At Athletics Wollongong we're celebrating 62 years of competing at Beaton Park, with events modelled on the very first pointscore program held:
- 75 yards (close enough to 70m) was the shortest sprint every age did
- 1 mile was the longest event held (too tough for the ladies and those under 16 though!)
- 440 yards (i.e. one lap) was the longest walk
- 'Broad Jump' was what 'Long Jump' used to be called
- 'Hop, Step & Jump' is, of course, 'Triple Jump' (careful again, ladies: this was also for blokes only, in the long-ago)
- High Jump was without mats at the time; so it's just as well this program pre-dated the Fosbury Flop by 10 years!
We'll also hold some traditional games like Tug o' War, a Three-legged race, and an "Egg" and Spoon Race. Back in the olden times club activities would extend well beyond just competition and include social activities like Picnic Days, where our forebears would play these games.
Unfortunately, due to COVID, we'll be unable to supply a birthday cake this season...
Also in the olden days, the club would elect Club Captain/s, much as they do for footy teams. A Captain wouldn't necessarily be involved with the management of the Club, they would simply provide a shining example to other members and lend their encouragement to all. The Committee has decided to reinstitute Club Captains for this season and can't think of a better candidate than Anthony Howlett
The attributes used to determine the Club Captain were:
- Demonstrate pride in Athletics Wollongong
- Be an experienced club member with considerable track and field knowledge and experience
- A person who is well respected within the club and the athletics community
- A visible member of the club who regularly attends and participates in club and ANSW events
- A member who takes a keen interest in the development of mentoring of athletes and is welcoming and supportive of all members.
- Be responsible for ‘club spirit’ and encourage ‘development’ activities
- Promotes a ‘welcoming’ club and participation in club events
- Acts as a good role model for other athletes; applauds good performance and effort from all individuals regardless of the outcome.
- Shows commitment to honest effort and strives for improving performance.
- Upholds and demonstrates the principles of fairness, respect, responsibility, and safety.
As you can see, he's a shoo-in. Congratulations, Anthony!
The picture below sees him in 1961, accepting a handshake from Wally Marstaeller (club coach and eventual Life Member). Behind Wally are Verna Pinch and Beryl Gibson, who would also both become Life Members.
