TVRA track & field highlight filled

 

   Tunks sisters smash records, Urquhart sets junior men's shot put mark

   Piekny soars in pole vault, Hallman wins two races, rain or shine

 

May 19, 2024

 

 

 

 

By Rob J. Ross 

LONDON, Ont. - Record performances, personal best efforts, spectacular debuts, first wins of the season, sun and rain.

The 2024 Thames Valley Regional Athletics (TVRA) track and field championships had a little of everything, May 16-17, at Western University.

Eight meet records fell, two being absolutely abolished by London Oakridge's Tunks sisters, Julia and Jenna.

Julia continues to rewrite the high school record book, not only setting a new TVRA meet mark, but a Canadian high school record, winning senior women's shot put with a toss of 15.53 metres.

At a meet May 19 in Oklahoma, Julia set a Canadian U23 record, with a throw of 62.07 metres. The 17-year old is aiming to reach 64.50 metres to qualify for the Paris Olympics, July 26-August 11.

In Jenna's debut at the TVRA championships, Julia's younger sister set new best distances in both novice women's discus (42.44m) and shot put (13.76m).

St. Joseph's Rams Matt Piekny leaped to record heights, clearing 4.60 metres in senior men's pole vault.

Dorchester Beavers' Andrew Urquhart won a battle against Noah Mitoraj of London Aquinas, with record heave of 17.87 metres in junior men's shot put.

Tyrese Morgan of Woodstock College Avenue ran down the senior men's time in the 400 metres, winning in 49.20 seconds. Chris Semenuk's time of 49.40 stood for 30 years, winning for Saunders in 1994. Emmett Charles of London Banting was just off the record, finishing in 49.42 seconds.

CCH's senior men's 4x100-metre relay team won in a record time of 43.19 seconds.

Ryan Georgeson of Medway lowered the junior men's 800-metre meet record to a minute and 58.16 seconds (1:58.16).

Along with Piekny and Urquhart, several athletes from Elgin County and Dorchester had a memorable meet to move to the Western Ontario (WOSSAA) championships.

The St. Joe's Rams had four event winners, Piekny in pole vault, Promise Atkinson, in senior women's long jump, Savanna Vannoord, in the novice women's 300-metre hurdles and Ethan Atkinson, in novice men's pole vault.

Three Dorchester Beavers won events, Kirk Hallman in both the junior men's 1500 and 3000 metre runs, Urquhart in junior men's shot put and Jordin Stevens, in novice women's javelin.

For the East Elgin Eagles, Taylor Kana won senior women's javelin and Benji Gould, the novice men's 3000 metre run.

The top 10 in each event advance to the Western Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association (WOSSAA) meet, back at Western May 25-26.

From WOSSAA, the top five move on to the OFSAA West regional, May 31-June 1 at Windsor.

The top four at regionals head to the OFSAA championships, June 6-8, at Western.

 

LOCAL WOSSAA QUALIFIERS                                                   COMPLETE TVRA RESULTS                                                     HURON-PERTH RESULTS

 

Piekny was a metre higher than the rest of the field in senior men's pole vault at 4.60 metres. When the St. Joe's Rams athlete entered the competition at four metres, all other competitors had been eliminated.

"I was very happy after setting the meet record and jumping a new PB," said Piekny. "It was a great competition and I am lucky to be support by multiple coaches and future teammates at Western."

Piekny entered the competition at four metres, needed three attempts at 4.20 adjusting his takeoff mark, before cruising over the next three heights including 4.60.

Nojah Parker from Woodstock College Avenue held the former record of 4.50m, set in 2019.

"I've known for a while that I'm capable of jumping in the 15-foot range but I've battled many injuries throughout indoor season, so I haven't been jumping as well as I know I'm able to. This was the first meet back at 12 strides and on a bigger series of poles, so I knew it was possible.

Piekny suffered a tear in his rotator cuff over the winter months, but now is fully healed aiming to return to OFSAA, where as a Grade 11 athlete he won silver last year.

"My goal is obviously to compete and hopefully medal at OFSAA," Piekny said. "As of now, just consistency in my vaulting and getting on bigger poles will be the priority. I'm currently at 12 strides. I know I've talked about going to 14 possibly even 16, so in the next coming practices I'll be playing around with that."

Piekny has committed to attending Western University this September for engineering.

It seems Promise Atkinson made a wise decision to compete in long jump this year.

