The starter’s gun was fired on the first official Vancouver Island track meet of the 2015 season – the Bob Dailey Memorial Track and Field meet – on May 2-3 in Port Alberni.
The Campbell River Comets Track and Field Club had 26 athletes attend the competition. For 12 of these Comets, ranging from the age of 9 to 40+, it was their very first track meet. The Comet “newbies” included: Kaien Eidsvik (9), Laure Minfray (9), Ushwya Brennan (10), Kate-Lynn Revoy (10), Lacie Simmons (10), Rowen Berkey (11), Emily Milne (12), Abigayle Underhill (12), Joelle Gilkin (15), Luca Mastrangelo (16), Tamara Takach (17) and Jim Brennan (40+). It was a successful first showing for the Comets this year.
This was evident not only with the multitude of Personal Bests achieved, but also by the smiles on all the faces.
This meet was run as a “sticker meet”, meaning that there is no pre-registration needed for the events.
This enables the participants an opportunity to choose which events or races to enter as the meet progresses.
Many athletes, both veterans and newbies alike, find this type of meet less stressful and an easier way to try their hand at new events.
Given that there are so many different disciplines within the umbrella of track and field, there is something for everyone, whether they be a sprinter, long distance runner, jumper or thrower.
The track community, in general, is very supportive.
Although it can take years to develop the technique and skill required to reach highly competitive levels, the coaches, officials, athletes and parents are always happy to lend a hand or offer encouragement.
Jim Brennan (Masters), who had a very impressive first meet, helps remind us that it is never too late to start, and that track and field is no exception.