HASTINGS ATHLETIC CLUB
Back to Home Page
HASTINGS ATHLETIC CLUB |
||
Back to Home Page |
||
|
|
|
Chairmans View
Hello everyone, and a warm welcome to all new members. It`s probably an over-used phrase "doesn`t time fly?" but 2001 certainly did. The club's status in the County is flying high as well. All of our teams and individuals are currently doing very well indeed. I suppose the ladies team should have a special mention with promotion yet again! The men's team fought doggedly again and the Vets kept up their very high standards. It makes me very proud to see our young athletes coming through to the senior ranks, all home grown and a tribute to the dedication of our coaches and officials. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those coaches for their time and enthusiasm, and for the way they work to make the training sessions so enjoyable (and still get the hard work done). Thanks also to the committee, supporters and everyone who has contributed to moulding people into athletes, and our athletes into ambassadors of the town. This year there has been talk of changes needed in the sport from various bodies, maybe there is, but you can be assured that this club will always work towards the best interest of it`s members. One last word ,we are desperate for help in all areas. Please if you have any time to spare contact me, or any committee member at the track. REG WILD
Athlete
of the Year Wayne Martin
CHAMPIONS of 2001
Heartiest Congratulations to all of our County Champions
SUSSEX CHAMPIONS
Aaron Good 400m 57.96s
Aaron Good 800m 2:15.47
Aaron Good Pentathlon 2116 pts
Nicholas Smith Long Jump 6.11m
Frances O'Gorman Hammer 26.69m
Andy Hitch 400m Hurdles 57.99
Steve Standen 3000m S/C 10:08.9
Paula Coombs Hammer 33.59m
Celia Tambeh 3000m Walk 23:59.60
SUSSEX SCHOOLS CHAMPIONS
Kate Butters Javelin 27.84m
Mieke Howell 300m Hurdles 46.6s
SUSSEX VETERANS CHAMPIONS
Paula Coombs Shot Putt 9.65m
Paula Coombs Discus 28.01m
Paula Coombs Hammer 35.70m
Roland Garrad Triple Jump 9.78m
Ladies Team Review
LADIES TEAM MAKE HISTORY
The ladies put the disappointment of last year behind them and gained promotion to Division 2 of the Southern Women's League for the first time in the history of the Club. Four of the six matches were won and we ran Belgrave to within 9 points at their home match. Fourth place at Watford now appears an odd result in comparison. A wet start at Bexley did not dampen the team spirit as we won by a massive 41 points ahead of the home club to lie in third place in the league. No personal best's were achieved due to the conditions, but 19 individual victories, including a clean sweep of the senior sprints, relays and hammer and the junior javelin set the tone for the season. It was encouraging to welcome five juniors to their first ever match. Match 2 meant a long trip to St Albans, but the journey was made worthwhile with another victory by 8 points and a healthy fourth in the league. Sixteen individual victories, including no fewer than eleven from the throwing events, and ten pb's were gained. Under 17 Kate Butters made her debut in the senior squad by winning both the shot and javelin with two pb's. Match 3 involved another long journey to Watford and the only disappointing result of the year. Despite twelve pb's and individual victories the team could only manage fourth place and a drop to sixth in the league. The throws again produced six of these wins. The match points would have been even less if a number of athletes had not filled in for absent colleagues by covering events not normally in their repertoire. The next match took us to Battersea to take on the runaway league leaders from Belgrave. Undaunted by their reputation, ten individual victories and six pb's brought the team to within nine points of causing a major upset and lifted us back to fourth place in the league. Match 5 at Kingston was a tense affair. The holiday season, as usual, deprived the team of a number of athletes and we were unable to fill five spaces on the team sheet. This would have been more but for athletes once again filling odd events. Ten wins and seven pb's disguises the effort put in by all athletes as the result was in doubt right up to the final event with the home club and ourselves never being more than one or two points apart all afternoon. Second place in all three relays against a first, fourth and fifth by the home club took us to victory by just two points. A comparatively low winning score meant a drop to fifth place in the league. An abandoned match at Bury St Edmunds involving the Windsor club meant that our true league position going into the final match was sixth, just nine points behind Salisbury in the last promotion spot. Windsor had only failed to win one of their four completed matches and would probably be no lower than second when their points were adjusted, so we knew it would be a hard match to win and also get the necessary ten points more than Salisbury if we were to gain that all important fifth place. We went into the match with home advantage and just about our strongest line up. Windsor showed their strength with twenty-six victories to our seventeen, but twenty-four second places to their nine showed our strength in depth and brought overall victory by nine points. Salisbury achieved thirty-eight points less and our promotion spot