Athletics: Summer series a triple treat
Sheryl McLay had every reason to look pleased as she announced each runner home in the Coronation Classic triathlon.
It was her idea on behalf of Team Shorebreak to combine the usually separate summer triathlons under one banner and create a three-event series.
It has gathered momentum the longer the hot summer has gone on.
She got Eves Realty involved as sponsor and set up the structure that is now well established on the summer triathlon calendar.
"I think for a first year it has been quite successful," said McLay.
"I have a long-term view of it and hopefully the word will get out that it is a good series, and we have prizes for the overall winners so people will realise that. Hopefully it will just grow from here.
"The three events have all been awesome and they each have their own unique little features and point of difference."
Opening up the opportunity for schools to hold their own competitions as part of yesterday's Coronation Classic was another highlight for McLay.
"Aquinas had 20 kids here using this as the school championship, which I think is really neat, and Lindy Wickham had a few younger ones under 12 doing this as well.
"We made the offer to all the secondary schools and I think it just makes perfect sense with the logistics of the set-up and all the equipment already in place."
The first Aquinas student home was Year 10 Dana Welton in 39.22.
She had a comfortable victory ahead of Anneke Welten in second and Michelle Dykes third, in the 300m sprint, 8k bike and 3k run distance.
Dana (13) was apprehensive about taking part as she had a tough day of athletics on Saturday but surprised herself how well she went.
"I really thought Michelle (Dykes) would win so to come through was a great feeling for me."
Mathew Lochhead was the first Aquinas boy home in 40.56, with Joseph Welton second and Jamie Shields third.
