Many congratulations to this year’s award winners 
Here’s the full text of Dave Moir’s presentation speech:
I was first involved in setting up the TBH junior section in November 2012, and over the years, I’ve watched it grow, expand and mature into a club that strongly represents TBH on a regular basis.
My own long suffering children have gone through the ranks of TBH juniors over this period of time, and now they are both in the U13s age category, I now focus my efforts on the older athletes, with Morag very ably dealing with the younger ones.
I made very a conscious decision over the summer to really encourage the juniors to get involved with racing, so a major change this year has been the formation of the “Racing group”. I have invited any of the 11 year olds and upwards, to join this group. I’ve asked for a commitment from them to race 6 times a year (XC, road, track, relays so there are plenty of opportunities) and in return I now put on 3 sessions a week for them. The usual Wednesday night session at NHSG, Saturday XC or track session and a Monday steady run along the Quayside.
I’d particularly like to thank the parents who get involved, many of whom have ended up running a lot more miles that they were planning this year, and also the helpers from the Senior groups (in particular Paul O’Mara and Kathryn Stevenson) who turn out in all weathers to run with the juniors. What they probably haven’t realised yet is how much mentoring they are doing, and how much the juniors really look upto them, and benefit from this involvement.
Please do take a look at the junior Website if you get a chance, I make sure something goes on after every race they take part in, and it’s always nice to receive encouraging comments.
So on with the awards:-
Over 11
Girls
I felt it would be unfair not to recognise both these athletes for their efforts over the past year, so I’ve made this into a joint award.
Both these athletes turn up regularly for training, always put the effort in and this is reflected in the results they have achieved over the past year. They are both great team players, and are always mindful that we really like closing teams, so often turn up to ensure that this actually happens. This club spirit is exactly the sort of attitude that I feel should be recognised, and as that is the case I’m presenting awards to both:
Eve Tovey & Hope Moir
Boys
This young man is a relatively new member to TBH. He attends training on a regular basis, as he simply just loves running. The consistent training has paid off, seeing him quickly promoted to the fast pack in the Harrier League and set a recent parkrun PB. He really enjoys racing and his open minded approach means that he is willing try his hand at any discipline. I think this award is greatly deserved and it goes to:
David Carr
Under 11
Girls
This young lady has made massive improvements based on her hard work in training. She is a regular at the cross country fixtures, and represents the club with real pride and determination. Her move into the next age category for the Harrier League will not take place until next year, where I am sure she will make a valuable contribution to the U13 girls team. This well-deserved award goes to:
Laura Whitman
Boys
This award goes to one of the younger members of the racing group, and although he is below the usual age I have set as a rough guideline, he demonstrates enough maturity, keenness and ability to handle the sessions. Again a fairly new member of the club, but one who has shown real aptitude since he has joined us, representing us at various fixtures already. This award goes to:
Laurence Hattaway
XC Member of the year
This award always goes to regular racers, who show strength and consistency within this discipline. This year it goes to someone who attends nearly all the sessions I put on, and is absolutely desperate to race at every opportunity. He thrives over a tough cross country course, but has yet to be tested in really muddy, cold and wet conditions. I suspect, this would really suit him, and may allow him to beat an arch rival from another club – this will happen, it’s just a matter of time. This award goes to:
Zak Kettle
Member of the year
This has to go to someone who has made massive progress in the past year, all through commitment to regular training. She never missed any sessions I put on, and she turns out for all races to support the club. I very rarely make awards to anyone 2 years in a row, but I just couldn’t ignore the level of commitment and loyalty that this athlete shows, as she represents the club at every available opportunity. This award goes to:
Amber Maynard
And thank you to all the other junior members, coaches, leaders and parents for making 2018 an exceptional year.
Let’s hope 2019 is an even better year for the Tyne Bridge Harriers junior section 
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