It was a great night for Sussex AA at the annual Presentation Evening of South East Regional Athletic Association Awards.
Two of our dedicated officials were honoured for their time and commitment to the sport.
Both are former athletes who have remained in the sport to ensure it stays available for later generations taking on a variety of roles within their clubs.
Phil Baker, Chichester Runners & AC, was awarded for his Services To Athletics, whilst Brighton and Hove AC’s Bob Willows
was named South East Coach Of The Year.
Phil, a former county athlete recently featured in our profiles of who’s who in Sussex athletics, set up Chichester Runners in the 1980s.
His enthusiasm for the sport has gone unabated over the years, clearly shown when he took on the role of Sussex Cross Country league organiser. The league has grown massively with, in normal years, more than 600 athletes competing in each fixture across the various age groups.
Not only does he coach athletes, arrange teams, organise transport and fully engaged at events, Phil writes a comprehensive weekly report for the Chichester Observer newspaper, of the week’s athletic activities. This has provided Chichester Runners & AC with prominence in the community and given athletes motivational recognition. Phil provides words of warmth and encouragement ensuring that everyone feels they are contributing to the team.
Arguably a standout feature has been Phil's dedication to encouraging youngsters into athletics. There will be thousands who look back on their time of being mentored by Phil and realise how fortunate they were to have been a member of Chichester Runners & AC and to have known Phil.
Bob Willows is an institution in the world of javelin throwing and this award recognises his achievements.
He is a huge part of Brighton and Hove AC, both as a dedicated coach and club secretary.
Among his accolades are having coached two English Schools’ winners, two schools’ international gold medallists and several county champions and record holders. He has also recently seen one of his up and coming athletes, Dulcie Yelling, smash two British Age Records in consecutive years/age groups ( aged 13 and 14 years). 
With over 40 athletes to his credit, not just in javelin but also in other throwing events, Bob makes his coaching about the athlete.
An athlete in his youth, Bob took time out from athletics to bring up his family. He returned to the sport as a coach wanting to fill the gaps in throwing coaching he had experienced himself.
At the online ceremony, several of his current athletes gave heartfelt thank you messages citing appreciation for his time and efforts. A common thread being that as well as being their coach, he is also their friend.
Bob Willows is an inspiration to those he coaches, as well as to his fellow coaches. A true credit to Sussex AA.