In a stunning Australian National Championships for SKAAC where 2 Gold and 3 Bronze medals were claimed, I think it is safe to claim this as our best result ever.

Gold

Luke Mathews stunning win in the Open 800m (1:46.71) in a race containing no less than 3 SKAAC competitors, was a war of attrition, with early leader Peter Bol, joined by Luke at the top of the straight for an epic battle with Josh Ralph of NSW. with 50m to go, Ralph had taken the lead and title looked his, until Luke unleashed a withering finish and with an excellent lung at the line had defended his title from 2015/2016 in fine style in a crack field. Luke’s win generating a level of media interest, sadly rarely seen, with a feature article in the Sunday Herald Sun. He now heads to the Jamieson at Scotch this Saturday and then to the US to continue the charge towards World Championships qualifiers for both 800m & 1500m.

Conor Fry was a sensational winner of the Under 20 400m Hurdles in 52.91, the first time a SKAAC athlete had dipped below 53 sec and in doing so breaking the Open Club record that had stood for 55 years. For those present, to witness the run, will carry the memory for many many years.

Bronze

Tristan Day’s season ended on a high with his first individual track national medal with Bronze in the Under 17 3000m (9:00.03). Tristan has taken his running to stunning heights in the last 24 months and this result is just rewards for his dedication, persisteance and effort both on and off the track to make the improvements necessary for success at National level.

Dylan Johnson peaked at exactly the right time for nationals with PB’s and Open Club records in both qualifying and the Final in Sydney. His leap of 15.79m (+1.2) in the final , good enough for Bronze and also setting the new SKAAC Open Club Record.

Alex Rowe has continued an amazing record finishing in the Top 3 of the National 800m Final for 6 seasons in a row. His Bronze this season added to 4 Silvers and 1 Gold in 2012-13.

To have 26 athletes qualified to represent themselves, their state and importantly the mighty SKAAC is an achievement that everyone can be justifiably proud of. To win 5 medals is icing on the cake.

Plenty of athletes made their national debuts and others have made their first national final, but the SKAAC presence in Sydney created a unique atmosphere that allowed everyone to perform at their best. Bring on 2017/2018.

 

The full list of results for SKAAC athletes can be seen below:-

Open

Dylan Johnson Triple Jump Qual 15.75m, Final 3rd 15.79 (+1.2)

Adam Pyke 1500m Heat 2nd 3:45.54 and Final 4th 3:53.74

Steve Knuckey 800m Heat 4th 1:50.22

Alex Rowe 800m Heat 1st 1:49.99 and Final 3rd 1:47.29

Peter Bol 800m Heat 2nd 1:50.24 and Final 8th 1:49.69

Luke Mathews 800m Heat 1st 1:49.37 and Final 1st 1:46.71

Michael Romanin 200m Heat 3rd 21.65 -0.8

Deluca Lawson-Matthew 400m Heat 5th 49.38 and Semi 8th 49.20

Jason Kozica 10000m Walk 9th 45:39.56

Kayla de Bondt 1500m Heat 4th 4:27.41 and Final 9th 4:33.22

Under 20

Conor Fry 400m Hurdles Heat 1st 53.39 and Final 1st 52.91

Under 18

Phil Borg 200m Heat 5th 22.38s, 400m Heat 4th 50.63s

Will Lewis 800m Heat 1:55. 1500m Heat 7th 4:01.61 and Final 11th 4:01.45

Under 17

Massimo Acquaro 100m Heat 8th 11.43 +1.7 and 200m Heat 4th 22.94s -0.8

Josh Collins 3000m Final 17th 9:21.20

Tristan Day 3000m Final 3rd 9:00.03

Under 16

Thomas Scroggie 800m Heat 5th 2:03.07 and Final 8th 2:03.83. 2000m Steeplechase Final 9th 6:39.79

Isabelle Collins 3000m Final 18th 10:49.53

Under 15

Luca Di Conza 3000m Final 10th 9:49.82

Matthew Kim 200m Hurdles Heat 3rd 30.27 +0.1 and Final 4th 29.37s

Daniel Doyle 100m Heat 5th 11.91s and 200m Heat 5th 24.22s +0.0

Under 14

Jett-Paris Bedelis Pole Vault 4th 1.80m

Lauren McGarry Hammer 5th 32.31 and Shot Put 14th 9.30m

In oppressive conditions at Homebush Stadium for distance running, Tristan Day has capped a super season with his first individual National track medal, finishing in 3rd place in the Under 17 3000m in 9:00.03.

Josh Collins, also enjoying a stellar season finished in 17th spot in 9:21.20.

