Always to be found at the side of the track whatever the weather on Tuesdays, Thursdays and often weekends. With a stop watch and a megaphone loud voice shouting out lap times to his group of endurance athletes. Calls of 71, 72, 73 echo around the track as he checks off each individual athletes times against the carefully devised training programmes he has produced for them. An expert record keeper Colin would be able to find details of each session any of his athletes had undertaken along with their PB’s, SB’s and their seasons goals. His sessions are always carefully put together to include all his athletes whatever their age or ability with the aim of seeing them improve.
Colin has always spent time researching the best and most up to date coaching methods. Athletics weekly being his bedtime reading of choice. He has coached athlete’s right up to international level with a large number of his athletes gaining county vests at some point. He has always supported his athletes not only in training but in competition often following them around the country to different events, to be found with notebook in hand explaining race tactics, lap times and giving endless encouragement.
Whilst Colin’s track sessions can be punishing he is always caring and fair, knowing when his athlete’s need a rest or a heart to heart. He is not one to fall for excuses though and must of heard every one in the book! He always gives credit where it is due and will take the time to contact athletes to find out how their training or races went if he couldn’t be there himself.
Not only is he an amazing coach described by many as ‘a legend’ he is a top class gentleman and was a fine athlete in his younger years achieving respectable times in events from the steeplechase right up to the marathon. On behalf of all the athletes he has coached I would like to say a huge thank you to Colin, running as part of your group has been a pleasure (even if some times we couldn’t walk the next day).

The club recently held a celebratory event to mark this achievement with a presentation at club track & field event and on club training night held series of 400m races and buffett in club house.