morale boost ahead of the new season,” he said. “Coles is passionate about helping kids lead healthier, happier lives.
That’s why we’re delighted to have raised more than $363,000 in Victoria and $1.68 million nationally for local sports clubs through the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund in just two years.” Funds for the grant are raised through the sale of specially marked chiller bags designed by Aussie kids, with ten per cent of every bag sold directed to the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund.
Relays
Entries close soon for the regional relays.
Check the calendar and get those entries in as soon as possible.
Coaching
Coach Kate Downward will be holding training sessions this week, Tuesday at 9am, Wednesday at 4pm and Thursday at 9am.
And so 2021 arrives! No doubt there is a lot of excitement for everyone stepping into a new year with new challenges awaiting. With Littles and Seniors both returning on the 16th of January we hope that everyone has had the chance to relax and recharge the batteries for another busy time of aths. The Seniors calendar has been updated to AVs most recent iteration so be sure to take a look.
A few big things have happened this week for some of our senior athletes.
Sydney to Melbourne Ultra-marathon
Past president of the club Michael Clarke competed in the virtual Sydney to Melbourne ultramarathon, he successfully completed 1006.9km over 99 days and 82 hours of running. It is hoped that given the virtual nature of the run he didn’t have to quarantine on his way into Melbourne.
Congratualtions Michael!
“A virtual challenge completed. 1000km in 100 days. In the world of serious runners, they are numbers that are barely a blip. For me it was a challenge to get my fitness back and get ready for racing again in 2021.
What made the challenge possible and enjoyable was knowing that I had my YRA running family. A club full of support and understanding. Even though goals and sessions are different, knowing there will be others ‘turning up’ makes chasing goals easier, sharing struggles less heavy, celebrating success more fun. Looking forward to the next challenge and sharing it with YRA.”
Off to Uni
It is with great excitement that we wish Harry Norman – our resident XCR champion – all the best for his departure to Temple University. Harry has been an inspirational figure in the senior team and we are so proud to see him pursuing his dreams.
