Tuesday, September 11, 2018

RICHMOND SENTINEL NEWSPAPER


Cranston Rock Solid in Feats of Strength


From The Richmond Sentinel, August 29th, 2018...
RICHMOND SENTINEL - SPORTS

Don Fennell
Published: August 29th, 2018 10:07 AM


Jody Cranston simply refuses to rest on his laurels.
Two years ago he was recognized at the annual Richmond Sports Awards as the 2016 Master Athlete of the Year. That honour simply further fuelled his motivation. Recently, the distinguished local powerlifter tried his hand at another feat of strength: throwing stones. Literally.

“I love competing and challenging myself,” Cranston explains. “I think that all started when I set goals to meet my early powerlifting years back. It always feels great to set a goal and meet it.”

So he signed on to represent Richmond at the 22nd Amateur Athletic Union-sanctioned Feats of Strength contest at Alki Beach in Seattle. He came away having set a Canadian masters record in the 72-pound stone throw event. Competing in the 198-pound division, he threw the stone 11.75 feet.

“I took about a year to work on the technique,” says Cranston, adding trying to keep up with his 11-year-old daughter Taila and all her sports and activities helps too.

He also extends credit to his coach Gary Fee.

“Stone throwing and the track and field throws are gaining in popularity,” Cranston says. “It is great to be able to include outdoor training (an all-year initiative) to the indoor weight, power and gym training.”

Owner of Connection: Corporate Health, a fitness centre in Vancouver since 2011, Cranston began Powershape Personal Training in 1997. He is also a partner in Oranj Fitness with locations from B.C. to Ontario.

Cranston won gold in powerlifting at the BC Winter Games and set the provincial weight throw record for masters-aged (45 years and older) athletes. He’s also excelled at the bench press, with a best deadlift of 590 pounds.

The first-place finish in the stone throw qualifies Cranston for the AAU world championships in Las Vegas this fall.

His advice to others: “Whether it is stone throwing, powerlifting or any sport for that matter, find something you enjoy doing and put in the work. There is no down side to this.”


To see this article in RICHMOND SENTINEL Newspaper form click HERE .

( Jody Cranston / AAU ).
( Jody Cranston / Stone Throw).

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

ALKI BEACH CLASSIC - FEATS OF STRENGTH



AAU Feats of Strength
Stone Throw
22nd Annual Alki Beach Classic



Once again Bull Stewart and his crew put on a fantastic meet which included: Powerlifting - Bench Press + Deadlift and the AAU sanctioned Feats of Strength - Stone Throw.

It was great to get together and throw/lift with old friends I haven't seen in a while and new friends I look forward to meeting again soon. ‎The contest was held on a gorgeous saturday afternoon august 18th at Alki Beach in Seattle. For an event like the Stone Throw it doesn't get any better then this! Beautiful and sunny with a steady crowd of 200 to 300 people walking/stopping by all afternoon to watch the athletes perform. That is well into the thousands of viewers by the end of the day.

My throws were:
72lbs Stone 11.75 feet
56lbs Stone 12.50 feet

There is nothing like throwing/lifting/competing outdoors. ‎Bull is a great person and his AAU sanctioned meets are the best.‎ Can't wait for the next one - lift heavy and throw far!

( Jody Cranston / Stone Throw ).
( Alki Beach / AAU ).
( Feats of Strength ) .
( Photo taken by: Chisato DuBoise ).

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

The Panthers - Richmond News




From The Richmond News, May 17th, 2018...
RICHMOND NEWS - KUDOS
Published: May 17th, 2018 02:45 AM

The Richmond Panthers - Girls Under 12 Softball Team is undefeated at five wins and zero losses "with stellar pitching and timely hitting." The team is made up of: Head coach Jody Cranston, Assistant Coach Gary Louis and players: Aleeza Berger, Ashley Barstow, Devyn Scott, Emilie Snowdon, Emma Jordan, Genevieve Louis, Hannah Nickerson, Jessica Lilge, Jorja Jordan, Kamiya Hayre, Nina Scott, Taila Cranston and Klaire Grayson.

