Medal-winning Ipswich and District Athletic Club under-14 relay competitors Monique Williams, Abbie Severinsen, Isabella Willshire and Catherine Tamate.
EVERYWHERE you cast an eye during Ipswich’s latest Queensland Relay Championships domination, there was green, white and black.
The Ipswich and District Athletic Club (IDAC) competitors were dressed for success and out in force, combining to win nine gold, eight silver and 11 bronze medals.
With 28 medals, the Ipswich club finished third overall among the 20 clubs.
QUT topped the medal tally with 32, including 13 gold. Queensland Masters Athletics came second on the table with 11 gold but less medals (23) overall.
For IDAC team co-manager, coach and competitor Theresa “Marty” Stolberg, it was hugely satisfying seeing the club’s 28 female teams and 17 male combinations rewarded.
“I was so proud of our brilliant team effort for relay day 2020,” Stolberg said.
“I had many people commenting on our teams.
“Everywhere you looked you saw green, white and black. Ipswich athletes dominated many events and we could not be prouder.”
Ipswich and District Athletic Club relay championship competitors (from left) Theresa Stolberg, Janet Webber, Sharyn Wells, Jenny Shard, Elli Pedroni and Roxanne Blake shared in the medal haul.
The IDAC vice-president had a hectic day competing in five masters events while performing her manager duties. She led by example along with other loyal club supporters like co-manager Mark Sills, Elli Pedroni, Janet Webber and Sharyn Wells.
However, Stolberg was eager to recognise the efforts of the younger athletes like Ipswich’s under-14, under-16 and under-18 girls teams.
The under 14 girls were overall winners at Saturday’s competition at the State Athletics Centre at Nathan. They united for two gold and two bronze medals.
Ipswich’s under-16 girls came second overall for the day after clinching a gold in shot put and silver in long jump.
The under-18 girls shot put team of Kiara Condon, Laylani Va’ai and Jessica Rowe won gold with an impressive combined total of 39.15m.
Ipswich was the top women’s club with 16 medals, featuring seven gold, four silver and five bronze.
Stolberg said a standout performance came from the Ipswich club’s under-20 3x1km men’s combination, which produced a stunning finish to win their age group gold in the combined event.
After 16-year-old Connor Shaw led the team off, Alex Davies ran a super second leg before 2021 World Junior titles prospect Jude Thomas produced a spectacular sprint to the finish line.
“Overall, really pumped,” Stolberg said.
More than a dozen clubs entered teams in the running, shot put and long jump events staged under a reduced program due to COVID restrictions.
The Ipswich club’s representation was one of its highest at the relay championships, having been overall winners in 1992.
The Ipswich and District Athletic Club’s fine line-up of relay athletes: Laylani Va’ai, Ruby and Ashlea Gibbs, Taya Beckers, Mikaela Doneley, Kiara Condon, Alsora Tuilaepa, Tavia Jensen, Charlize Goody, Sophie Wilkins, Lily Vine, Karshalia Sullivan and Mickeelie Johnson.
Stolberg thanked Sills for his preparation work and club president Vic Pascoe for his usual dedication.
Other behind the scenes contributors included Madison Wells and Jennifer Platen.
Stolberg said the coaches did a terrific job and the parents were hugely supportive.
Future events for Ipswich club athletes include the Benita Willis Shield and 5000m championships on Saturday.
The Combined Events State Championships, for heptathletes and decathletes, are set down for December 19/20.
Ipswich’s State relay championships success
U14 girls: A 1st Long Jump 13.73m total. C 4th Long Jump 12.39m total. B 7th Long Jump 11.61m total.
U14 girls: A 1st Shot Put 32.74m total. B 4th Shot Put 22.99m total. C 5th Shot Put 19.67m total.
U14 girls: A 3rd 4 x 100m in 52.65. B DQ.
U14 girls: A 3rd 4 x 400m in 4.28.90. B 4th 4 x 400m in 4.34.76.
U14 girls: A 7th 3 x 1000m in 10.18.03.
U16 girls: A 1st Shot Put 38.68m total. C 5th Shot Put 29.03m total. B 7th Shot Put 23.39m total.
U16 girls: A 2nd Long Jump 14.15m total. B 4th Long Jump 13.54m total.
U16 girls: A 5th 4 x 100m in 52.11. B 10th 4 x 100m in 56.06.
U18 girls: A 1st Shot Put 39.15m total.
U18 girls: A 3rd Long Jump 13.94m total.
U18 girls: A 7th 4 x 100m in 52.09. B 9th 4 x 100m in 55.42.
U18 girls: A 7th 4 x 400m in 4.29.28.
Women 30-39yrs: A 1st 4 x 100m in 61.77.
Women 30-39yrs: A 2nd 4 x 400m in 5.15.98.
Women 40-49yrs: A 6th 3 x 1000m in 13.08.29.
Women 30-39yrs: A 1st 3 x Long Jump 10.06m total.
Women 30-39yrs: A 1st 3 x Shot Put 26.29m total.
Mark Sills, Darin Coombs and Shaun Crowley represented the Ipswich and District Athletic Club in masters competition at the Queensland Relay Championships.