was secured. I am grateful to Jo Larkin and Alison Collie for jointly acting as team manager for the matches at Watford and Battersea during my sojourn to Brisbane. I think they will testify to the difficulties of getting athletes to turn up and to fill in events other than those they think they should be doing. I hope that theirs and my team selections justify the final outcome of achieving the most points possible at the end of the day. Statistics reveal that five athletes competed in all six matches, Francesca Gregory and Rebecca Bicknell for the juniors and Mieke Howell, Angela Walpole and Alison Collie for the seniors. Francesca and Mieke also headed the points scoring tables, Francesca achieving eight wins from her sixteen events contested and Mieke fourteen from her seventeen events. Mieke gained six of her wins from the 300m hurdles being unbeaten at this event all season with a best time of 48.8s in the final match. Alison Collie competed in the most events with twenty-three, including five wins, Paula Coombs had eleven wins from her nineteen events and Rebecca Bicknell six from seventeen. The juniors achieved thirty-five graded performances and the seniors sixteen. Top performances were by Frances O'Gorman with a Grade 1 and new U17 Club Record of 32.75m in the hammer and Cindy Pollington and Lara Whitaker who gained Grade 1 for under 13 girls in the high jump 1.41m and javelin 26.25m respectively. Five Grade 2 standards were also achieved. I cannot let this tremendous season pass without thanking all the athletes for their efforts and also the officials, without whom no match can take place, and last but not least the parents who helped and supported the team. Next season will not be easy. The competition will undoubtedly be harder and we may be losing a number of top athletes from most of the matches, as they will be away at University. We wish them all good luck and hope they are successful in their studies. Those remaining will, I know, give of their best and do their utmost to keep us in Division 2. Roland 'Rat' Garrad Team Manager
Senior Men's Track & Field Review 2001
This has been a tremendous effort by all the athletes in both teams this year. We knew after the previous season there were no easy matches in the first division, and this rang true for most of the season. The summer of 2001 can also be put down as the season of injuries. Never in the time I have been associated with club have I known so many injuries due to hamstrings, calf muscles etc, through all the team competitors. Those who were able to make the matches put up one fantastic effort after another, with everyone determined in both teams to ensure that no event went by with out being contested. There was also a further challenge for the 'B' team, with the amalgamation of divisions 4 and 5, to make 4east and 4west, a much stronger league than the team had been in before. The first matches at Basingstoke and Ryston nearly beat us before we started with transport problems for the B team and delays, due to a motorway accident for the A team. The A team, was even more decimated when athletes started to pull up injured, but the 'fitter' team members ensured no event went by without representation, and they all offered without being asked! The second round of matches were at home and fine all round performances ensured two good second places which offered hope for the season. For one team the hope was justified, but for the other, the struggle carried on, and unfortunately this resulted in relegation from division one, but the 'B' team finished the season in a fine mid-table position. This season was also to be our final match in the B.A.L. Cup. A fine all round team performance resulted in fifth place in the second round. It would seem that in future this competition is to be a combined match for joint men's and women's teams, aimed at the larger clubs, and with just a semi-final and final there would be little joy in turning up. What now for 2002? The 'A' team will find life in division two a lot more bearable, and should bounce right back to the top division, especially with the many u17 athletes from last year who will be in the u20 age group in 2002. the 'B' team may have further challenges, as due to an administrative error, at the time of writing, we find ourselves in division 4 west, but again, I believe the competition may be slightly easier than division 4 east (I hope I do not live to eat those words!). I can only re-iterate the words of Mark Burgess from last year "Hastings athletes can move into 2002 confident of the support of an enthusiastic committee and team of background workers, a tradition of being one of the friendliest and most supportive clubs in the country and a team spirit second to none!" This I believe to be totally true On behalf of the athletes we thank our coaches, officials, family, partners, friends and helpers for their continued support during the year. Steve Roberts
Young Athletes Team Review To follow
Hastings AC Veterans Report for the year 2001
