Masters
The 2010 – 2011 season has been successful for the Collaroy Masters Team. It was recognized last season we needed representation at the committee level, so I took on that role. We are aiming to build out Masters Team to have multiple teams not only on the beach, but in the water.
Sigi Hill undertook his Level One coaching course early on in the season, and from there, enthusiastically led a group of motivated athletes through their paces for ins and outs training each week. The training sessions were crucial to success later on in the season, helping with technique, wave and rip reading, confidence and fitness. Sigi unfortunately had to sit out the season competition wise, after undergoing a shoulder reconstruction.
We were very fortunate to secure sponsorship from Devondale and Taste 2 Deli. With this, we received team beach shirts. The Masters Team certainly looked the part and was easy to identify on the beach. Thank you Devondale and Taste 2 Deli for your support.
Our competition began in November, with part of the Masters Team competing at Freshwater, with encouraging results for the beginning of the season.Lynette Gregoryplaced 3rdin the flags, Kerry Armstrong 2ndin the sprint, and 3rdin the flags, Louise Smallwood 1stin the sprint 2ndin the flags, and Mick Tomblin 2ndin flags and 3rdin the sprint. Sigi and I were at Scott’s Head and took part in their master’s carnival. This was great fun, with a friendly atmosphere, craft shared and a very relaxing function at the end of the day - definitely one to return to!
The next carnival was at Killcare on December 18. Leonie Kandelas, Les Richardson and I competed with pleasing results. Les had an exceptional swim and Leonie displayed prowess on the board. Once again, the friendly and sharing atmosphere was apparent, with craft shared, and teams created between clubs.
The East Coast Masters at our home beach on February 6thwas a real highlight for the season. We had our largest team compete for the season, with great results.
On the beach, Kerry Armstrong won the sprint, placed 3rdin flags, Louise Smallwood placed 3rdon sprint, 2ndin flags, Mick Tomblin was 2ndin both flags and sprint, we had 2 men’s relays and our women’s relay were 2nd. In the water, we had fun too: Scott Griffin won the board, placed 3rdin ironman and ski, Leonie Kandelas won the surf race, I also had a good carnival winning the surf race, ironwoman, ski, board and tube. Of course our kings and queens of the beach, the Bears and Ladies march past teams placed first and second respectively. Other competitors were Ken Gittoes, Steve Green,Craig Williams, Neil McDowell, Linda McDowell, and Phillipa Wright.
Two weeks after The East Coast Masters, Branch was held at Collaroy. Once again, we had some excellent results. Blake White rejoined us after a hiatus from surf competition. It is great to see an athlete of his caliber put his skills on display, he won the board and was second in the surf race in his age category. Les Richardson had an exceptional swim after tearing his calf muscle, coming in 5th. We welcomed Helen Jackman to the team and Ken Gittoes and Dave McIntosh put in a fine performance to win the double ski title. The Bears once again reigned supreme, as did Linda McDowell and Kerry Armstrong on the beach and I had a few good finishes too. Silver medal winners included The Ladies March Past, Leonie Kandelas, Les Richardson, Louise Smallwood and Mick Tomblin. Our Bronze medal winners included Ken Gittoes on the ski, Louise Smallwood and Mick Tomblin.
State was small in terms of competitors carnival wide. We saw fine performances, with the ladies on the beach winning silver in the relay – Kerry Armstrong, Louise Smallwood, Fiona Hall and Phillipa Wight, Kerry won the sprint and flags double, Louise the 1km run, sprint and flags. Mick Tomblin also was a golden boy, winning the flags and gaining silver in the sprint. In the water, our Board and Ski captain, Reece Bosward paddled his way to the very competitive final, and I won the Tube and placed second in the board.
Kurrawa rolled around again, and our ever consistent Ladies of the sand stayed firm. Louise Smallwood won both the 1km run and sprint, and Kerry Armstrong winning bronze in the sprint. Kerry must have won the most medals in Collaroy this year – well done.
At Collaroy we are extremely fortunate to have such a supportive and united club. To everyone involved in all aspects of the running of the club, thank you for all your help. We look forward to building our team and maintaining and improving our strong results with having lots of fun.
Robyn Hill
Masters Co-coordinator