ASHER ANDREWS TOPS THE BILL IN ACTION PACKED WEEKEND

            Asher Andrews (M20) drew on his considerable experience to win the Victorian MU20 Decathlon Championship at Lakeside Stadium over two days of high level performances. As well, the 10 other DVAC athletes who journeyed to Lakeside took advantage of the opportunity to hone their craft in the sprints, throws and Pole Vault events with some outstanding results.

            Asher Andrews got his defence of the Victorian Decathlon Championship he won as an U18 athlete last year with a flier in the 100m. Asher led the times for the field of 10 competitors in the M20 Decathlon with an equal pb of 11:08. That effort earned Asher his highest score of 843 points for the weekend. Set out below is the schedule of events set for the M20 Decathlon to highlight Asher’s achievements:

Saturday:

10:35am:        100m:              11:08:              (1^st)      (843pts)

11:15am:        Long Jump:     6.601m:          (1^st)      (723pts)

1:00pm:          Shot Put (6kg): 11.72m:         (4^th)     (589pts)

2:45pm:          High Jump:      1.75m:            (3^rd)     (585pts)

5:05pm:          400m:              53.84:              (4^th)     (646pts)

Sunday:

10:20am:        110m Hurdles (0.991m) 16.19 (4^th)   (711pts)

11:00am:        Discus (1.75kg) 33.98m:         (4^th)     (543pts)

12:50pm:        Pole Vault:      4.00m:            (1^st)      (617pts)

3:00pm:          Javelin (800g): 50.83m:          (2^nd)     (601pts)

4:30pm:          1500m:            5:14.28:           (3^rd)     (480pts)

As if that schedule is not enough to bring the average athlete to their knees, it should be remembered that this competition was tough. Right through the weekend it was Asher’s ability to handle the pressure that greatly assisted in his win. In the Long Jump Asher landed his best leap of 6.61m on his third and final jump.

With three events remaining, Asher led by a mere 36 points! Like a true champion, Asher went out and posted a pb (& Club record) in the Pole Vault (4.00m), threw the 800g Javelin 50.83m to establish another pb & club record and then ran the 1500m in 5:14.28 to finish 3^rd in the field. On the final tally, Asher had amassed a total of 6338 points to lead the next placed athlete by 611 points. That is some finish!

Asher’s Gold in the MU20 Decathlon brings the total of Gold medals won by DVAC athletes over the 2025 Victorian Championship series to 16.

THANKS TO DVAC CLUB HELPER VOLUNTEERS: DVAC fulfilled all but one of the Club Helper duties assigned by Athletics Victoria over the weekend. Thanks to the following DVAC Helpers: Max Balchin (2 Shifts); Luke Hamilton; Lucinda Derrett (3 Shifts).

2025 VICTORIAN COMBINED EVENTS CHAMPIONSHIP

Saturday 1^st & Sunday 2^nd March 2025

Lakeside Stadium

Male 20
Decathlon: Asher Andrews 6338pts: 100m: 11.08 (0.4) (843pts); High Jump: 1.75m (585pts); 400m: 53.84 (646pts); Shot Put: 11.72m (589pts); 1500m: 5:14.28 (480pts); Javelin: 50.83m (601pts); 110m Hurdles: 16.19 (1.3) (711pts); Pole Vault: 4.00m (617pts); Long Jump: 6.61m (-1.0) (723pts); Discus: 33.98m (543pts);

VALLEY ATHLETES TEARING UP THE TRACK

            The Valley Express was out in action at Lakeside on Saturday when DVAC had three starters in the top heat of the 100m. Keely Boyne (12.07) crossed ahead of Jamie Ritchie (12.31) and Rebecca Hvalica (12.48).

            Jamie Ritchie later lined up for the 200m and was just a smidge off her best time of 24.71 when she clocked 24.82. Rebecca Hvalica ran 25.44 at Lakeside to round out a very good day’s work.

            Hayden Moon ran a pb when he won Heat 4 of the 100m in 11.28.

            Jesse Madigan continued his series of quality 400m runs, this time posting 52.25 on the Sunday.

            Toby Hamilton cleared 3.50m in the Pole Vault to equal his pb from the recent Vic Champs.

HIGH VELOCITY CLUB & AV THROWERS

Saturday 1 March 2025

Lakeside Stadium:

Female OP
100m: Keely Boyne 12.07 (+0.0); Jamie Ritchie 12.31 (+0.0); Rebecca Hvalica 12.48 (+0.0); Katie Oliver 12.77 (-0.1); Maddy Meagher 12.83 (-0.1); Olivia Sheens 13.00 (0.7); 
200m: Jamie Ritchie 24.82 (0.9); Rebecca Hvalica 25.44 (0.9); 
Male OP
100m: Hayden Moon 11.28 (0.9); 
400m: Jesse Madigan 52.25; 
Discus: Chehan Udugampala 36.16m;

POLE VAULT NEWS

The Pole Vault crew at DVAC are growing in number and are achieving outstanding results all round. Asher Andrews cleared a pb of 4.00m in the M20 Decathlon.

Toby Hamilton cleared 3.50m in the Pole Vault to equal his pb from the recent Vic Champs.

Over in Perth, Elyssia Kenshole continued her story of courage and commitment in her return from serious injury when she competed at the Perth Track Classic last weekend. Elyssia cleared 4.15m to finish 5^th but not far off the height of those ahead of her.

RARE AIR VI (Pole Vault)

Saturday 1^st March 2025

Lakeside Stadium:

DVAC Result:

Mixed OP
Pole Vault: Toby Hamilton 3.50m;

2025 PERTH TRACK CLASSIC

Saturday 1 March 2025

WA Athletics Stadium

DVAC Result:

Female:

Open: Pole Vault:       Elyssia Kenshole          4.15m (5^th) (SB)

 (Max Balchin – mbalchin29@bigpond.com)