Gunnedah junior athletes progress to state level

Eight junior athletes from Gunnedah progressed to state level after thriving in last weekend’s Coles Regional Championships (Region 1) at Maitland Regional Athletics Centre.

Josh Spinks (U13 boys), Katie Spinks (U15 girls) and Jack Johnson (U17 boys) earned the chance to compete in the junior state championships at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre (SOPAC) from March 13 to 16.

The other five – Reeva Ceeney (U9 girls), Hope Welsh (U9 girls), Rivah McDonald (U9 boys), Stella Geddes (U10 girls) and Georgina Grimm (U11 girls) – earned the chance to compete in the Little Athletics NSW state championship at SOPAC on March 22 and 23.

The abovementioned athletes were among 29 Gunnedah competitors at Maitland, as Region 1 comprised athletes from towns including Armidale, Ballina, Coffs Harbour, Forster, Grafton, Gunnedah, Lismore, Port Macquarie, Tamworth and Walgett.

The weather was fine on both days, with temperatures in the high 20s on day one and around 32 on day two.

Rivah broke records in the U9 boys 70m, 100m and long jump, and he also placed first in the 200m.

Stella, Josh, Katie and Jack claimed one first placing each at Maitland, while Reeva achieved multiple runner-up and third placings.

Hope, Stella, Georgina, Josh, Katie, Jack, and Reggie Stewart also gained at least one second placing each.

Gunnedah placed second in the junior girls and junior boys relays, with Hannah Neale in the junior girls relay along with Reeva, Stella and Georgina while the fifth-placed

senior girls relay team comprised Katie, Allie Neilsen, Ruby Cygan and Hannah Cygan.

Gunnedah trio Thomas Johnson, Cohen McDonald and Paddy Dowe were in the junior boys relay along with Rivah.

Nearly all of Gunnedah’s athletes achieved at least one personal best (PB).