July 31, August 1 and 2, 2009

University of California, Davis

Courtesy of Mary Woo and Ken Stone

By all accounts the 2nd Annual Western States International Masters Invite went exceedingly well. Cherrie Sherrard (70), a 1964 Olympic hurdler, broke Edith Mendyka's 26-year-old W70 American record in the shot put of 8.15 meters (26-9) by a foot, nailing 8.47 (27-9 1/2). And Mike Curry, 42, upped his own AR in the superweight throw (56 pounds) with a spin of 9.57 (31-4 3/4). 

Peter Grimes (50) ran virtually unopposed to a world-leading time of  59.04 in the 400 hurdles, which would have earned him the gold medal in WMA World Championships in Lahti.  Liz Palmer (48) won the 100 yard dash (yes, yard!), 200m dash, and 80 hurdles, and placed second in the shot.  In the discus, Thomas Fahey (61) battled it out with Bill Victorino (60) where Tom was victorious with a throw of 47.18m to Bill's 46.44m.  Three of the country's top ten M 50-54 javelin throwers competed,  with Randy Wilson pulling out a big last throw (49.31m) to edge out Zlatozar Popov (49.07m) with John Hansen right behind (47.86m).  Ray Burton (53), had a weight throw measuring 18.71m and a superweight throw of 9.70m, and Luke Woydziak (32) flung the hammer 64.71m - wow! 

Complete Results by RedCap Timing

We had a superb facility at UC Davis and the support of very helpful and professional coaching, facilities, and event management staff.  The officiating was outstanding, thanks to our Head Official, Phil Leake, and the rest of the great Pacific Association crew.  Oh, and the food!  Wow!  How about a catered breakfast buffet free to officials, athletes, and volunteers?  It was seriously good stuff!  The weather was almost perfect -  just a little breezy on Friday evening, but quite cool for this time of year with the top temperatures in the high 80s. We had almost 160 athletes enter and very few no-shows, so I'd say total attendance was 150. At any rate, we had a great time and look forward to next year's 3rd Annual Western States Invite!