Early October Melbourne sport shorts
MELBOURNE MARATHON
Montag steps into running
Aussie Olympian race walker and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Jemima Montag is in her annual off-season, but instead of putting her feet up for a bit, what did she do last Sunday?
She completed her first marathon, in Melbourne, just for fun, among family and friends, with just a seven-week preparation.
Stoked with her time of 3 hours, 23 minutes and 48 seconds, she quipped, “I think this is the beginning of a marathon addiction.”
In more results from the Melbourne Marathon, Maccabi Victoria Athletics Club athlete Eli Butbul set a PB of 2 hours, 56 minutes, and 33 seconds, to finish 43rd out of 600 in the 40-44 age group.
He was joined in that age group by Greg Factor (2:59.33) and Kevin Lieberthal, Jonathan Schilling and Ben Ehlich, who all ran under 3 hours and 20 seconds.
Daniel Guttman (2:57.07) also broke the three-hour mark (30-34 age), while Len Bryer (55-59) and Eric Heine (65-69) showed age is no barrier.
In the half marathon, quick times were recorded by Jarrod Zuckowski (16-19), who came fifth in his age group (77 minutes and 16 seconds), Ricky Cahn (74:59), and Elliot Kagan Gescheit and Dan Wein (under 79 minutes).
The 10km run saw a wonderful performance by Shamir Freedman, 13, who finished second in his age group, in just 37 minutes and 48 seconds.
Maccabi Athletics Club’s Ortal Raikhlin finished 17th in the women’s category, in 38:37.
FOOTY
Sheezel breaks new ground
After starring for the Sandringham Dragons in their NAB League Boys’ grand final win last month, and for U18 AFL National Championship winners Victoria Metro, Harry Sheezel was last weekend selected in the U18 boys’ All-Australian team.
He is the first AJAX Footy Club junior since Darren Sutton in 1998 to make this team, which will boost his chances in the AFL Draft in November.
BASKETBALL
Silver at Uni Games
Mazal tov to Maccabi Warriors players Jarred Fibishenko and Noah De Bortoli, who both played in Monash University’s men’s team at the recent Australian University Games in Perth.
Monash Uni qualified for the grand final, losing it by only eight points, to claim silver.
FOOTY
Jago to join AJAX as head coach
In a wise move so early in the VAFA off-season, AJAX Footy Club have secured Andrew Jago as their new senior head coach from 2023.
Jago replaces Adam Andrews, who served in the role for four years, and decided to move on at the end of last season.
Club president Ronnie Lewis made the announcement on October 2, saying, “We are excited to welcome Andrew and his family to the Jackas.”
Jago has a decorated coaching career, spanning more than two decades.
He is a Level 3 AFL high performance accredited coach, and also a sports psychology lecturer, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge, and a profound passion for football.
“Jago’s most recent experience as head coach of the Melbourne University Women’s Football Club, and the Calder Cannons in the TAC Cup, will ensure AJAX’s future is strong,” Lewis said.
Jago said, “I would like to thank AJAX for this opportunity.”
“I look forward to meeting all members of the AJAX family, and continuing to develop with our football community.”
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