By LIAM TWOMEY
WESTERN Athletics are the kings of the cross country season. The club dominated the competition throughout the winter, claiming four premierships as well as celebrating a host of outstanding individual efforts.
Western Athletics won the under 20 women’s division as well as the under 14, 16 and 18 age groups in the boys events.
All divisions are contested statewide.
Cross country team manager Phil Dunstone was rapt with the club’s efforts.
“To win four premierships in divisions all under 20 is a brilliant achievement for all our juniors,” he said.
“Especially in the under 18 and under 16 category. There are a lot of kids in that category that are doing those races statewide. It takes a lot of commitment from our athletes and coaches and it is great that they have been able to produce these wonderful results.”
After its best cross country season to date, Dunstone said the next step was to help these young stars transition into senior competition.
“One of the things that we have to be mindful of is that we have had periods like this before and we tend to lose some of them when they are in their early twenties,” he said.
“One of our key strategies is to attract new talent and also retain these kids. That is the challenge for the club. We will see what happens in five years’ time. We will lose a few but hopefully we will retain a few as well.”
There hasn’t been much time to rest for Western Athletics with the summer season kicking off last week.
Athletes took to Williamstown Athletics Track for round one of competition.