The St. Joe's Grade 11 athlete won the senior women's event with a best leap of 4.85 metres, at her first TVRA championships for long jump.

"I do pole vault, so I decided to do another jump with that. Libby (McCurdy) was doing it as well, so I thought I'd join in," Atkinson said. "I found it really helped when I kicked my legs out more and landed more on my back than my feet, because it helped me get get more time in the air."

Speed work at practice has helped Atkinson in both long jump and pole vault. Atkinson set a PB in pole vault of 3.40m, placing third.

"I've mostly been working on speed which I think helped with long jump, because the kinetic energy from speed is like what turns into the vault," said Atkinson.

McCurdy placed second in pole vault (3.40) and fifth in long jump (4.67m).

For WOSSAA, Atkinson has no expectations in long jump. Those are reserved for pole vault, an event she took to OFSAA regionals last year as a junior.

"Honestly I just want to have fun. Long jump isn't my main event. Winning is fun, but I just want to improve and do my best," Atkinson said. "I'm hoping to make it to OFSAA this year, because I started last year for pole vault. I'm hoping this year that is something I can do."

Atkinson also placed seventh in high jump (1.40m).

Three times Urquhart threw over 17 metres, including his record distance of 17.87 in the fifth round.

"I was feeling really good. I felt like I released it really well and I thought I did a good job using my momentum into the throw," said Urquhart. "I'm happy with the throw, but when I watched a video of it, I realized I can add much more distance on my throw if I tweak a few small things. I hope to break 18 metres at WOSSAA. I think I could get up to 18.50 or even higher, if I use my legs more than I have been so far this season."

The Dorchester Beaver also placed third discus with a best throw of 44.95m.

In both events, his main competitor is Noah Mitoraj of London Aquinas, who won discus (57.47m) and was right behind Urquhart in shot put (17.40m).

That rivalry pushes Urquhart.

"It has kept me consistent, because I know I will fall behind if I slow down," said Urquhart, who owns both his school records for discus and shot put.

Jordan Young of St. Joe's held the shot put record of 17.63m since 2009.

East Elgin Eagles Benji Gould won the novice men's 3000 metres, taking the lead early and winning by 11 second, in nine minutes and 38.58 seconds (9:38.58).

"This feels pretty good. This is my first first place of the year," Gould said. "I tried to get up in front and make a lead for myself, so I didn't get beat in the end. I just was just keeping my pace and then start picking it up a little."

The graduate from South Dorchester elementary, also finished fourth in the 1500 and ninth in the 800.

Hallman won both the junior men's 1500 (4:17.24) and 3000 (9:11.90) and finished fourth in the 800 (2:03.32).

"I'm really happy with my times this early in the season, because I just got a PB for the 3000 and I got close to a PB for the 1500," said Hallman. "It's nice to get a few wins after all the work I've been doing. It's nice to be going those speeds already, especially after being injured all of indoor season and only running one race."

Hallman trains with London-Western Club.

"I'm finding that the speed work and the endurance they do is really benefitting," Hallman said. "Lots of guys my speed to run with and great coaches (Doug, John) who spend a lot of hours working with us."

Hallman is in a competitive junior division, with Medway's Ryan Georgeson, who set a meet record winning the 800 (1:58.19) and finished second in the 1500 (4:17.43), Saunders' Linden Spence and Jacob Jansen of Aquinas. All train with Hallman at London-Western.

"There are a lot of good guys in my age group and the times everyone is putting down is very quick," said Hallman.

Last June, Hallman finished the high school year at OFSAA, placing fifth in both the novice men's 1500 and 3000.

"Making it to OFSAA would be nice, but really I'm just going for times," Hallman said. "I would like to get close to four minutes for the 15 and definitely break nine for the three thousand. For the eight, I'm hoping to get the school record, which I just missed by three hundredths of the second (at TVRA)."

Dorchester's junior men's records: for the 800 ( 2:03.29, Sam Willsie, 2023), 1500 (4:15.38, Patrick Deane, 2010) and 3000 (8:54.27, Ian Forsyth, 1989).

Jordin Stevens is following in her brother's footsteps, yet starting to make a path of her own.

Stevens won novice women's javelin with a personal best distance of 24.70 metres, an opening throw which held up through the next five rounds.

"It was fun. The weather could have been better, but overall a good experience," said Stevens. "On my first throw I had some speed and momentum built up. I can probably throw further if I keep working at it."

