New track provides boost for throwers

Ace Wairarapa throws coach John Quinn says the construction of the all-weather athletics track at the Pugh Sports Bowl in Masterton will be a huge boost for all throwing disciplines ... shot put, discus, javelin and hammer.

The installation of new throwing circles on the grassed surface in the middle of the track along with a safety cage for the hammer throwers will be a major plus but no more than the track itself, which will allow for essential speed training routines to be undertaken under the best possible conditions.

"Sprint work is vital for throwers. It's part of the explosive component of their training," Quinn said. "The new track will be absolutely perfect in that respect. It's a massive gain for them."

Quinn, winner of the supreme award at the 2010-11 Wairarapa sports awards, is delighted at the growing interest in field events in the region, with the number of youngsters under his tutelage now running into double figures.

"There is a lot of interest coming out of the schools, not only for throwing, but for track events as well," Quinn said.

Most of his training group are building up to the New Zealand Secondary Schools Championships in Wellington in December.

Foremost among them is Rathkeale College student Tim Girling McLean, winner of the national schools junior shot put title last year who will be in the senior ranks this time.

For Quinn, the past few weeks have been hectic. A stint as part of the New Zealand coaching contingent at the Commonwealth Youth Games on the Isle of Man was followed by a 14-day course as an Oceania representative at an international federation seminar for throwing coaches on the Gold Coast of Australia.

The course was intense. Run by two highly-credentialed Australians, it saw participants assessed at least twice every day in practical situations, and they also had a two-hour written exam, a two-hour planning exam and an equally testing oral exam.

"It was pretty tough going at times but very worthwhile. There was a lot of valuable coaching tips handed out."

At the Commonwealth Youth Games, New Zealand had the satisfaction of having every team member make at least one final.

Greer Alsop won silver in the triple jump, Chei Kenneally bronze in the shot put and Dalton Coppins bronze in the 200m. Wairarapa's Alex Fafeita was fourth in the hammer with a personal best of 64.61m and eighth in the shot put.