A number of Kajaks Track and Field coaches and athletes scooped up a number of honours at the recent BC Athletics Awards for 2021.
Garrett Collier won the “Excellence in U16/U18 Coaching” category after the throws coach supported many athletes in achieving new distances.
According to BC Athletics, Collier’s highlights of the season included Matthew Uliana's U18 Canadian record in hammer, as well as his U20 BC record in discus.
Lee Hunter won the “Excellence in Junior Development Coaching” award for his “passion for assisting in the development of young athletes.”
During the 2021 season, Lee was instrumental in keeping the Kajaks JD program running smoothly, “dedicating his time beyond planned practices and competitions to ensure every child had experience in all event disciplines.”
Camryn Rogers picked up a “2021 Outstanding Athletes of the Year” accolade after a stunning season in the hammer.
Not only was Rogers the NCAA Div.1 Champion, she broke the NCAA and Canadian U23 record in the process, all en route to a debut in the Olympic Games, where she finished fifth.
Rogers also picked up the “2021 BC Athletics Senior Track & Field Athletes of the Year” along with fellow Richmond Olympian Evan Dunfee.
Dunfee capped a memorable season by snatching a bronze medal at the death in the 50K race walk.
During the season, he also set new Canadian records in the 5,000m and 10,000m races.
Matthew Uliana was named “2021 U18 Track & Field Athletes of the Year” after a standout season, setting a new U18 Canadian record in the hammer and a new U20 BC record in the discus.
Notable mention went to Aidan Turner – a finalist for the U18 Track and Field Athlete award.
Lawrence Man won the “2021 U16 Male Track & Field Award” in the 14-year-old division, after achieving a hammer throw distance of 50.73m.
Free community event
*Meanwhile, Kajaks is hosting a free, one-day community event, called Try Track, at Minoru Track on Saturday, March 12 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
It is open to elementary and high school students and teachers who want to try the different events within the sports of track and field.
This will be led by Kajaks’ certified coaches, with small groups and “go-through” stations.
The event is drop-in, no registration required. Participants are asked to arrive by 8:45 a.m. and look for the Kajaks tent at the track.
