Airdrie Harriers on the right tracks

Nov 5 2008 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

AIRDRIE Harriers are a club that has managed to stand the test of time.

Providing a home for budding competitors in Monklands - and beyond the area’s boundaries - has been its primary aim for 75 years.

And if dedicated coach Angela Murray has her way, the club will still be here, producing talent in another three-quarters of a century.

Boys and girls of all ages are warming up as they prepare for one of their twice-weekly training stints when the Advertiser pays a visit to the Langloan Outdoor Centre in Coatbridge.

“The youngsters at the club are really enthusiastic and keen,” Angela told us.

“We have a nice family atmosphere here which is part of the attraction.”

With competitors for all disciplines at most age groups, the Harriers are well-placed to push for success in league meetings and tournaments in which they compete across the whole of Scotland - and where they have enjoyed considerable success.

“The under-11 girls won the Indoor League at the Kelvin Hall,” says Angela proudly. “They are a great team, some of them will stay there but others will move up to the next level over the course of the season.

“We were also pleased to win a few medals at the Pitreavie Trophy meeting in Fife.

“It is our aim to train twice a week and compete every other week.

“We also like the athletes to be diversified and try all events.

“The track season runs from April when there are championship events and league meetings.

“But we have the indoor leagues and cross-country running during the winter for the club to take part in.

“And we also have the athletes doing circuit training so they can develop their strength.

“Numbers at training do fall during the winter but we try and keep the wee ones out for as long as possible in order to build up their stamina as well.”

The Airdrie Harriers club was founded in 1933 but disbanded for several years until its relaunch in 1985.

Since then, the Harriers have worked hard to attract new blood and give youngsters a chance to take part in athletics in Monklands and this dedication is now paying off for the coaches and the athletes.

“This is an area where we want to encourage people,” adds Angela. “But we also have kids coming to us from Bellshill, Motherwell and Glasgow.

“We think the outdoor centre is a great venue for the youngsters to train and get better as individuals.”

Perhaps the best motivation for athletes can come by observing their peers, like Shane Malone.

The West of Scotland regional squad member has basked in glory during his seven years with the Harriers, and shone in the 60 metres and 100 metres events.

“This makes such a difference,” adds Angela. “They read all about people’s achievements and want to be part of that.

“When the other club members look at people like Shane, they are in awe of them.”

Angela - whose sons Anthony and Gerrard were international runners - reels off a list of names she has high hopes for.

The club have athletes who compete internationally. Distance runner Collette Fagan is a Harrier and was part of Scotland’s Commonwealth Games squad in Melbourne in 2006.

Sprinter Graham McBride is another top performer who has tasted the big time along with long jumper John Carr.

However, life isn’t plain sailing once the club’s athletes come towards the end of their teenage years.

“The problems start when they move to university,” says Angela. “We just can’t keep them here.”

But for the moment, developing talent and attracting fresh faces are the pressing matters.

“There’s lots of potential in the youngsters here,” enthuses Angela. “We have some very good athletes. This is a growing club. It doesn’t matter what standard you are, we just want your enthusiasm and commitment.”