Since 1904, when Wallasey Athletic Club was first constituted, it has maintained its proud tradition of producing top-class athletes gaining representative honours.
That work is still being done and, judging by the youngsters competing at the weekend, it will not be difficult to give the county and country even more class athletes and maintain this tradition.
The final selection date was looming up fast for those few to be chosen to represent the Merseyside Schools in the All-England Schools Track & Field Championships at Birmingham in early July.
These championships bring together the cream of athletic talent in the country and have seen such names as Sebastian Coe, Steve Ovett, Steve Cram and Daley Thompson launch themselves into the big time. By the time you read this article the selections will have been made and performances from Janet McGee, Francesca Phillips, Lynne Kennedy, Peter Doyle and Neil Henfrey on Saturday and Sunday will certainly have encouraged the selectors and, hopefully, persuaded them to select some as members of the Merseyside Schools squad.
Warley, on Saturday, was not a nice place to be, much like elsewhere in the country by, despite the wintry conditions the match went on with Wallasey Athletic Club members faring well for the county.
In complete contrast both in the weather and the pressures, Sunday saw a large band of members make their way to Warrington. Many personal bests, PBs, were recorded and the sight of so many Wallasey vests at the front was an encouraging sign. It was a do-as-you-like day and the opportunity to compete in events not normally done was taken up by many.
The site of three minor girls taking command of an 800m contrasted sharply with the return to the track of 'Robbo', his broken leg had taken a long time to heal and much hard work had been done before today's first appearance in track competition for many months. He, like his coach, must be pleased with his performances, further competition practice being all that is needed to return him to his top class form of last summer.
The weeks ahead are still full of competition and opportunity, competitions from inter-club to international and opportunities for individual victory and honour to team victory and promotion.
Like all clubs, we are always anxious to encourage new members, and any person who thinks that they can run, jump or throw will be welcomed.
While accepting members from 11 upwards, we are particularly interested in attracting more members from 15 upwards. You do not need to be a world-beater, we will help you to do this, you only need to be wanting of the correct, specialised coaching which only an athletic club can offer.
For further information please come to the Leasowe Leisure Centre on a Monday, or St. George's Middle School on a Tuesday or the Woodchurch Leisure Centre, near the motorway, on a Wednesday, all days from 7 pm.
Results
Warley Inter-County Schools Meeting
Janet McGee: 800m 1st, 2:16.3
Peter Boyle: 800m 1st, 2:02.9
Neil Henfrey: 400m 4th, 57.8
Lynne Kennedy: 1500 6th, 5:08.4
Francesca Phillips: 400m hurdles 3rd, 68.2
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 26/06/1982
Ref 1956