Olympian Ed Burke among highlights of Western States Invitational

Ed Burke

Meet director Mary Woo writes about her 4th annual Western States meet at UC Davis, a three-day meet ending Sunday west of Sacramento. Turnout was down about 20 entries from last year. (She had expected 50-entrant rise). But perhaps avalanche of big meets this summer led to athletes saving their shekels for Sacramento worlds. “I understand we were up against the National Senior Games,” she writes, “but not many from our region attended those, and of course it was Father’s Day weekend. However, we really thought the timing of the meet made it a perfect tune-up for the WMA meet.” See results here. Cool feature of results are splits in several races. “(Olympian) Ed Burke made a VERY strong return to the hammer ring after injury/surgery. His best throw of 53.98 meters (177-1) was beaten by only two other throwers — both about 40 years Ed’s junior!” (Ed is 71.)

Mary Woo continued:

Liz Palmer ran a wind-aided PR in the 100 — she even shut it down about halfway through the race fearing “overspeed hammy injury.” She also ran a season best time in the 80 hurdles (not wind-aided) and will be a force at Worlds. Peter Grimes ran a nation-leading 60.15 in the 400 burdles and tied BJ Duhon’s leading time in the 100 hurdles. Frank Condon didn’t show. I would have LOVED to see what his fitness level is right now. Also, Cheri Sherrard threw very well with a shot put of 8.01m, the best in the nation so far.

And beyond the “star” athletes, there were a whole bunch of other folks who loved the meet and posted great marks. I can’t wait to see what the 5th Western States International Invitational has in store for us all!

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June 23, 2011

6 Responses

  1. buzooti - June 23, 2011

    The Kid’s 50 and 100M races were a real treat as it gave my daughters a chance to get on the track.

    Results were mixed, however, as one of my twins had to be carried to the finish in the 50…apparently the starting gun frightened her terribly. It was both hilarious and touching. I was teary-eyed warming up for the M40 100M.

    Thanx Mary, Liz and Elmer. I look forward to next year.

  2. Mary Woo - June 23, 2011

    You’re welcome, buzooti. And I’m sorry your beautiful little girl(one of three, I believe)was frightened. Perhaps next year we’ll have to forgo the gun and hand-time the little ones. Thanks for coming!
    Mary

  3. buzooti - June 24, 2011

    Thanx Mary, however, there is no need to change the kid’s timing on our account. I am trying to raise tough, independent girls. We will work on loud noises and see you all next year.

  4. Leonard - June 24, 2011

    Mary,

    You put on a great meet. Sorry my wife and I missed it this year (Health issues). Hopefully healthy enough next year to participate.

    Leonard

  5. Karen Vaughn - June 24, 2011

    I’ve heard many good things about your meet, Mary. Maybe I can make it next year.

  6. Mary Woo - June 24, 2011

    Leonard- I hope you are making a full and speedy recovery- you and your wife were missed! Karen- I hope you can make it, too. We’re already making plans for the 2012 meet!

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