Calling all HAC members. WE NEED YOUR HELP. Please read.
Five years ago today, Hillingdon officially gained promotion to Division 2 of the SAL. Although my call back then for two successive promotions was a tad optimistic, we have managed to secure excellent mid-table positions in this highly competitive league for the last half decade. In 2015, we finished 7th. In 2016, we went one better to 6th. In 2017, we slipped down to 9th, and last year earned another 7th position. Many talented athletes have passed through our ranks over this period. All the while, the SAL Division 2 has provided an excellent platform upon which young athletes can build their careers. It has also brought together many senior athletes who have always worked hard for the collective pride of sustaining this competitive position on the UK’s track and field circuit. When local rivals Ealing, Shaftesbury Barnet, Serpentine and Highgate have all suffered relegation over this period, we have stayed strong.
OUR POSITION IS NOW IN JEAPORDY! Despite an excellent effort in fixture 4 to earn a superb second place on the day, early season clashes and injuries have left us languishing one position above relegation. The situation is made even more precarious by the fixture layout, which favours the teams below us.
Yes, we need all our best athletes there, and we ask they move mountains to make it. But we also need all positions filled. This is especially the case in the Ladies’ team where we often rely on a handful of SAL stalwarts to cover numerous events.
There is a 3k ladies’ race and a 1500m race too. If you were thinking of doing a park run in the morning, don’t. Come along to Oxford and get a PB in either of these events.
The SAL is the club’s summer equivalent to the winter Met League or the spring/autumn road relays. It is why group coaches turn to the track in the summer.
There is a coach from the clubhouse at 9.30am or you can travel direct. If you wish to compete please get in contact through the HAC SAL Facebook page Or email .
With another generation of excellent young athletes breaking into the SAL team this year, we, as a club, need to secure our position in this league to offer them a competitive platform for success as they graduate from the YDL to the senior leagues over the next half decade.
Thanks for reading,
James Manley and Keith Seldon – HAC SAL managers