Stevens receives support and advice from older brother Evan, who won OFSAA gold in junior men's javelin last June.

"He gives me tips every time I throw," Stevens said with a laugh. "My brother and my dad thought I'd be good and they're very enthusiastic about it. I gave it a try and really enjoyed it."

For WOSSAA, Jordin aims to reach distances attained at practice.

"I can probably throw further if I keep working at it," Jordin said. "I'll be working on my footwork and run-up and then building that momentum in to my throw, making it one fluid motion."

The TVRA record for novice women's javelin is still held by Dorchester alumnus Mandy Beck, 30.85m set in 1994.

 

 

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    Local Results (before scratches or athletes added to events due to scratches)

 

CENTRAL ELGIN     DORCHESTER     EAST ELGIN     PARKSIDE     ST. JOE'S     WEST ELGIN     MEDWAY (Thorndale athletes)

 

 

Westbrook

    CENTRAL ELGIN

Westbrook qualifies in three events for WOSSAA

Senior women: Emma Westbrook, 4th, javelin (31.21m), 8th, 800m (2:39.56), 9th, shot put (8.25m).

Junior men:  Malaki Bascombe, 4th, high jump (1.60m), 10th, long jump (5.32m); Dollan Brown, fifth, discus (39.86m), 6th, shot put (13.02m); Fletcher Taylor, 7th, long jump (5.45m), 8th, high jump (1.55m).

 

    DORCHESTER

Double winner Hallman leads Beavers

Senior women: Emily Devine, 5th, triple jump (9.89m); Julia Devine, 7th, high jump (1.50m), 7th, triple jump (9.69m); Mya Steller, 4th, 400m hurdles (1:15.05), 8th, 100m hurdles (17.16 sec.), 9th, 100m (13.60 sec.); Keeley Van Horne, 8th, 3000m (12:08.23), 10th, 800m (2:42.38); Claire White, 9th, pole vault (2.10m).

Senior men:  Evan Stevens, 3rd, pole vault (3.45m), sixth, javelin (44.41m), Brayden Smith, 3rd, triple jump (12.39m); Sam Willsie, 3rd, 400m hurdles (1:01.00), 5th, 400m (50.83 sec.), 5th, 200m (23.39 sec.); Aaron Pranger, 7th, javelin (41.35m); Ryan Johnson, 5th, 3000m (9:22.75), 9th, 1500m (4:26.02); 4x100 relay, 10th (45.16 sec.); Zachary Dossantos, 10th, 200m (23.91 sec.).

Junior men: Kirk Hallman, 1st, 3000 (9:11.90) , 1st, 1500 (4:17.24), 4th, 800 (2:03.32); Andrew Urquhart, first, shot put (record 17.87m), third, discus (44.95m); River Neveu, 5th, triple jump (11.45m); Ryan Pranger, 8th, javelin (33.12m); Hendrix Zupancic, 9th, discus (36.34m)

Novice men: Will Downing, 2nd, 100m hurdles (15.33 sec.), 2nd, 300m hurdles (44.64 sec.); Kian Schindler, 4th, discus (34.25m); Alex Szucsko, 10th, 1500m (5:06.67), 10th, 800m (2:27.08).

Novice women: Jordin Stevens, 1st, javelin (24.70m); Clara Steller, 3rd, javelin (23.81m); Aisha Medina, 5th, pole vault (2.05m), 5th, 300m hurdles (55.36 sec.); Ava Stahle, 5th, discus (16.80m), 7th, shot put (8.23m); 4x1 relay, 10th (56.89 sec.)

Open men: Ryan Johnson, 2nd, 200m steeplechase (6:40.15); 4x4 relay, 8th (3:45.71).

  

    EAST ELGIN

Gould qualifies for WOSSAA in three events.

Senior women: Taylor Kana, 1st, javelin (37.97m); Darah Farrow, 3rd, javelin (32.84m), 10th, shot put (23.45m); Reece Laidlaw, 5th, javelin (27.57m);

Junior women: Sophie Nagelhout, 9th, 400m (1:05.58).

Junior men: Henry Scott, 2nd, 100m (11.45 sec.), 2nd, 200m (23.23 sec.); 4x100m relay (Scott, Morgan Siemens, Joey Yaw), 4th, 46.74 sec.); Morgan Siemens, 8th, 200m (24.56 sec.)