To see this article in RICHMOND NEWS Newspaper form click HERE .

© Copyright 2015 - Richmond News

The Panthers - Richmond News



PANTHERS WRAP UP STELLAR SEASON WITH FIRST PLACE FINISH - RICHMOND GIRLS SOFTBALL TEAM LOST JUST TWO IN 18 GAMES

From The Richmond News, June 22nd 2018...
RICHMOND NEWS - SPORTS
Published: June 22nd, 2018 10;00 AM

 
The Richmond Panthers U12 girls softball team wrapped up a stellar season Wednesday night by winning their league with a 14-2-2 record.

Consistent power hitting and aggressive base running were a big part of the team’s winning play. The pitching duo of Aleeza Berger and Taila Cranston were a great combination with fast and accurate work all season long.

Kamiya Hayre, Jorja Jordan and Elia Sparling shared the catching duties ‎with plenty of put outs at home plate and throwing out base runners. The rest of the team showed their versatility playing both infield and outfield roles with equal success. 
       
“It is amazing how well these girls did this year" said head coach Jody Cranston. "Especially when you consider that it is the first year they all played together. (Assistant) Gary Louis was great to work with and the parents support was awesome!"

The 2018 Richmond Panthers team also includes: Ashley Barstow, Emilie Snowdon, Emma Jordan, Genevieve Louis, Hannah Nickerson, Jessica Lilge, and Klaire Grayson.


To see this article in RICHMOND NEWS Newspaper form click HERE .

© Copyright 2015 - Richmond News

Saturday, April 21, 2018

RICHMOND SENTINEL NEWSPAPER


Panthers Undefeated on Softball Diamond

From The Richmond Sentinel, April 20th, 2018...
RICHMOND SENTINEL - SPORTS
Published: April 20th, 2018 01:47 PM


Don Fennell Apr-20-2018

Taila Cranston struck out the side in order last weekend as the Richmond Panthers capped a 17-7 win over North Delta to remain undefeated.

The young pitching ace sat down all three batters she faced in the under-12 girls’ softball game, earning Richmond its second consecutive victory of the season.
Advertisement

Coached by Taila’s dad Jody, with assistance from Gary Louis, the Panthers are enjoying their first time playing together. This follows two months of indoor and outdoor training.

Playing an aggressive style of base running, the Panthers are elated with their early success. And Cranston is impressed by how quickly they are learning.

“These girls learn fast and they love running the bases. Aggressive and fast is a really great combination." says Cranston.

Aleeza Berger started the game on the mound for the Panthers during their victory at North Delta. She formed a strong battery with catcher Kamiya Hayre.

The Panthers are looking forward to participating in a tournament April 27 to 29 at Steveston/London Park. The season runs until mid-July.

The 2018 Panthers consist of: Aleeza Berger, Ashley Barstow, Devyn Scott, Emilie Snowdon, Emma Jordan, Genevieve Louis, Hannah Nickerson, Jessica Lilge, Jorja Jordan, Kamiya Hayre, Nina Scott and Taila Cranston.


To see this article in RICHMOND SENTINEL Newspaper form click HERE .
To see this article in RICHMOND NEWS Newspaper form click HERE .

© Copyright 2015 - Richmond News


( Taila Cranston / Richmond Sentinel ).
( Softball / Pitching ).

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Finalists announced - Richmond Sports Awards

Winners to be recognized at May 5 banquet

From The Richmond News, April 21, 2016...
RICHMOND NEWS - SPORTS
Published: April 21, 2016 08:47 PM


The finalists have been announced for the 17th annual Richmond Sports Awards.

Jody Cranston (athletics, Greyhounds Track and Field Club)

Overseen by the Richmond Sports Council, the program recognizes athletic excellence, leadership and contribution in the past 12 months and beyond.


( Finalist / 2016 ).
( Weight Throw ).