SKC student Matthew Hussey (and Western Athletics member) won the race in a super impressive 8:50.57.

Well done lads.

It was one of the club’s most mythical records. Created during imperial measurement and well before electronic timing was even thought of.

Rob McGuiness has stood atop the list of SKAAC 400m Hurdlers, many have tried and come agonisingly close. Conor gave it a huge crack last year and an even huger crack in his heat of the Under 20 400m Hurdles yesterday.

Well at about 3:31pm today…the record was laid to rest after 55 years, in sensational fashion by Conor Fry in securing the National Under 20 title in a slashing time of 52.91.

It was a super effort by Conor and his team (Dan Bailey, Steve Fabris & Justin Rinaldi) to get Conor into the shape he now finds himself in.

What was also fantastic to see was the number of SKAAC members on hand to witness such a grand run, and the excitement everyone shared with Conor’s win.

 

Showing that age cannot deter them, and that not all elite SKAAC athletes are in Sydney this weekend, these 40+ legends will be tackling the Victorian Masters Championships. In action will be:-

• Aaron Little (40-45 800m)
• Dino Imbriano (40-45 1500m)
• Andrew Thomas (40-45 1500m
• Jack Howard (55-59 Hammer, Shot, Disc)

Good luck gentlemen, fly the SKAAC flag!!

Go SKAAC

 

With 13 SKAAC Open and 13 Juniors, the Nationals in Sydney shape as the biggest ever contingent of SKAAC athletes to represent us in many, many years. With numerous medal chances amongst the athletes listed below, the SKAAC Committee wishes each and every athlete listed below, safe travels and all the best in their respective events.

I cannot let it pass, but the Men’s Open 800m looms as a very special race for SKAAC. With 3 finalists last year and a quinella to Luke & Alex, this years 800m shapes as just as intriguing with any of our 4 athletes capable and deserving of the race win. Dare I say, it the National 800m has fast become the SKAAC Club Championship over 800m

 

Alex Rowe…Open 800m Australian record holder ready to go. Calf complaint now sorted, ready to go. Amazing record in this race with nothing worse than 2nd in the last 5 years

Peter Bol… Open 800m .training the house down and slinging training partners all over the track. Speed to burn, watch this guy go

Steve Knuckey… Open 800m. 3 PB’s over the journey this season and trained to the minute, well in this.

Luke Mathews…Open 800m & 1500m. Nitro series star and reigning National Championship over 800m defending his crown. First race over 800m in Australia this season and super fit and primed to go

Adam Pyke…Open 1500m. Massive win at the Canberra Grand Prix and going a touch better than last season when a medallist. Primed to take this race by the throat.

Joel Bee…Open 100m. Been nothing short of sensational this season starting way back the State Relays. Getting over a hamstring injury, but certainly at his best amongst the quickest in Australia.

Michael Romanin…Open 100m & 200m. Slashing win over 200m at the Vics and a 21.20 to his name already this year, you’d think the club record (that is already his) is under huge pressure. Will run well.

Jason Kozica…Open 10,000m Walk. Finished 5th in this event last year and in PB shape at the Vic Champs over 5,000m. This race shapes as a great chance for Jase to extend his own club record and strut his stuff in a world class field.

Conor Fry…Open & Under 20 400m Hurdles. Super tough program for this merging star, but running into some super form, and National Open Final is certainly well within the possibilities, let alone the longest standing SKAAC Open sprint record, the 53.1

Dylan Johnson…Open Triple Jump. Been on an upward trajectory for over 5 years now and is primed to take the reins on the National Open Triple Jump stage. Big PB above 15.50 looms large.

Kayla deBondt…Open 800m & 1500m. Kayla has been under the guidance of Simon Lewin for 7 weeks and the results of hard training were on display at Milers Meet #5, with a season’s best of 4:27 over 1500m. Hitting her straps at the right time – will run super well.

Deluca Lawson-Matthew…Open 400m. Super quick young man and in a hurry. interrupted preparation leading in and will be a “home” meet for him iafter moving to Sydney recently – can he take advantage – me thinks yes.

Jackson Bennett…Open 100m. Been getting in some tough training with coach Tamma, and looking forward to getting the business done on the National stage.

 

Massimo Acquaro …Under 17 100m & 200m Amazing talent and steadily working his way up the rankings in junior sprinting at the national level. Medallist at the Vics in the 100m and with loads of upside. One to watch.

Josh Collins…Under 17 3000m. HUGE PB at Vics puts him right in the mix for this race. Taking 19sec off a PB in a Champs race is stuff of legend, a title that sets pretty well with this young man

Tristan Day…Under 17 3000m. Gave himself every chance at the Vics running on pace the whole way. PB says he’s in this, training form says he’s in this and desire, well that leaves him most definitely in this – certainly one to watch.

