North Somerset athletes celebrate a season of success

North Somerset AC may be a young club, but it is growing up very fast.

That was the message at the club's recent annual awards night, held to reflect on the past year's achievements and recognise some of the athletes who have played such a big part in putting it on the West athletics map.

"It has been a truly amazing year!" said chief coach Chris Millard, who was instrumental in establishing the club in 2004.

The year started with several NSAC athletes involved in the wins for the Under-11, Under-13 and Under-15 Avon squads in the South West Sportshall competition.

Calum Hannay went on to become a UK Champion and both Emma Smith and Jake Fisher won national medals.

An impressive primary school squad from NSAA competed in the Quadkids home international against Wales and were runaway winners, with Ada'ora Chigbo particularly impressive in the standing long jump, where she set a UK best of 2.23m.

Eleven athletes were included in the Avon squad for the South West Inter-Counties Championships, and it ended with a joint first place victory in the Avon League.

"It was a fantastic achievement to finish joint top with Yate & District ASC on match points, although they just edged us out on total points scored over the season," said club chairman Steve Coghlan.

"Even so there were only around 50 points between us and we both scored around 4,000. To do that without a senior section was an amazing achievement and we were really chuffed, especially to beat clubs like Team Bath and Bristol & West AC. Now we have to do even better in 2010 and try and win the league outright."

North Somerset Athletics Club, are always looking for new talent and coaches.

If you would like to get involved in our sport please contact Chris Millard by email at chrisbtg@blueyonder.co.uk or visit the club website, www.fitnessontrack.co.uk.

North Somerset AC winners –Clevedon Club athlete of the year: Jasmin Emery.

Multi-event athlete: Lauren Meredith.

Achievement award: Sam Aizlewood.

Churchill Club –athlete of the year: James Payne.

Multi-event athlete: Pippa Reilly.

Achievement award: Emma Warinton.

Nailsea & Backwell Club –athlete of the year: Ellie Parker. Multi-event athlete: Rebecca Abbott.

Achievement award: Sarah Page.

Endurance development athlete of the year: Katie Grinyer, who finished the season on a high with a national grade 1 performance in both the 800m and 200m.

Endurance athlete of the year: Cameron Coetzee, South West Inter Counties Champion and College Green mile winner.

Coaches Endurance Award: Ben Maliphant.

Speed Development Athlete: Sophie Thomas, a Year 7 student at Worle School, achieved national grade 1 performances in the 75m and 200m. She is now ranked number 2 and 3 in the UK respectively in her year group.

Speed Athlete: Tasha Osgood. The Gordano School student enjoyed fine performances in the 100m (13.19secs) and 200m (27.76secs).

Throws Athlete: Francesca Allen was a worthy winner after a personal best in the shot of 7.47m and a silver medal in the South West Indoor championships.

Multi-events Athlete: Kody Mortimer achieved a grade 2 performance in the long jump plus various endurance and sprint victories.

Jumps Athlete: Anicia Skeates was the runaway winner with 1.52m in the high jump, which now ranks her 5th in the UK. Also fine performances in the long jump and hurdles.

North Somerset AC sports day challenge winners: NSAA Lightning Bolts.