Records fell like rain over the weekend in Connecticut as throwers had their hour in the spotlight. Masters nationwide gathered for the Ultra Weight Pentathlon Championship, Throws Pentathlon Championship and Super Weight Throw Championship. See results here. Gloria Krug led the assault with six W80 records, according to Jerry Bookin-Weiner. Jerry also notes special honors bestowed on throwing legends Jim Chamberas, Len Olson and Ruth Welding.

From left are Jim, Len and Ruth. (Jerry Bookin-Weiner photo)

Jerry shares this information from throws nationals at Silfen Family Track Complex at Connecticut College:

Here are the records set in New London — all by women:

· Jennifer Stephens W35 20# Weight Throw – 11.21m (old record by Jennifer Stephens was 10.60m in 2009)
· Jennifer Stephens W35 Ultra Weight Pentathlon – 2769 (old record by Jennifer Stephens was 2703 in 2010)

· Carol Young W70 Ultra Weight Pentathlon – 3489 (old record by Carol Young was 3212 in 2010)

· Gloria Krug W80 2kg HT– 20.95m (old record with 3kg hammer by Mary Norckauer was 15.66m in 2006)
· Gloria Krug W80 2kg SP – 7.36m (old record with 3kg shot by Mary Bowermaster was 6.86 in 1998)
· Gloria Krug W80 4kg Weight Throw – 8.15m (old record with 12# weight by Lillian Snaden was 6.93m in 2009)
· Gloria Krug W80 Throws Pentathlon – 3911 (old record was 3033 by Betty Jarvis in 1996)
· Gloria Krug W80 16# Super Weight – 5.69m (old record with 25# weight by Lillian Snaden was 4.87m in 2009)
· Gloria Krug W80 Ultra Weight Pentathlon – 3260 (no old record; first 80 year old woman to contest the event since records began to be kept in 2009)

Saturday was a gorgeous day with lots of sun and temperatures in the low 80s. Sunday morning we awoke to a deluge that continued for most of the day, making conditions for the Ultra Weight Pentathlon and Super Weight Championships trying for athletes and officials alike. Fortunately there was no lightning and the meet came off without a hitch, though performances were undoubtedly held down by the weather.

At the Athletes Dinner on Saturday night the following awards were presented by the Masters Throwing Events Committee:

Lad Pataki Award, recognizing an individual for outstanding achievement in a lifetime of masters throwing — Len Olson, from State College, PA, who was competing in his first meet in M80 in New London. Len is one of the pioneers in masters track and field and has won numerous US and world championships and medals in his career, which is as long as masters track and field itself. Previous winners of this award have been Carol Finsrud (2007), Oneithea Lewis (2008), Betty Jarvis (2009), and Tom Gage (2010).

Ken Weinbel Award, recognizing outstanding service to the masters throwing community — Jim Chamberas, from Chelmsford, MA, who is the founder and guiding light behind the Twilight Throwers that started in 1998 as a vehicle for masters throwers to have regular competitions and has grown into a major throwing club in the New England area, competing for East Region team championships and paving the way for other similar clubs and regular meet structures throughout the country. Previous winners of this award have been Tim Edwards (2009) and Ray Feick (2010).

Tom Gage Award, recognizing the masters thrower of the year — Ruth Welding, from Elk Grove, IL, who this year “won out” at all the major competitions she entered as a W55 thrower, winning three golds at the indoor nationals in Albuquerque (shot, weight and super weight), two golds at the WMA Championships in Sacramento (hammer and weight throws), four golds at the outdoor nationals (shot, discus, hammer and weight), and three golds at the throws championships (throws pentathlon, super weight, and ultra weight pentathlon). This is the first time this award has been given.