Ayr Seaforth’s Andrew Murphy and Caroline George are athletes of the year

Oct 8 2010 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

AYR Seaforth have named under 17 stars Andrew Murphy and Caroline George as their athletes of the year.

Andrew, from Girvan, had an outstanding year which included winning the Scottish indoor and outdoor combined events championships, third at the English/UK (Indoor) combined events at Sheffield, second at Stoke and second overall when competing for Scotland in a Home Countries combined events international at Stoke.

In winning the Scottish title in July, Andrew produced a championship best of 5222 points.

Meanwhile, sprinter Caroline, from Ayr, started indoors in January with two Scottish championship wins (closed championships) in the 60m (7.92) and 300m (42.42).

At the Scottish (Indoor) open championships, she was second in the 60 metres in 7.87 secs while at the English/UK (indoor) championships in Birmingham she was third in the 60 metres in 7.91.

In May, at the Scottish (outdoor) closed championships, she won the 100m (12.60) and was second in the 200m (26.3).

In August at the Scottish (outdoor) open championships, she won both the 100m (12.52) and 200m (25.00).

Caroline was selected to compete for Scotland at the Celtic Games at Athlone in Ireland for the U20 team where she finished third in the 100m (12.25).

Male runner-up was under 17 athlete Finlay Rae who was second at the UK inter counties and McCain UK cross country final at Birmingham.

Female runner-up was under 20 athlete Louise Hill-Stirling, an outstanding winner of nine under 20 women’s 10k road races and selected for the Scottish under 20 team in a Home Countries Junior Hill International at Dublin in September.

Other awards: Simon Campbell memorial trophy (for best achievement under 17 men): Andrew Murphy; Hazel McNee trophy (for best achievement under 17 women): Caroline George; Ernest Thursby trophy (for excellence in field events): Rachel Hunter; Sean Carson memorial shield (for excellence in throwing events); Aileen Rennie; Paul McPate shields (for best newcomers) James Armstrong and Sophie Dunlop.

The Andy Smith Cup (for special contribution to Seaforth) went to Ricky Taylor who for over 18 years, has held many club posts.

In the 1970s he held the Scottish records for 400m and 400m hurdles and competed at the Edinburgh Commonwealth Games.

Club road race champions were Mayeul Ducrot and Lynsey Cooper.

The trophy presentation is on Saturday, November 13 at the Horizon Hotel, Ayr.