USA Team headed to the 2014 Newtonmore games

Elite

Something I've been called exactly never.

KTDupuis wrote: Duncan...sent you a PM.   If it is the same as 2001, 2004, 2007... shotput used. 7' circle for shot. 9' circle for LWD. T&F rules for throws (none of this one-foot-out stuff). Vector lines. WOB is stand only, knockoff bar. 16# hammer.   the field is the nicest field i have ever thrown on. It is a manicured shinty pitch. I almost felt bad beating it up (almost).

^^^^ This

The key things that go with this:  the shot circle feels tight, tight, tight.  I didn't feel comfortable spinning it was so tight.  So, I did the glide.  I don't think there is any practical way to make the MSA work.  And, they throw shots.  Not stones.

The LWFD is interesting since you can't have a foot out.  So, I cheated up in the circle to give myself room to the left in the cast and sprint.  Just adjusted the cast so I drifted to the back of the ring to have the full distance to sprint, think of Karl Dodge, Spencer Tyler, John Collins.

The caber is loooooong and skinny.  I think it was 23' or 24'.  Not heavy.   Probably no more than 90 pounds (British).  But, due to the length, you have to get it moving to get it over.

We threw sheaf.  Not a great bag, and the games fork has straight tines.  I mean literally straight.  Have to adjust your pull a tad to keep the bag on.  As I recall, all athletes were required to use it.
If, you throw it.  Not sure if it will be contested.

They use sectors for the shots, weight, and hammer. 

Get some practice with a knock off bar, or some facsimile.

Here's the most important nuance:  The head Judge is Graeme Allen's mother.  She is OLD SCHOOL.  Don't give her any sass.  Be respectful and polite (and charming if you can ) and she will treat you well.  Get on her bad side and it will be a long day.

It is an amazing venue and field.  The crowd is great.  Make sure to shake Sir Tommy MacPherson's hand.

From memory....boots on hammer  = yes. Gloves = no. The throwing surface was grass. Kind of like this....(Zolk at Newtonmore in 2004)

Thanks, guys this is invaluable information. I had heard pieces and parts of all of this, but this will help us all prepare.

When I started throwing 13 years ago I wanted to get picked for two games, North vs South and USA vs Scotland(in Scotland) I can't tell you how honored I have been to have been a part of these two great events. I am so excited about taking the field in the land of my ancestors. When KC asked me to be the USA captain I had to hold back tears and keep from jumping on the dinner table at the same time. I am blessed and I thank God every day for all the great aspects of my life.
I then realized I had to again choose a team of 4 other guys.
I created a list.
I asked Duncan less the 24 hours after I was asked. No brainer
We talked every day. I asked for his list of suggested guys.
I emailed ADs asked for their list of suggested guys.
Guys who were great throwers and again great people that's all I wanted to know and then I wanted to meet the ones who I didn't personally know. So I went to Arnold. And met everyone on our lists. Then came amazingly difficult choices. I won’t pretend that some great guys and great throwers weren’t left off the list, but I only had 4 spots.

I have to say that each of the athletes I chose are fine upstanding men and I made sure of that before I asked them. I and they know we are representing our states, our nation and our highland games communities, and we sure don't want to embarrass them and I'm sure future teams want to travel to Scotland too. So we will make you proud.

Shane Sutherland

Shane, I think you made some awful good choices. Kick some ass over there and make us proud! 

Good stuff!

Mike D-- I recall seeing video of some of your Scotland games. Was this game recorded as well?

I have quite a bit of video still in the can, but, alas, I don't think I got any of Newtonmore. 

I do have these from Newtonmore, however.   

      

Good luck lads, hopefully catch up with you when you are here.  Some excellent footage here -  

Let me know if you are visiting Inverness during your stay and I will give you a tour of the world's oldest Highland Games Stadium - Northern Meeting Park. 

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Who's Mr Pink?bawaaaaw.

I believe THIS is what the back of our shirts should have on them.

Does anyone know who we're throwing against?  Does Scotland have a Team, or are we going to be competing against 5 local fellas?