It has been a most successful year in 2001 for the Veterans in Hastings AC. For the 4th time in succession the Women won the Women's Division of the Sussex Veterans League and the Men improved of the 3rd position in 2000 to 2nd in 2001.. Although there were some very good individual performances for example Karen Anscombe broke the Veteran women's Triple Jump and High Jump records, essentially It was a team effort since it was only by filling practically every event that these high team positions were achieved. Individually Paula Coombs won four gold medals in the Women's O/35events at the Sussex championships at Horsham. She came 1st in the shot put, discus , and javelin And finally first in the hammer with a throw of 36.10m which was a Championship Best Performance. At the same championships Celia Tambeh competed in no less than 11 events in the Over 45 age group securing three silver medals. It has been a great year for Wayne Martin. He came 3rd in the British Veterans Indoor Pentathlon at Cardiff and followed that up by Coming 16th in the European Indoor Pentathlon at Bordeaux with a personal best score. Wayne certainly used his multi-events to the fore in one Southern League Match where He competed in no less than 14 events for Hastings AC,. Finally three Hastings AC athletes Reg Wild, Cass Balch and Roland Garrad traveled to Brisbane to compete in the World Veterans Championships. The best performance came from Reg Wild who qualified for the Semi-finals of the over 60`s 800m just missing out on the final and run 2nd leg from Great Britain in the 4x400m relay just missing out on a medal as the team finished 4th. I am sure if the athletes can build upon their success in 2001, then 2002 can also be a great year for Hastings AC Veteran athletes. Paul Emerson Veterans Team Manager
Cross Country Review
It has a busy year for Hastings AC athletes with competitors taking part in both the Sussex Cross Country League and the Sunday East Sussex Cross Country League. Certainly Pete Standen has been to the fore not only winning his over 60 age races but finishing high up in open cross country races. However one of the best performances from a Hastings AC athlete in cross country in 2001, came from Joanna Hinde who was 11th overall and 3rd junior in representing Sussex in the Senior/Junior women's race South of England Inter-counties cross-country championships at Bury St Edmonds on Saturday 8 December. At the same meeting Emily Loughman was 38th in the U17 women's race, James Mountford was 37th in the U17 men's race, whilst Simon Baker was 38th in the U15 boys race. A week earlier on Saturday 1st December Hastings AC athletes put in some fine efforts in the Sussex Veteran Championships held at Pestalozzi village near Sedlescombe. In the Women's over 45`s race there was a superb run from Jeanette Hardwick who came 3rd in 24-47 and with help from June Hulls and Chris Sanderson, Hastings AC finished 2nd place in this age group. In the Men's over 60s race there was great run from Pete Standen who crossed the line 1st in 34-23. In the Sussex Cross Country League Hastings AC have dominated the Men`s U17 age group,with fine performances from Mark Barham, Lee Emanuel, Paul Wilson. and James Mountford. However I end the article with a plea although Tina Brady has kindly volunteered to take running the Women's cross country team the Club still needs someone to take charge of the Men's cross country team. Paul Emerson .
Road Running Review
Despite the lack of athletes Hastings AC roadrunners nevertheless still put in memorable performances on the road in 2001. Teamwise the highlight of the year was the Southern Road relays at Rushmoor Arena Aldershot on 30 Sept Where the U17 team achieved their best ever position of 6th place Overall in 51-59. Lee Emanuel led the team off over the course of3875m with a great time of 12-05 which was the 2nd fastest of the day. He was followed by Mark Barham In 12-41, James Mountford in 13-21 and Paul Wilson in 13-42. In the Sussex Road Road relays held on 31 March at Christ`s Hospital Horsham The best result of the day came in the Veteran Men Over 50`s race where Hastings AC Did wonderfully well to finish 2nd in 37-21. Pete Standen clocked 12-34, Reg Wild 13-13 and there was a great leg from Bob Beaney who finished 11-34. At the same relays the Senior Men's team finished 3rd in 65-25. James Mountford ran a fine leg of 10-55, he was followed by Daniel Wicks in 10-29, Nick Lambert 11-19, Mark Vidler 11-15, Steve Standen 10-49 and Daniel Anderson in 10-38.. Due to the availability of Hastings Seafront Hastings AC promoted for the first on 22 September road relays on Bexhill seafront and there was a great performance For the Senior Men's team who finished 3rd. Daniel Wicks led off the team in 16-09 followed by Emile Tambeh 16-49, Mark Barham 16-27, Dan Anderson 16-21 and Lee Emanuel 17-10.Hastings AC Senior Mens team were also the first team home in the Hastings half marathon held in March. Henry Mountcastle was 12th in 1.13-26, Steve Standen was 14th in 1-14-31, Daniel Anderson was 15th in 1-14.52 and Emile Tambeh was 55th in 1.21.03. Individually there were a few Hastings AC competitors who took part in the Sussex Road Racing Grand Prix held over 17 races during 2001. Alan Bontoft was 4th in the men's Vets League over 40,and Syd Rivers was 2nd in the Men's Vets league over 60.Also there was a great effort in the Hastings half marathon from Henry Mountcastle who was the first local and Sussex athlete to finish. Finally at the present time Hastings AC do not have a Road Running Team Manager If anyone would like to fill this position please contact the club.
