ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & Presentation Evening 22d November 2008

Richmond and Zetland Harriers held their annual presentation evening at The Bridge Hotel, Catterick on 22nd November, where the awards were presented by special guest Johanna Jackson; race walking British Record holder, who recently competed in the Beijing Olympics, which made it a special event for everyone involved.

Top points scorer in the Young Athletes League Under 13 category was Paul Harmsworth, who took part in a wide variety of events. The same trophy for the Under 15 age group went to Marc Scott, particularly for his performances in the middle distance events, while Sam Wood was the winner in the Under 17 category, another middle distance athlete, enjoying some fantastic performances.

The Male Cross Country award when to Fergus Roberts, who was an amazing athlete throughout the season and won just about everything available to become Yorkshire Cross Country Championship, Northern Champion, Inter-Counties Champion and National Champion! Tamsin Clarke meanwhile collected the Road Running Plate, for her fantastic time in the London Marathon of 2.54.02, as well as setting some excellent times on the road. The prize for best Male Thrower went to Paul Harmsworth, who had some excellent performances in the Young Athletes League. Doug Roberts collected the Bob Woods Trophy for Junior Male Endurance, having become Yorkshire Champion over 3000m on the track.

Paul Kilsby picked up the award for best Male Jumper, for his performance in the Long Jump, while the best All-Round Junior Male Athlete Trophy was awarded to Tim Burn, for his sprint performances on the track, setting a time of 23.3 over 200m. Tom Allen meanwhile, took the runner’s up prize in the best All-Rounder category, also for his performances in Cross Country and on the track. There was also a prize for James King, who was the winner of the Starvis Trophy for most improved Cross Country Junior, following his results in the NYSD league and Yorkshire Cross Country Championships.

Caroline Allen walked away with the prize for the Most Improved Senior, as she has started from scratch and is consistently bettering her performances in all events. Tad Zaranko collected the trophy for best All-Round Senior, after a fantastic season both on and off the road, while Maddy Winzer took the honours for Cross Country, having finished 7th in the Northern Cross Country Championships. Although a runner first and foremost, Sarah Gregory earned the title of best Female Thrower after consistent efforts in all four throwing disciplines during the Summer season.

The award for best All Round Junior Female once again went to Jo Adams, for her performances on the track, particularly over her preferred distances of 1500m and 800m, as well as her Cross Country results, with her sister Rosie Adams collecting her well-deserved runner-up trophy in this category. Jo Adams wasn’t finished and also walked away with the Christina Boxer Trophy for Junior Female Endurance, as she has set two PBs on the track by the end of the season. John Wild was pleased to find himself in possession of the Veteran’s Trophy, after his magnificent performances at the British Masters Championships where he won no less than 3 medals.

George Robinson was the creditable winner of the Engraver’s Trophy; awarded for attitude and effort during competitions and training. The Beccy Robinson Cup, presented to someone deemed to be a true mentor and role model, went to Laura Wrigley, for her help and encouraging athletes of all ages. Fergus Roberts was meanwhile still accumulating trophies, as he received the award as Richmond and Zetland Athlete Of The Year, for his numerous accolades already mentioned above, as well as being a worthy winner for his all-round ability and talent. Finally, Chris Allen was the laudable winner of The Chairman’s Trophy for his organisation and help as Membership Secretary.