Published: Thursday, 17th July, 2008 08:30
Coach with 62-year track record in athletics
By Matt Meade
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SHOWING THEM HOW: George passes on some tips to youngsters at a recent coaching session in Oalkey
GEORGE KIRK has had a long association with athletics ... more than 60 years to be precise.
And young athletes at Pitreavie AAC are still benefiting from his wisdom and experience as he continues coaching aged a sprightly 85.
The Dunfermline pensioner has played his part in training some top West Fife athletes and maintains the importance of working at the grass roots of the sport to influence and inspire youngsters.
“From my experience I think most kids are active and still enjoy getting involved in athletics and other sports,” said the former engineering instructor. “I guess some don’t like the discipline and spend too long in front of a computer screen zapping aliens. But we always have kids coming along. I look forward to the Beijing Olympics because it will definitely motivate a new batch to try out the different track and field events available.”
George, of Garvock Hill, says there is a big difference between the standards of coaching now and since he first put on a running vest in Lancashire in 1946.
“There were no fancy tracksuits or screw in spikes in those days.
“It was a lot more easy-going too; we did not train as much and had no coaching at all.
“In Manchester, our club (Blackley Harriers) had a secretary who said if we trained we would burn ourselves out for the big races!”
And his diet? “I always eat cereals for energy – I must have had thousands of shredded wheat over the years, but then we only had that and cornflakes.”
George arrived in Dunfermline in 1972 and “looked up a map” to find where the Pitreavie club was.
He continued, “When I arrived I was almost 50. A coach called Peter Beveridge said I was too old to be running and should start coaching instead, so I began courses in middle distance, hurdles and high jump.
“I didn’t listen to him about the running though and carried on until I was in my 70s.
“We’ve always had good athletes at Pitreavie so it’s been a pleasure to be involved with the club.”
One successful athlete George coached was Alasdair Donaldson (31), originally from North Queensferry, who is now an athletics development manager for Sport Tayside & Fife.
He trained under George from the age of 10 and the runner went on to win the under-17 AAA 3000 metres championship as well as the 1500m and 800m shortly afterwards.
Alasdair, who is also now a coach with Perth Strathtay Harriers, said, “His influence on me has been absolutely huge, not just for my career but outside athletics as well.
“He always discussed my training with me, even when I was young. Many coaches can be dictatorial and decide alone what you will be doing.
“That was never the case with George – he always listened to what you said. He put a lot of trust in me which meant I trusted him.
“When I ran at the European junior championship in Hungary he came out with me to offer support.
“Even when I was based at Loughborough (University) and went to the European under-23 championship in 1999 he also came to see me. I think that says a lot about the man.”
He added, “I rate him exceptionally highly as a coach, not just at Pitreavie but in the whole of Scotland and believe he deserves more recognition.”
Friend and fellow coach Harry Bruce (66) said, “He’s held in very high esteem by Pitreavie club members.
“He’s always keen to get out and help with school sports days and rarely misses an event – he goes all over Scotland as a timekeeper.
“Most people George’s age are happy just to sit in and watch Coronation Street, so there’s a lot of people in awe of him.”
George hopes to continue in his coaching role but does miss not being able to run himself.
“I would love to continue running but the cartilage in my knees is almost worn away,” he said.
“When you’re fit and floating along it’s a great feeling.
“My fondest memories are from running through the villages of Lancashire, especially at winter. It was the height of luxury if bowls of cold water were provided to help scrape off the mud.”
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