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Nanaimo Track and Field members take their marks, get set, go

Spring registration is now open for all programs
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A track and field meet at Nanaimo’s Rotary Bowl stadium pre-pandemic. (News Bulletin file photo)

BY IAN THORPE

The clocks are moved ahead and we’re officially into spring this coming weekend. And with COVID restrictions easing, it’s no surprise that spring and summer sports organizations are eager to get underway. One of those is the Nanaimo Track and Field Club, where spring 2022 registration is now open for all programs.

The club’s annual general meeting in January saw Tyler Heisterman returned as club president for another term, with Win Myint the vice-president and Al Johnston past-president. Don Putz is treasurer, Shaula Croome is secretary, Wanda Urbanowicz is the club’s head coach and Kim Cameron is registrar. Other directors are Cristi Lundman, Phillip Vannini, Robert Shurniak, James Mitchell, Makayla Mitchell, Sheri Gauthier and Autumn Vannini.

No club awards were presented at the AGM, as competition last year was impacted by COVID. However, it should be noted that five Nanaimo athletes managed outstanding achievements in the 2021 season. Niall O’Hara, Lucy Russell, Sonya Urbanowicz and Ethan Katzberg were all awarded Athlete of the Year honours in their respective categories by B.C. Athletics. Meanwhile, Olivia Lundman set a new Canadian record in the 10,000-metre race walk.

For the upcoming season, club fees have been set at $210 for age 9-13 junior development athletes (born 2010-14). Practices will be twice a week starting April 4 through until the end of June, with some Saturdays scheduled for in-house mini-meets. The focus of the junior program is to teach specific track and field skills and to gradually introduce athletes to competition through a number of intra-club meets held on the Island and Lower Mainland.

For high school members (born 2004-09), registration fee is $290. Training sessions got underway at the start of this month and go until mid July. Separate sessions are held for endurance events, speed and power events and throwing events, all held Tuesdays and Thursdays after school as well as Saturdays. Endurance coaches are Heisterman, Myint and Linda Keatley-Campbell. Coaching speed and power, Mike Viers and Wanda Urbanowicz will instruct sprints and hurdles, Sven Donaldson pole vault and Marc Paris high jump. Coaches for throwing events such as hammer throw, discus, javelin and shot put, will be Philip Vannini, Bernie Katzberg and Ann Polman-Tuin.

A 35-plus masters membership is offered for $250, with practices starting April 4 to be held Monday and Wednesday mornings as well as Saturdays. All fees include a B.C. Athletics membership and all practices are held at the Rotary Bowl track facility behind NDSS.

As well, NTFC offers a popular Track Rascals program for athletes ages 6-8. This is a non-competitive introduction to the basic skills of track and field, based on the Athletics Canada run, jump, throw program. Fundamental movement skills are taught using games, activities and skill challenges with an emphasis on fun. Two sessions will be held, both on Mondays and Wednesday from 5:15-6:15 p.m., one from April 18 to May 18 and the next from May 23 to June 26. Practice is rain or shine and cost is $100 for one session or $180 for both. More details and sign-up information for all age groups is available on the NTFC website at www.nanaimotrackandfield.com.

On the competitive calendar for the coming season, the first meet of the year will be a U16-U20 event in Burnaby. Others follow throughout the summer, highlighted by the annual Elwood Wylie Meet hosted by Nanaimo on May 28-29.

Whatever your sport, a reminder in closing to play your hardest, play fair, and show good sportsmanship.