HAPPY TO HELP: Ipswich athletics coach Bailey Pashley enjoys seeing athletes reach their potential.
IT’S fitting that dedicated Ipswich coach Bailey Pashley has the same initials as the city’s major athletics facility.
Pashley regularly trains his group of competitors at Bill Paterson Oval where he is president of the Ipswich and District Athletic Club.
However, the level 5 (international) coach also helps some of the region’s leading athletes at his home property at Karrabin, which Pashley calls “the BP centre”.
If he’s not at Bill Paterson Oval, he can often be found at his 40 acre block where he has a 300m circular track, 100m sprint section and areas to work on high jump, javelin and shot put.
He also sometimes takes his hurdlers to QE2 for training on synthetic tracks.
Securing a much-needed international surface in the city is one of Pashley’s major goals.
However, that issue aside, he is happy working with promising competitors like Cassie Purdon, Josh Stockill, Madeline and Annie McGuire, Ashlee and Carley Stieler, Majella Pearl, Majella Cassidy, Natalie Davison, Jackson Samuels, Lucy Turner and Richie Low.
A number of Pashley’s athletes are preparing for upcoming state and national events. They include the Queensland Primary School Track & Field Championships (October 15-16), Queensland Secondary School Track & Field Championships (October 24-27) and Australian All Schools Track & Field Championships (December 6-8).
Two of his leading performers are rising high jumper Purdon and 400m hurdler Stockill.
Purdon is in the Australian under-19 squad and Stockill is an Oceania Games medallist.
“Cassie is coming back to her best,” Pashley said, having recently attended a national training camp with her in Canberra.
The pair plan to introduce new strengthening and conditioning techniques into their program after this month’s state championships.
Pashley, 73, is also encouraged by the progress of 800m runner Madeline, who has added the 400m hurdles to her program.
“In her two runs so far, she’s recorded very good times,” the respected coach said.
Ashlee is a 90m hurdler along with the Majella girls. She also competes in the 200m hurdles.
Ashlee’s sister Carley is a fine prospect in high jump.
Sprinter Natalie Davison is also a talented national level hockey player.
Richie is a 100m and 200m sprinter working with Pashley.
Annie, Jackson and newcomer Lucy are emerging high jumpers preparing for the primary school titles.
“This week and next week we’re working hard and then they’ll have two weeks of easing down,” Pashley said of his current athletics focus.
Coach in focus: Bailey Pashley
Key role: Level 5 coach with Ipswich and District Athletic Club; started club coaching in 1972.
Why love coaching: “Just helping young people out in something they are good at; helping them improve.”
Toughest part of coaching: “Working training sessions into athletes’ busy lifestyles. A lot of them have got heavy commitments at school, some have work and job experience. That’s all important for them.”
Most satisfying part of coaching: “Watching them perform and achieving their goals.”
Qualities of a good athletics coach: “Knowing your athlete ― knowing their limitations and knowing their potential, and bringing out that potential.”
