Hannah Lewis and Ben Reynolds were the North Down AC Athletes of 2008 with Gareth Irvine retaining the Top Young Thrower award and Katie Dickson Top Jumper. It may have been the wettest day yet but Friday night saw the annual end of the track season barbecue and party night hosted by Gillian and Geoffrey. The 2008 trophies were on display and Standards Awards were awarded along with trophies for the recent Club Championships.
Hannah competed in the World Juniors, will travel to India for the Commonwealth Games and produced a massive points total in the All Ireland League Final. Ben was a GB international at combined events, also will travel to India for the Commonwealth Games and produced a massive points total in three simultaneous events in the All Ireland League qualifying round. Katie took the club triple jump record to 10.98m and Gareth was very successful in championships and representative events.
Winners at the Club Championships were Frazer Atkinson (primary school boys), Matthew Neill (U13 boys), Michael McComb (U15 boys), Ryan Crawford (U17 boys) and Tom Reynolds (Senior Men), Sinead Conlon (primary school girls), Alex Catherwood (U13 girls), Brogan Marsh (U15 girls), Sarah Newell (U17 girls), Katie Hewitt (U20 women) and Gemma McAnirn (Senior Womenl). Other categories were not awarded as 3 events are mandatory at the Club Championships. Weglarz Trophies covering club support and improvement went to Mark Patterson, Natalie Steele, Kerrie Craig, Glen Willis and Karl Lamont. Club records continue to fall, more and more athletes compete at a high level and there was no shortage of candidates for Athletes of the Year..
Once again we have stalwarts heading off to Uni and best wishes go with them. Thanks again to Gillian and Geoffrey for a great night despite the conditions.. Most track athletes are now on their break until October while middle distance ones are in the Valentines on Tuesdays and Thursdays while the light holds.