Noosa Athletics
“Our School season of Athletics reached its climax over the weekend,” said Head Coach Mick Hooper, “with the completion of the Australian All Schools Championships held in Brisbane. It was a hot three days of competition both on and off the track. Noosa Athletics had three of our club members competing against the best school aged athletes in Australia, with some awesome results.”
Marlon Andrews came away with a 1st place in the U16, 4X 100m relay after setting a cracking pace for the Queensland team as their lead-out runner. Taya Clayton continued her outstanding form in the 90m Hurdles at both state and national level claiming a 3rd in a closely fought contest. The ever-versatile Eli Melinz claimed 3rd place in the U15, 3000 walk race and narrowly missing the podium in the Hammer throw: finishing in 4th place after being passed on the final round of throws.
One of the drawcards of this type of meeting is that there will come the time when some young athlete performs to such a level that his or her name will suddenly come to everyone’s attention. They quickly grab the program looking for the name, making a note, for here is someone who has drawn complete attention: and doing it in such a manner, that will make those in attendance, happily say in years to come, “I was there.”
‘’On this occasion,’’ according to Noosa’s Head Coach Mick Hooper, ‘’the crowd had been entertained throughout the whole carnival with some blistering performances: and none more so than the U18 sprint sensation Gout Gout, who had broken the U18 Australian 100m record with a time of 10.17. He then backed it up the following day with an amazing 200m performance. This was faster than Usain Bolt at the same age: this has sent shock waves through the athletic community, both in Australia and around the world.’’
His time of 20.04 is the fastest time of any Australian athlete surpassing Peter Norman’s record set in the 1968 Mexico Olympic Games where he finished second in the final. This now puts Gout Gout, in the record books as the U18, U20 and Open 200m record holder, with the time of 20.04. Truly an amazing performance: what a memory for all that were there to witness it. This 200m run has been grabbed by news organisations around the world: the fastest 16 yr old in history.
For this Australian born, Ipswich Grammer student of Sudanese parents, just weeks short of his 17th birthday, it will certainly give our Noosa athletes some idea, of what can be achieved: through good coaching, dedication and hard work. This season has been a good one for Level 4 High Performance Coach and Life Member Mick Hooper plus his support team.
This once again shows us the standard of coaching available in the various sporting clubs of our community. Others such as Mark Evans Australian Coach, Amateur Boxing ( most successful ever at this year’s World Titles), Woogie Marsh Weightlifting (coach of Taj Marsh Commonwealth and Oceanic medal winner), Yoshi Hasegawa Head Coach Caza Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu (top club in Queensland) Bryan Dukas Head Coach Shotokan Karate Noosa( medal winners at both State and National level) and in Rugby League Noosa Pirates Michael Duff (first year as Head Coach) took three senior teams to the Preliminary finals. Who could ask for anything more.
Rugby League
Noose Pirates Rugby League Club recently held their AGM for the season and all indications are, that it was for the Pirates a happy season indeed. First there was the successful completion of their first season in partnership with the NRL Dolphins, then their celebration their 50 years as a club: add to this their three senior teams the A grade Reserve grade and the C grade under their new coach Michael Duff, made the preliminary finals.
‘’This was a great indication of the hard work and dedication, of the coaching panel, support staff and players. This stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and community that is the Noosa District Rugby League Football Cub,” said club President Liam Anlezark
Off the back of the Dolphins partnership, Pirates had their first signing of a player, Cooper Jackson to the Dolphins Cyril Connell side. The club was very happy with Coopers performance as they watched his hard work come to fruition. Also, the club was pleased with the female participation numbers from last season: an increase of 24.17 per cent. The female game is going from strength to strength in rugby league, with Pirates leading the charge, fielding several sides.
Along with the open women’s side they had teams in all the girl’s sides which included U17’s, U15s, and U13’s. Moving into the 2025 season they hope to add a U11s all girls team. Also, the junior boys’ ranks are very strong fieldling teams in all divisions. They also had our U13s divisions 1 Boys make it to the Grand Final, but unfortunately lost in a hard-fought game.
“We would like to thank all our sponsors and fans for a great season, and with registration opening early December, the Pirates are looking forward to a great 2025 season. Once again, our sincere thanks to all our people for what can only be classed as a season to remember.” Liam Anlezark President.
Amateur Boxing.
For Cooroy’s Impact Boxing and Fitness Academy the year has been outstanding. In the words of Mark Evans, Head Coach and President of Boxing Queensland, “It has also been an action-packed year filled with growth, challengers and success. I wish to extend my gratitude to all our supporters, families and friends for standing by us.”
All indications are, that 2025 is shaping up to be a monumental year for Impact Boxing as they celebrate 20 years of working in the community and for the community. “There are big announcements on the horizon, and we look forward to sharing them with you”, said Coach Evans. Happy to say that Team Impact ended 2024 on a high note.
Last Saturday Team Impact took part in the El Barrio Boxing Club Tournament in South Brisbane. The team consisted of three seasoned fighters and a novice, Jermaine Wilson stepping into the ring for the first time in an exhibition bout. First up for Impact was Slade Gray a young star on the rise, who came up against a familiar opponent, Sienna Panel: but after three tough rounds Slade took the decision.
Next for Impact was Cian Jones, who after a long hiatus came out on top when the referee stopped the fight in the third. Next for Impact was Luke Austin an exciting fighter who once again took a points decision. This was followed by another exhibition bout in which Jermine Wilson showed that she has the necessaries, to pursue a career in the amateur ranks.
In his closing statement Coach Evans said, “Here is too another incredible year. Many thanks and a Merry Christmas to all.”
Best wishers.
On behalf of the Noosa Heads SLSC Old Boys and the Seahorse Nippers, of whom she is Patron, we send our best wishers to Dawn Fraser AC MBE for a quick recovery and a Merry Christmas with family and friends.
