Tassie to send 10 for season Finale in Adelaide
02 Apr 2009
Tasmania will be sending a team of 10 to Adelaide this weekend for the last of the track & field competitions for the 2008/2009 season.
The team of Tasmanian’s will be spearheaded by Australian Open 3000m champion Mel Daniels who produced a surprise victory a fortnight ago in Brisbane. This weekend she will half the distance, having a turn at the 1500m.
Todd Hodgetts from Newstead Harriers will be looking to defend his Australian under 23 title in the Shot Put, when he steps into the circle. He won’t be the only fine thrower that Tasmania will send however. State Shot Put champion and 4th placegetter at the Australian Championships Rebecca Direen will take on the hammer and shot put, while TIS athlete Huw Peacock who carries the same bragging rights in his event, the hammer, will take part in all four throws at Santos Stadium.
After injuring his adductor muscle at the Tasmanian Championships last month, Hamish Peacock will return to competition, having entered in all throws, like his brother and will be a strong chance for victory in his favoured event, the Javelin.
High jumper Kaitlin Morgan, who has been full of excitement this season, will look to continue her winning ways in the under 20 high jump. It will be a tough ask for the OVA athlete, who will be up against some stiff competition, but after winning at the Under 18 National Youth Challenge last month, it won’t be beyond the 14 year old.
The women’s under 20 hammer will be a strong event for Tasmania, with Danni McConnell and Mikayla Genge both ranked in the top 10 nationwide for the under 20 category, despite both being still being eligible for that age group for another full Olympic cycle.
The full Tasmanian contingent are;
Under 23
Melanie Daniels - 1500 Metres
Todd Hodgetts - Shot Put & Hammer Throw
Under 20
Kaitlin Morgan - High Jump
Rebecca Direen - Shot Put & Hammer Throw
Mikayla Genge - Hammer Throw
Danielle McConnell - Hammer Throw
Noah Nischler - 800 Metres & 1500 Metres
Chris McConnell - 110 Metres Hurdles, 400 Metres Hurdles, Shot Put & Discus Throw
Hamish Peacock - Shot Put, Discus Throw, Hammer Throw & Javelin Throw
Huw Peacock - Shot Put, Discus Throw, Hammer Throw & Javelin Throw