Thomas Scroggie…Under 16 800m, 1500m & 2000m Steeplechase. Made huge strides this year and is spoilt for choice with so many qualifiers. Sensationally won the state 800m title and nobody has the speed that this young man has. Dare to dream!!

Jett-Paris Bedelis…Under 14 Pole Vault. Silver medallist from Vics and has a love for Pole vault unlike few others, in PB shape and is a HUGE medal chance

Isabelle Collins….Under 16 3000m. Secured her nationals place with a 9sec PB at the Vics. Has dominated for SKAAC across all distances from 800m to 3000m this season and ready to fire in her first Nationals

Matthew Kim…Under 15 200m Hurdles. Desperately unlucky at the Vics and we all know how tough this guy is. Be scared, for redemption looms large.

Luca Di Conza…Under 15 3000m. VERY hard worker and meticulous preparation has Luca set with a race right in his sweet spot. Look for him to run them off their feet

Daniel Doyle…Under 15 100m & 200m. Speed machine. Very highly ranked in both events, and sure to make his presence felt at the pointy end when the whips are cracking.

Phil Borg…Under 18 100m, 200m & 400m. State Champion over 400m and a leading SKAAC junior sprinter for many seasons. The bif program won’t daunt this cool customer one bit. Watch for a strong showing in the 400m, where Phil’s talent is beginning to blossom.

Will Lewis…Under 18 800m & 1500m. Put simply, been “flying”. Registered a big PB at Milers over 800m and a recent 4:05PB over 1500m, has Will set for a big Nationals with a near perfectly timed build-up.

Adam McGarry…Under 15 Pole Vault. Coach Steve Cain posed, “is this the first time that SKAAC has had two individual Pole Vaulters go to Nationals?” Well quite probably “yes” and almost certain is the likelihood that Adam will jump well if his recent training form is anything to go by.

Lauren McGarry…Under 14 Hammer & Shot. The club’s youngest National representative, and not without medal claims in the Hammer. Amazingly still eligible for this age group next year.

More Club Records broken at the Milers Club last night:

Alex Rowe sensationally set a new 600m club record in a blistering time of 77.38.  Alex was closely followed by Peter Bol in 77.46.  Both Alex and Peter surpassed Luke Matthews’ 78.05 which he set last year in the Diamond League.  Alex and Peter look set to be right in the mix for the 800m at the Nationals.  You can view the race by clicking here.

Kayla de Bondt improved her own 1500m club record by 4.56 seconds, stopping the clock at 4:27.41.  Kayla now shifts her focus to the Nationals in a couple of weeks where she looks to set to improve her club record once again.

Alex and Kayla’s club records take the total club records broken this season up to 158.

Other highlights were:

Steve Fabris doing the pace making for the first 300m of the Men’s 600m race taking them through in 36 seconds

PB’s to Will Lewis running a very strong 1:55.21 in the Men’s A 800m Race and soon to be club member Joseph Deng running 78.17 in the Men’s 600m

Season bests by Dino Imbriano (800m – 2:13.22) and Lincoln Mah (1500m – 5:12.55)

Others to compete were Aaron Little (800m – 2:03.51), Josh Collins  (1500m – 4:17.18), Thomas Scroggie (1500m – 4:22.30), Callum Day (1500m – 4:26.24), Luca Di Conza (1500m – 4:32.37), Andrew Thomas (1500m – 4:39.83) and Luke Goodman (1500m – 4:43.84)

All at SKAAC wish Brad Mathas all the best as he attempts to capture his 6th NZ National title over 800m this weekend.

Brad has been in slashing form recently with his PB run of 1:46.97 at the ACT State Championships in February followed by a strong showing at the ACT Grand Prix last weekend, finishing in 2nd spot in a race marred by really tough conditions.

 

A stunning exclamation mark was put on an amazing fortnight of Championship athletics by every member of SKAAC competing in weekend 2 of the Victorian Championships.

Quite rightly we laud our medalists, personal best performers and National qualifiers, but this is a sport of toughness, courage and picking yourself up when things haven’t gone your way.

How proud I was, and how proud we all are of Matthew Kim.

Matthew had to deal with a spectrum of emotion within about an hour of his 200m Hurdles Final & 200m Final. Dealing with the pain of a fall in the hurdles when leading and then showing the courage to get up and face the starter in his 200m final when we all know the hurt he would have been feeling. IT was a courageous performance to finish his hurdles race and then redoubled to step up into his 200m final – SKAAC legend stuff.

