Masters trio launching Northern California throwers club
Three Northern California masters throwers are starting what M50 founder Randy Wilson calls “a new club for throwers to unite the region.” He reports: “We expect to have over 100 members as soon as we launch in January 2010. If you know this area, you are aware of the talent we have to draw from. We have verbal commitments from many of the best throwers and teachers in our sport.” Besides Randy, the founders are M45 Mike Ostrom and M65 John Burns. Randy won bronze in the shot and discus at Oshkosh nationals, and Mike won a couple golds and a bronze at outdoor nationals, so this is a good nucleus. John’s a highly ranked high jumper as well!
Randy also writes:
We are currently building a hammer ring and full weight pentathlon facilities at a local high school in the Bay Area with anticipated completion by February 2010. Our goal is to sponsor several clinics and USATF throws meets every year, beginning this January. We will measure most of our success by the number of college-bound hammer and javelin throwers we can mentor.
The group’s mission statement:
- To provide a positive atmosphere for training and mentoring throwers of all ages and abilities.
- To foster continuity for youth, high school, college, open and masters throwers.
- To expose throwers to different techniques and philosophies.
- To provide year-round access to facilities, training, coaching, clinics and competition.
- To expose high school throwers to hammer and javelin.
Membership information: Nor Cal throwers will be the throwing arm of the Golden West Athletics Club www.gwestracing.com.
Golden West is a member of PAUSATF (Pacific Association USA Track and field). Membership Dues $50 paid to Nor Cal Throwers PO box 3162 Martinez, CA 94553 USATF membership thru PAUSATF/ Golden West (club #325) required.
14 Responses
O, it all sounds so great!If only we had
something even remotely similar here in
the Dallas area.We have some great throwers
here too;but no specific facilities or
trainig or “anything”.Most of us are just
on our own.
Phyllis Provost
I live in Northern California and would love to be part of this. BUT, I already belong to a local PA USATF club.
Can I still play if “USATF membership thru PAUSATF/ Golden West (club #325) required”?
Joining these track clubs is like joining a street gang – once you’re in, you’re in for life.
BTW – Track and field is not a team sport.
No you cannot belong to another club yet utilize Nor Cal training and coaching resources.
Matthew,
Good question. If you already belong to a club in the PA you are welcome to join NCT. Membership will provide discounts at our meets that will pay for most of the membership dues. The club will introduce you to others in your area for practice, access to facilities, training, coaching, meets and clinics. You can reach us at randy@norcalthrowers.org
Nor Cal Throwers clearly states its mission is to mentor younger throwers. It is not a typical Masters Club.
Throwers are a different breed of athlete that often feel like the forgotten members of the Track and Field community.
We have unique hurdles when it comes to training. Try to find an available hammer ring or javelin runway to practice on. Unlike all other events, most hammer and javelin throwers are introduced to the event in college.
However when throwers get together we have a common bond that’s hard to describe. It’s pure joy.
So perhaps the street gang metaphor is unwarranted. I’d like to think of it as lost souls, throwing heavy things, looking for the meaning of life.
Since I will definitely be joining this “gang” of throwers (and therefore in for life), I want to know if I can get a lifetime membership at a discount for both me and my fellow “gangster” throwers in Nor-Cal. BTW, life is not a team sport either but it sure is nice when you have someone who supports you and someone to cheer for.
As a thrower we are pushed on to a far field, (regardless of the condition), told to start early in the morning and rarely get recognized. The goal of the Nor-Cal Throwers is to give high school and youth the opportunities learn about the throwing events and give them a place where they feel welcome. At the same time letting open & masters athletes give back to the sport. I was lucky and had some great people give me the opportunity to learn how to throw the Javelin in high school in California and exposed me to the Hammer. With that exposure, I was able to compete in college and travel the US, all because of someone took the time. My goal is to improve the sport we love and what better way to do it, then with a club. I hope we attract thousands of little “Gang Bangers” that will be hocked on throwing for life.
I’m interested in joining this club but don’t know where we would meet to practice. I live in the central valley and I would drive a reasonable distance for some tips on technique and some good facilities to practice on. Can I get more info??
Hi: I’m Rick Barrieau,I’m 68 ,interested in learning to throw the javalin.I might attempt to compete in a senior event
OK
Does this club still exists? I submitted a question in 2010 and never got a response. I would love to join an active club and get some technique help.
We simply need more cities to become aware of seniors that want to participate in track and field. Not profit driven, but filling a need for a chance at accomplishment. We are so detached and self absorbed these days. Expression of life comes from doing not talking. More masters meets are just another to say I’m alive.
I am looking for other women javelin throwers in the east bay. Do you women I your club? If so how can I join
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