Secretary's Report
Secretary's Report 2001 Having only taken over this task after the AGM I am still feeling my way. I must thank Anne Wilson for all her hard work during her time as Secretary and hope I can maintain her standards. The main Committee and all the Sub-Committees have met regularly to ensure that all matters relating to the Club have been dealt with throughout the year. The success of any club is always measured by it's results and we can, once again, be proud of another successful year from our under 13 teams right through to the veterans. However, success by the athletes must be backed up by a successful management structure and I am pleased to congratulate all the Committee members, coaches and managers on their efforts towards this end. British Athletics continues to be looking for changes and these changes will undoubtedly have some effect on this Club. The timing of such changes is still not definite, but the Committee will monitor the situation and make representation as necessary to try and ensure that any changes do not detract from the ability of the Club to continue to compete at the highest possible level. The management of William Parker Track is giving cause for concern to the Club and our representatives are actively trying to improve this situation. Lack of support by both the Borough and County Councils has meant that few meetings of the Management Committee have been held this year and there has been little money available to maintain the track and equipment. We can only hope that things will improve in 2002 and that we will still have a good quality facility available for training and matches. As a non-competing member I wish all our teams and individual athletes another good year of competition in 2002. Margaret Garrad
Financial Report for Year 2000/2001
Our Auditor, Peter Rogers, an ex member of the Club and still a very good friend of it, has introduced "accruals accounting" into our Accounts this year and consequently we made a small profit! Actually, quite rightly, Peter had taken into account the generous sponsorship we were due to receive from Rother Council, for the Seafront relays we now hold there, which was not forthcoming until after the end of the Financial Year when we had already spent out on advertising etc. Consequently, our opening balance of £7335.87 becomes a closing balance of £7632.15; a "profit" of £296 .28. Again, it is very difficult to make many comparisons between this year's receipts and expenditure and last. They are so different; match venues and distance etc. affect costs. However there are some areas where comparisons can be made. The income on membership subscriptions was down about £700, despite there being a modest increase in subscriptions. This perhaps indicates that the initial "euphoria" of an all-weather track has now worn off. So we have fewer Members, and possibly also more non-payers (perhaps this will prick some consciences). Despite the reduction in the number of Members however, the training fees received for the Gym during the winter, the Gym during the summer, when it is used for circuit training, and the track, for the whole year, only varied by £25 from the previous year, which shows that the Members we have retained train more! The receipts we receive for track sessions go nowhere near to paying for the rental costs we have to pay. For the facilities available to us, and the support we get, the charges can only be politely described as exorbitant! No other Club that we are aware of pay as much. Many pay less and their payment includes the support of staff at league meetings to move equipment etc. The rental costs are an issue the Club Committee has to address and resolve this year. Our biggest loss area is, as usual, Transport, subsidised to the tune of nearly £2000. Partly this is the cost of success! The more we succeed, the further we have to travel and a subsidised fare is a way the Club can say "Thank you" to the Athletes for their efforts. One reason for a slight increase in the costs is the Club's involvement in the Sussex under 13 League. For those who have witnessed any of these meetings I am sure they will agree it is a fully justified expense and the effort of trying to get out of Hastings to the west at about 5.15pm is worth it! At the end of the day, however, the Club's operation at its current level would not be viable without the efforts of the Fund-Raising Committee. They provide the jam (and some of the butter) for the Club's bread! Their net contribution to the Club's coffers was well over £2000. In the absence of any Fairy Godfathers, or Mothers, the Club needs every penny, or perhaps even Euro, they can raise. Will you please support them as much as you can with all their activities. One final point, I believe that our Athletes do as much to "talk up Hastings" as any other organisation. We are the Town's best Ambassadors when we travel. Consequently, any local organisation with any funds to give in sponsorship, should seriously consider Hastings A C. We are the Club that is promoting the Town and possibly attracting business. If any Member of the Club is aware of any person or organisation who might be willing to sponsor perhaps a Team or a home meeting, will they let me or any Committee Member know. Lionel Parr Hon. Treasurer
Hastings AC Fund Raising Sub-Committee Report 2001
It has been another successful year for the Fund-Raising sub-committee with over £2000 raised for Club Funds. Our main fund raising event of the year was the Grand Raffle held in conjunction with the southern Women's home match on Saturday 1st September. This raffle raised over £950 and all the prizes including the three main ones of £200, £100, and £50 were generously donated by local people or firms. Thank you very much for all the donors who donated a prize The other main source of fund-raising came from the profits made from the catering At our home Athletic matches. For 2002 we plan to hold a Barn dance in February again hosted by the very popular Catsfield Steamers. I must thank the rest of the fund raising committee for the support during the year Namely Jean Wild, Jan Fuller, Roy Cutting, John Butters and Margaret Walpole Without their help the funds would certainly have not been raised. However I end the report with a plea due to resignations the Fund Raising Committee is left with just 5 members. If anyone would like to join the Fund Raising Committee must contact Paul Emerson on 01424 431278.
Hastings
Award Winners