One thing that can’t be taken away from Matthew is the fact that he was the club’s only athlete to make two finals on the same day in these championships, so we know what kind of fabric he is made of. All power to you Matthew

GOLD

I wrote last week of the 100m performance of Joel Bee being our first ever win in that event. Well Michael Romanin certainly upped that ante to sensationally take out the Open Mens 200m in 21.54 holding off a strong field for his first ever Open State Title and SKAAC’s first ever 200m win. It is a great story of courage, with injury ruining many of Michael’s last 3 seasons, when a result such as this seemed a possibility. A great story for Michael and his coach John Nicolosi. One gets the feeling that with Michael’s talent, this story has only begun to be written.

Thomas Scroggie last week showed us what was possible with a blistering finish in the 1500m final. As previewed last week, I put the competition on notice about Thomas’ class and the chance he had set himself up for in the 800m. Well executed from the start and running on pace (58 sec first lap) and then running them off their feet with a blistering turn of pace, Thomas won his first AV State Final in the Under 16 800m (2:00.41). Trained to the minute by Steve Fabris & the SKC team, working on technique and speed primarily has paid off in spades. Thomas is humble and similar to Michael, laden with talent. He will wear the laurel wreath as a State Champion in 2017/2018 after plenty of hard work and application. We all look forward to where this breakthrough of sorts leads not only for Nationals in a few weeks but over the next few years.

It has been a real weakness of the club for many seasons, the lack of female membership, and it still is an area of immense focus for the Committee and season 2016/17 has seen some excellent female members join SKAAC. But a VERY historic moment occurred on 5 March 2017 at about 12:20pm. SKAAC’s first ever female Victorian Championship Gold Medalist was confirmed, with Lauren McGarry winning the Under 14 Hammer throw with a new PB & Club Record of 34.23m. Expertly coached by Steve Cain, and only introducing a second spin on Wednesday, Lauren went into the history books of our great club as the first, and we all know most definitely not the last, SKAAC Female State Champion.

SILVER

Lauren McGarry, on Saturday, also took a silver medal in the Under 14 Shot Put with an effort of 9.46m, fractionally off her PB and a mere 8cm from the Gold Medal. As a bottom age Under 14 athlete, she has the chance to compete in this same age group next season.

Conor Fry was simply sensational in the first track event of the day on Sunday with a super controlled race to secure a silver medal. Executing his race plan perfectly, no-one was going as well as 18 year-old Conor over the last 3 hurdles. We’ve known Conor’s class before and were reminded about it with his effort in the 400m flat final last weekend. Conor now heads to Nationals with legitimate finals claims.

Daniel Doyle secured silver in the Under 15 200m with a run of 24.38. Again another example of a gutsy effort after a false start ruined his 100m the week before.

BRONZE

Tristan Day has put together a slashing season and one that has delivered a silver medal. In a crack Under 17 3000m field, running with the lead pack all the way Tristan secured the bronze medal in 9:01.35

Will Lewis also secured Bronze in the Under 18 800m with a run of 1:57.41, that similarly set him up for a strong 2017.

 

PB EFFORTS

Isabelle Collins 5th place in the Under 16 3000m 10:51.47 (Both a National Qualifier and a club record for every age from Under 15 to Open). Note also that Isabelle backed up in the 800m later in the day to run 2:32.43, as if 3000m in the morning wasn’t enough.

Josh Collins 6th place in the Under 17 3000m 9:11.84 (a 19 sec PB, and National qualifier), also not to be outdone, backed up into an afternoon 800m heat (2:14.49)

Jonathan Taylor, only narrowly missing the Open 200m final with a fantastic 22.58sec effort in his semi. JT has finished the season off so well in these champs and looks set for bright things over the hurdles in season 2017/2018.

Jason Kozica in the 5000m Walk, a new PB of 22:19.99, taking 3 sec off his previous best in coming 4^th in the Final.

Other notable efforts

Massimo Acquaro also finished 6^th in the Under 17 200m (23.17), finishing the race off as strongly as any of this VERY strong field.

Callum Day ran 2:04.8 in his heat of the Under 20 800m

Phil Borg narrowly missed a medal, finishing 4th, in the Under 18 200m missing by a mere 0.02sec from Bronze in 22.88

Steve Knuckey finished 7^th in the 800m final (1:50.57)

Luca DiConza 8^th in the Under 15 800m Final (2:18.76)

Chris Milne 2:05.12 in his heat of the Open 800m

DEBUTS

SKAAC were also pleased to see the following athletes have their first ever go at the State Championships

Eleanor Brown Under 18 800m (2:33.48 5th fastest All time)

Ellie Ansett Under 17 800m (2:34.62 6th fastest All time)