Novice women: Kiersten Kent, second, long jump (4.43m);

Novice men: Benji Gould, 1st, 3000m (10:38.58), 4th, 1500m (4:59.02), 9th, 800m (2:24.95).

 

    PARKSIDE

Stanat second twice to throws phenom Tunks.

Senior men: Merrick Rollins, 2nd, javelin (48.95m), 7th, discus (34.89m); Andrew Monteith, 6th, 800m (2:05.64)

Senior women: Lexi Stanat, 2nd, discus (34.55m), 2nd, shot put (10.74m); Alyssa Gordon, 2nd, high jump (1.54m), 5th, 100m (13.35 sec.), 10th, long jump (4.46m); Alexis Gray, 3rd, 400m (1:02.33), 9th, 200m (28.08 sec.); Olivia Sutton, 5th, 800m (2:35.06), 10th, 400m (1:05.98).; 4x1 relay, 8th (53.40 sec.); Maya Minielly, 9th, high jump (1.40m);

 Junior men:  Aiden Ward, 100m hurdles (DQ)                      

Novice men: Hayden Craig, 4th, 800m (2:18.05), 6th, 400m (57.0 sec.); Riis Al Faiadhi, 5th, 400m (56.23 sec.), 6th, 200m (25.26 sec.);

Open men: Darren Hagerty, 10th, 2000m steeplechase (7:46.22)

Open women: Audrey Ferguson, 9th, 2000m steeplechase (9:13.35)

 

    ST. JOE'S

Piekny breaks senior men's pole vault meet record.

Senior men: Matt Piekny, 1st, pole vault (record 4.60m), 3rd, 110m hurdles (15.73 sec.); David Anderson, 3rd, shot put (13.11m), 4th, discus (37.0m); Noah Pollnow, 5th, discus (35.97m); Fowler Little, 6th, 1500m (4:23.70), 7th, 800m (2:06.89); Ty Emre, 8th, 3000m (9:46.61)

Senior women: Promise Atkinson, 1st, long jump (4.85m PB), 3rd, pole vault (3.40m PB), 7th, high jump (1.50m); Libby McCurdy, 2nd, pole vault (3.40m), 5th, long jump (4.67m); Mara Kemmerling, 5th, 100m hurdles (16.38 sec.); Sarah Vanvelzer, 7th, javelin (25.04m); Brooklyn Hewitt, 8th, javelin (24.14m)

Junior men: Shawn Okorhi, 6th, high jump (1.60m); Luke McKillop, 8th, 3000m (10:34.32).

Junior women: Flourish Nmor, 3rd, 400m (1:03.56), 5th, 1500m (5:30.02), 5th, 800m (2:37.02); Sarah Foley, 4th, high jump (1.35m); Emily Blackhall, 6th, high jump (1.30m); Claire Caslick, 9th, 300m hurdles (59.86 sec.), 10th, 1500m (5:47.98); Natalie Siviero, 10th, shot put (7.95m);

Novice women: Savanna Vannoord, 1st, 300m hurdles (50.25 sec.); 4th, 80m hurdles (13.91 sec.), 10th, 200m (28.77 sec,); Make Evangelinos, 5th, 800m (2:41.15); Ava Adzija, 4th, discus (17.65m), 9th, shot put (7.97m); 4x1 relay, 6th (56.09 sec.)

Novice men: Ethan Atkinson, 1st, pole vault (2.70m), 3rd, high jump (1.60m), 3rd, 300m hurdles (45.74 sec,); 4x1 relay, 7th (50.15 sec.); Max Gasper, 7th, javelin (29.00m); Lucas Van Gorp, 9th, javelin (27.41m); Luke McKillop, 10th, 1500m, 4:55.07; Demarco Maitland, 10th, 200m (25.63 sec.).

Intellectually Impaired men: Diego Alban-Gasca, 8th, 100m (16.27 sec.)

Open men: 4x4 relay, 10th (3:47.49)

 

    WEST ELGIN

Open men: Daniel Barnes, 6th, 2000m steeplechase (7:18.87).

Senior men: Daniel Barnes, 9th, 3000m (9:53.46).

 

    GLENCOE

Junior men: Noah Baron, 10th, javelin (29.16m).

 

    MEDWAY (Thorndale residents)

Senior men: Carter Froggett, 1st, javelin, 50.26m

 

 

 

 

        rob@hometownplay.ca