In what was clearly a training run, he was a little below his best, but in a week in which he will be attending a three day pre-season camp in Hastings and a race on Saturday in the Rotorua Ekiden Relay, this was a useful workout.
Sam Merson, who has trained well all winter, should be pleased with his win in the 50m (7.71 seconds) and even more pleased with his win and personal best in the 300m (38.40s), while last year's 11-year-old Colgate sprint champion Genna Maples demonstrated she has overcome injury with a win against male opposition in the 150m with a smart 20.18s performance while also being the leading girl over the 60m earlier in the evening.
The AGM held after the club night suffered the same school holiday fate, with low numbers.
Triple jumper Roimata Hipango was elected as club captain for the season.
Hipango is in Year 13 at Wanganui Collegiate School, where she has done a splendid job as club captain of the large school athletic club which already has 50 registered members with the Wanganui club.
It is a clear support of youth, and the recognition highlighted later in the annual report shows Wanganui has proved to be an important part of the pathway for athletes.
It is hoped there are a large group of present athletes who will follow the success of former Wanganiui athletes such as Brad Mathas, the van Dalen twins and Hugo Beamish.
It was pleasing to report a healthy surplus after a deficit last year.
This successful result came on the back of the hosting of the New Zealand Secondary Schools, the Cooks Classic and the athletics section of the Masters Games.
It was a busy year and the president's report highlighted the hard work of a small dedicated committee.
The major sponsors of the NZ Schools Championships were thanked " Mars Petcare, H&A Print, Pub Charity, Infinity Foundation, New Zealand Community Trust, Visit Whanganui and Attwell Valuers.
The huge help of local companies and businesses with individual donations were appreciated and recognised, as was the support of the Cooks Gardens Trust, Sport Whanganui and the Rugby Union. It was a community joint effort that brought successful events to the city.
The large grant from the Powerco Wanganui Trust is being used to create a legacy for the future that will hopefully ensure that major events return to Wanganui.
We have already attracted the New Zealand Combined Events in February and the Cooks Classic in January.
The club was reminded we pay close to $10,000 for use of the ground, rental of our equipment shed and insurance before an athlete even steps on to the track.
The success of the club relies on hosting major events, the hard work of volunteers and generous support from funding agencies.
Ongoing support from the Lion Foundation with $5000 for rent is vital in terms of keeping the costs at an acceptable level.
