Cheers Beer – thanks for the memories

28 Sept 2019

Cheers Beer – thanks for the memories

One of the most outstanding NSW All Schools athletes, Angus Beer closed his highly successful six years campaign with yet another middle-distance double on day three of the NSW All Schools being held at Homebush this weekend. The tall front running athlete from Newington College, has been a feature athlete at the meet for six years. He also departs leaving a legacy for the next wave of athletes following in his big footsteps.

This year, Angus won the 17 years 800m and 1500m, claiming his fifth consecutive double achieved in years 8 to 12. In year 7 he moved up to the 13 years to qualify for the NSW All Schools team and placed second in both events to the older Luke Young.

“Going undefeated against 2002 born athletes in high school is a pretty big thing to me. It is a record I pride myself on and each year it has been about maintaining that record and that streak.”

On Friday, Angus clocked 1:53.62 in the 800m and today added the 1500m in 3:55.21.

He will complete his HSC soon, then move focus to the next step.

“I am going to miss it (the school competitions). But I’m excited to step it up and race with the big boys. That has been the goal for the last year, getting that transition right. Winning juniors is one thing, but continuing that success on is the next thing. That is now the focus to mix it with the under-20 and opens.”

Asked why he thinks he has been able to maintain motivation to remain in athletics for many years? He had no hesitation in naming his training squad.

“The environment around me has been a lot of fun and we have a good mix of boys and girls in our squad.”

The environment, under coach Dan Andres and his Pulse Performance may well have inspired Angus, but undoubtedly, he is a leader in the group. You will always find him after he races, track side encouraging his team mates. In just the 800m events this weekend, the group won four gold and one silver medal.

His records and performances litter the record and result books and will be an ongoing reminded of his inspiring contribution in the sport. One achievement he is particularly proud of is leading Newington College to a win this year in the GPS Athletics Senior Premiership. It was just the fourth win for Newington in the 127-year history of the GPS.

Next up for Angus is aiming to be selected in the Australian team for the 2020 World Junior/U20 championships, to be held in July, then off to college in America.

David Tarbotton for Athletics NSW

Image: Angus beer (courtesy of David Tarbotton)