Weightlifting.
As you walk through the open doors of the Noosa Barbell Weightlifting Club situated, at 1/15 Lional Donovan Drive Noosaville, you can’t help but notice the gym is clean, weights are in their place, athletes are going about their program: they will greet you with a nod of the head or a smile. Then you notice the atmosphere, it is something that only comes from – the sweet smell of success.
The sport of weightlifting is unfortunately one that gets little or no support from the media. However, you will always find that those who join the committee are the salt of the earth: always there to help. As with all good club’s management and coaching, will at a given time, stop and evaluate all aspects of the month’s past, then look to the future.
Head coach Woogie Marsh, has tabled a very comprehensive document: one that speaks of the past months and the future. The opening remarks tells that the Noosa Barbell Club shone very brightly at the Oceanic Championships and are now preparing for the U/15s Youth Nationals in Perth in early November
‘’Noosa Barbell has not only maintained its thriving fitness centre, but has also garnered notable achievements in various weightlifting competition. The dedication and hard work of its members, including stellar performances by Taj Marsh at the Oceanic Championships in Samoa, highlights the club’s commitments to excellence.
In addition to their recent success the Noosa club’s annual event, the Bush Turkey Cup, brought the community together. This was done to celebrate the sport of weightlifting and express gratitude to their local sponsors for their unwavering support.
Regarding the success at the Oceanic titles in Samoa, Taj Marsh Noosa’s exceptional young talent, showcased his prowess. Competing in the juniors and the U23s M89 division, Taj secured an impressive second place in the juniors and third place in the U23s. “His outstanding performance exemplifies barbell’s dedication to nurturing athletes who can compete at the highest levels of weightlifting.” He is now in preparation for the World Junior Championships.
Taj Marsh is gearing up for a week- long training camp in Perth, where he will undergo rigorous preparations for the upcoming World Junior Championships in Mexico. This international competition will bring together the best weightlifters from around the globe in mid- November. Taj’s selection for this significant event is a testament to his dedication and hard work: as well as the quality training and support he has received at Noosa Barbell.
The youth team for the Nationals in Perth is currently training intensely. The team comprises of Kaiya Marsh, Kase Dowd, Cooper Ward and Jack Lafferty. All have dedicated countless hours to refine their skills and strengthen their athletic capabilities. Additionally, Woogie Marsh (Head Coach) has been appointed as Queensland Coach for the event and is excited to collaborate with the team and other appointed coaches.
The recent hosting of the Bush Turkey Cup by the Noosa Barbell club was, as stated, a resounding success with participants showcasing their strength and passion for the sport. It also gave the members the opportunity to show their gratitude to all local sponsors: the Chartist and Bendigo Community Bank Sunshine Coast, True Protein and Noosa Subco. These people not only contribute to the success of the competition, but also play a vital role in ensuring the clubs ongoing future.
Recent Bendigo Community Bank sponsorship, will provide the club with much needed funds: this will enable them to obtain a trailer for transporting weightlifting equipment to schools. The ultimate goal is to establish the Strong Kids Weightlifting Program, within the local Noosa shire schools. This the club intends to introduce in Term 1 of 2024.
Summarising the Barbells remarkable achievements in weightlifting competition, emphasises the club’s commitment to nurturing athletes at all levels. The performance of individuals and youth team members in the past and their preparation for the future, (including the ongoing annual Bush Turkey Cup), speaks volumes: not only for its coaching but also club spirit and most important of all, strong transparent planning by management for the seasons ahead.
Athletics.
It’s more good news from the world of athletics. Earlier this month 76 selected athletics from across Australia attended the 2023 Coles Little Athletics National camp at the Gold Coast Performance Centre in Runaway Bay. Happy to relate, Noosa’s Little Athletics athlete Luca Gerrard was selected in the 4-day camp.
Spokesperson for the Noosa club Tanya Mattila, presented a report that is very encouraging for the club and the future. The annual camp provided a unique opportunity for athletes to receive coaching from some of Australia’s top coaches and presenters who shared their extensive knowledge and experience.
Each athlete was offered the opportunity to improve themselves on the track: and also, off the track in workshops, regarding such matters as recovery, psychology, strength and conditioning. Athletes were given the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the journey and process that is required to assist with their own development.
There were current and former international athletes, coaching and presenting: but most importantly they passed on their experience gained during their journey from Little Athletics to international representation.
Noosa’s athlete Luca Gerrard who specialises in triple jump and sprinting said, “Meeting athletes from other states including coaches and organised teams, was really exciting. It was beneficial to learn about different recovery methods, nutrition and stretching techniques as they play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and balanced training routine. Team bonding during free time was a great way to build friendships with like- minded athletes. Getting coached and receiving advice from Olympian Connor Murphy was an incredible experience”
It is quite obvious that Australia’s performance at the recent World Athletics Championships, with its best ever medal haul, and with Brisbane hosting the 2023 Olympics, the future is looking bright for our young athletes. The recent Coles 2023 High Performance camp was indeed an essential part for future of the sport and happy to see, our Noosa Club was represented.
Following their High-Performance Camp, Coles again stepped forward to show their on -going support for Little Athletics when they sponsored the Coles Summer Carnival at the State Athletics Facility in Brisbane. The purpose of this event is to give all registered athletes in the under 9 to under 17 age group the opportunity to take part in a large-scale competition thus giving them the opportunity to foster new friendship.
A summary tells us that Noosa finished the event with a total of 6 gold medals,1 silver and 2 bronze. The big drawcard was the inclusion of the Summer Carnival 100m Gift Race. First placed athletes in all age groups were given the opportunity to compete in this handy capped race. This was formulated by using starting distances calculated on each athletes winning time for their 100m sprint.
Head Coach Mick Hooper said, ‘’The Noosa Little Athletics was proud to have two finalists in the Gift. Under 9s athlete Zachary Nielsen and under 14 athlete, Marlon Andrews. Both athletes went exceptionally well with Marlon finishing 3rd and Zachary 6th. It was good to see the support given this race by the crowd, who declared it one of the best on the program.’’
This weekend the focus will be on the Queensland All School Championships. Held in Brisbane it will be run over four days: Thursday through to Sunday and Noosa will be represented by 13 of our best athletes. We wish them all the best.
Outriggers.
As always when a club starts to grow and improve in all areas, families and supporters will often ask about training and who does the work behind the scenes. So, from Derek Mabbott Novice Coach, comes the following information.
The club is based at Chaplin Park off Mills Street and the most activities are on Saturday morning ( if not away racing at carnivals): and with members finishing training from about 8.30 am, it’s a good- time to meet and say hello.
The President is Bodo Lenitschek, Secretary Simon Currie, Junior coach Flea White, Women’s Coach Paz Hegarty, and Des Mabbott Men’s Coach. Another lady crucial to the club’s success is Chris Mitchell the Novice coach. She also runs the vital Saturday, “Come and Try Sessions” for those interested in the sport:the think tank and the workers- where it all begins.
