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The Gathering of the Scots 2009 edition was a resounding success despite the weather!! The athletics venue was packed with talent for all the divisions. There was a total of 40 athletes in the Amateur, Masters, Women, Junior, and Open divisions with representation from 5 provinces and 3 states. So it is safe to say that even after the weather that was dumped on it last year the Gathering of the Scots is alive and well.

The Junior (17-19) and Youth (13-16) divisions took to the field on Friday afternoon and enjoyed a rain filled and wind swept games. No complaints from the lads and some great throwing from the guys who drove all the way from Antigonish and Middleton and of course the local boys from Perth-Andover. In the youth class it was Drew Garvie from Antigonish who showed his dominance by winning all but one event. This young man will be a force to be reckoned with in the near future as he progresses through the ranks. Drew was followed by Alvin Smith, Antigonish, and then local Ian Barclay.

The older youth division was the site for a great battle between CJ Robicheau from Middleton, NS and Chad Bennett from Antigonish, NS. The overall lead changed hands numerous times with Chad finally beating out CJ by a single point to take the win. Third place went to Brent Woodworth from Middleton. All of these guys should be able to make an easy transition into the next division as they graduate from the Junior ranks.

Saturday morning arrived and the rain had stopped, but the field was wet. After a hearty breakfast put on by the Gathering of the Scots the Amateurs and Masters geared up to take on the elements. As the morning progressed and the rain threatened, but held off, the Ams hammered away at each other in 6 events (1 hammer) with big Rob Young from Calgary taking top honours. There was a tie in points for 2nd but due to the tie break method new comer Joe Hall from Fredericton, NB edged out local Lyndon Clark who moved up from the Juniors this year.

Masters was a great time and a PR in WOB was in store for winner John Jans who cleared 15'. Second was Sean Borland and third went to Bill Waddell Sr. John and Sean drove down from Ontario while Bill came north from New Hampshire. The was the first year for a Masters division and it was a great addition to the games.

The Women's class started in the afternoon with 5 lovely ladies from NB. After being delayed a time or two by the Open class the women were finally able to complete their events. When the dust settled Adena Robinson took the overall with a commanding performance and a huge PR in the Heavy WFD. Second went to another local, Wendy McCrea, and third went to a junior ladies thrower Kelsey Nissen. These girls gave it their all to an appreciative crowd.

I guess this leads us to the Open division.....the marathon!! Fifteen athletes graced our field and thrilled the crowd with some amazing throwing. As was mentioned earlier the morning was overcast and rain threatened a few times, but never got beyond a slight drizzle. The threat cleared by late morning and shortly after noon the sun broke through and dried the field up quickly, much to the delight of the guys. We've had some very respectable numbers laid down for field records at the Gathering, but Saturday saw them assaulted with extreme prejudice!! All but one field record fell and the one that remained was tied.

We kicked off the morning at 9:30 with Braemar. Zolk (39'7"), Hadley (38'10"), Doherty (37'8"). Then to HWFD - Hadzilla (43'4") Zolk (43') and Barron (36'11"). Next we went to the first of 3 cabers, a 20' 95 pounder that eliminated 2 competitors from any more caber. We then donned the boots and the tacky and fired off the Heavy Hammer - Barron (109'9") Hadley (102'6") and Zolk (99'8"). The sheaf was scheduled next and we were running late so we started at 20' then went to 24' then to 27'. It was not the best of increments but we got through it in under 8 hours!! Barron (30'3") Zolk (29'6") Morin (27'). After a short break for some eats we cranked out the Open Stone (17 lb 2 oz) - Zolk (50'6"), Hadley (49'4"), Doherty (44'8"). The on to the LWFD. Zolk (80'3"), Barron (77'3"), Hadley (75'5") Zolk fired out a massive 84'3" shot on extras. Next up was caber number 2, a 20' 112 lb stick. This proved too big for 6 of the remaining competitors to turn, and 7 advanced....remember the marathon comment earlier!! Light hammer Barron (132'6") Hadley (120'10"), and Bishop (117'10"). WOB started in at 13' then jumped to 15' then to 16' where 4 cleared, but it then went into the Mike Zolkiewicz show. We thought Mike had tied his North American record, but verification at centre of the bar showed 18' 3.5". He then attempted 18'6" and had one sit on the bar and fall off. All very close attempts especially after such a grueling day. The crowd (and many of the athletes were truly amazed at this feat of strength. Zolk first, Danny Frame 2nd, and Doherty 3rd. Closing ceremonies came, but the athletes and the fans weren't finished yet. They still had the big caber to flip. At 20'6", 124 lbs, and 3 dozen events later only 3 managed a turn. First - Jamie Peppard (11:45), second - Lyle Barron (11:30) and third Hadley (1:15).

After all the events and a terrific day for most the final standings were:
1. Zolk (20 pts)
2. Barron (25 pts)
3. Hadley (27)
4. Doherty (50)
5. Bishop (50.5)
6. Frame (59)
7. Waddell (63)
8. Peppard (70.5)
9. Conrad (82.5)
10. Kevin Robinson (88.5)

A huge thanks goes out to all the athletes who put on a monster show, the volunteers that made the day possible, the sponsors who gave us the financial means, the fans, and especially the GOS executive for planning such an event.

Dirk Bishop
AD Gathering of the Scots