Click here for all the latest Geelong Regional Cross Country Team results and news

 Get Geelong Athletics news delivered to your browser
 

Richard Lawysz, Geelong Athletics President, has won the inaugural Julius L Patching Official of the Year Award
An important message from Don Blyth

Colleagues

I am delighted to advise you that the Chairman of the Officials Sub-Committee and Education Officer, Richard Lawysz, has won the inaugural Julius L Patching Official of the Year Award.

The award covers all Olympic sports and Richard won from a strong field of nominations from other sports.

Richard was presented with the award by Julius Patching at the AGM of the Victorian Olympic Council on Wednesday night.

Regards

Don
DON BLYTH | OFFICIALS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER | ATHLETICS VICTORIA

Congratulations to Richard from everyone involved in Geelong Athletics on receiving this prestigious award which recognises his achievements and dedication to the sport of athletics at all levels.

'GJ McDonald Real Estate' Geelong Athletics Cross Country, Eastern Park BBQ Rotunda, Sunday, 29nd June 2008 (Full Results)
by Geoff McDonald

A strong wind and rain did not help runners performing at their best over 3.5km or 7km through Eastern Park and on the walk path on Sunday in the GJ McDonald & Co. Real Estate Cross Country run.

Jackson Hamill-Beach continued his domination of the junior one lap run followed by Bevan Shelley whilst Madeline Crawford led the female field to be first across the line. Samantha Sloss took line honours over the longer distance.

Greg Steenvoorden has continued to improve throughout the season and he took line honours in the senior one lap run with Sharon Hockley being the first female across the line. Whilst Rick Hajduk easily won the two lap senior racen there was a close struggle for second place between Mario Profaca and new season runner Richard Bobholz with Mario beating Richard by 14 secs. Karen Wood took line honours in the female section.

Sharon Hockley has improved immensely since starting walking last season at Twilight Trot. She is now running the cross country courses and her training mid week is paying off. Congratulations Sharon.

Congratulations to Madeline Crawford – 150km, Allan Wishart - 200km, Debbie Shelley – 250km & Chris Colley 550km for achieving milestones.

A special achievement award was made to Michael Panckridge for reaching 1000km with the Club.

The next run will be held next Sunday (6th July) at Deakin University at the Baseball Pavilion commencing at 1.15pm. Participants have a choice of either 3.8km or 7.6km run on the exercise path course. Everyone is welcome to join us. For further information please contact Geoff or Mary McDonald on 5229 3920.
 

ATHLETICS VICTORIA CROSS COUNTRY RELAYS: JELLS PARK, 19th APRIL

On a beautiful autumn afternoon, a small, but dedicated Geelong Region crew tackled many other teams in the first race of the Athletics Victoria Cross Country season. At the sun-soaked picturesque Jells Park, four Geelong teams competed in the Cross Country Relay competition.

In their defence of last year’s Premiership, the Division One Men’s team were always likely to be victorious fielding a team boasting two current Olympians in Craig Mottram and Lee Troop. Brett Coleman (18.56) got the team off to a solid start, while Michael McNaughton (19.25) and Andre La Gerche (18.59) consolidated the position to hand over to Lee, who ran beautifully to record a time of 17.23 minutes. Sandwiched between the two Australian Beijing representatives, Colin Thornton (18.55) put in a fine performance placing Craig into third position at the start of the final leg. It was great to see the crowd appreciate the free flowing running of Craig Mottram as he burned up the Jells Park course to record a sizzling time of 16.39 minutes for the 6km and take Geelong to a famous victory.

Unfortunately, due to an illness to Freyja Troop, the Women’s Division One team were unable to field a full team, however Kristen Wyatt (22.31), Cathryn Hoare (25.31) and a new recruit to the Division One team this year, Eliesha Byrt (32.01), all ran strongly in the very warm conditions.

Five of the six Junior Women team members ran for the first time in the Geelong singlet (or crop top). In the Under 16 Women’s team, Clare Hodgson (11.45) ran a slick time to pass over to newcomers Wendy Parish (12.17) and Shantelle Maurer (13.13) to finish in a creditable 7th position. This is a fine achievement considering both Wendy and Shantelle are eligible for the Under 14 age group. Thanks girls, for being so willing to help us field a team we otherwise would not have had.

In the Women’s Under 14 competition, the combination of Jmara Hockley-Samon (11.31), Darcie Verstraten (12.02) and younger sister Claudia Verstraten (11.32), managed to win a bronze medal in their first outing for the Geelong team, which was an excellent effort – well done girls.

Thanks must also go to Lyn Taylor and Peter Samon for fulfilling the important role of duty officials for AV and to Andrew Hodgson and Jack Verstraten for managing the junior teams.

Geelong Region Team Awards: JELLS PARK RELAYS

BUSH INN AWARD:
This award goes to Colin Thornton, who made himself available for this race only five days after the birth of his first child. Colin may also have felt under some pressure as he was the “meat in the sandwich”, linking our two Olympians together in the relay. Colin, we hope you enjoy your meal at the Bush Inn.
 

“GJ McDONALD & CO. REAL ESTATE” GEELONG ATHLETICS CROSS COUNTRY (CALENDAR OF EVENTS)

Maintain your health fitness during the winter months by running, jogging or walking with Geelong Athletics cross country.

There is always a run of 3km and a longer distance of 5 or more kilometres.

Everyone is welcome to participate – juniors to veterans.
Fees : -
Seniors - $3 per run.
Juniors – 18 years and under - $2 per run.
Family – 2 or more participants - $2 each per run.

Runs commence at 1.15pm.

Spot prizes will be awarded each week. At the end of the season prizes will be presented to winners in various age groups.

If you are interested in participating and would like further information please telephone Geoff or Mary McDonald Ph. 5229 3920.

EVENT SPONSORS :-
GJ McDonald &Co Real Estate is our principal sponsor for the 2008 season.
Charles Crawford & Sons Funeral Directors is a senior sponsor of the event.
Geelong Athletics wishes to thank its sponsors. Please support them.
 

Upcoming events:

Geelong Athletics Cross Country, Deakin University Baseball Pavilion,  Sunday 6th July