RYAN Williams can add his name to a growing list of Wauchope High School students doing good things.
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Over the years, the school has produced many top flight sports men and women and Williams has returned home after having had success.
The 15-year-old finished sixth at the state titles and while he races for Manning Valley, it’s only because that club is the nearest one to Wauchope.
That commitment means the teenager travels to Taree each Wednesday night for club meetings between January and October.
He also travels extensively throughout New South Wales attending and competing in state series or open events.
He has also competed in a number of national series events this year.
Mum Ruth says her son raced in the BMX Australia Nationals in Bunbury, Western Australia, in March this year.
“Unfortunately Ryan was disqualified in the quarter finals making fourth place,” she said. “The unfortunate part of racing being forced over the line causing relegation.
“It was great experience however.
“During the six state series rounds Ryan finished in fourth position against some 40 riders of his age.
“The final event is the BMX NSW state titles which happened over the long weekend.
“The riders are all racing to be the top eight in their age group gaining a BMX NSW plate.”
During the six state series round Ryan finished in fourth position against some 40 riders of his age.
- Ruth Williams
Twenty-nine riders raced with Williams where he finished with two seconds and a third. This placed him in the semi finals where he took fourth place.
In the finals, he competed against the best riders in the 15 year age group, Mrs Williams said.
“The gate dropped and Ryan unclipped from his pedals coming last to the first berm (corner),” she said.
“He raced hard and eventually finished sixth in NSW and received his first state plate for BMX NSW. The racing was extremely close with no more than three seconds between first and eighth placings.”
Ryan’s effort is even more significant given he does not have a coach or sponsorship compared with many of the other riders.
“Most of the riders are from areas where they have tracks and coaches close by,” she added.
Ryan says he would love to have a local track in the area.
Meanwhile, Bruce Ritter of Lake Cathie competed in the 45+ men’s division against 20 riders in his group.
Bruce qualified fourth in his semi final which placed him straight into the finals.
Bruce raced hard against a group of mates and finished seventh in his final.
Bruce now holds a state plate - seventh in NSW. This will sit with his other State Plates he has received over the years.
