Size proves no issue for Jan Juc SLSC at senior champs

JAN Juc Surf Life Saving Club has defied the odds and taken home second place at Life Saving Victoria’s Senior State Championships in Warrnambool at the weekend before last.

Scoring the runner-up title against Ocean Grove SLSC, Jan Juc SLSC competition manager Tim Watson said the club’s overall placing was extremely impressive given its small size.

“The guys did a fantastic job and scraped points across the board of events.

“We had 60 competitors across first aid, lifesaving, beach, surf and surfboat state competitions. We also had four surfboat crews for the first time in number of years.”

Mr Watson said he was proud of the club for managing to come second for a consecutive year having also been in the top three in last year’s championships.

“I’ve been a competition manager for the past three years, but to back it up and score second place again this year is pretty impressive.”

The club boasted 12 first-time U14 competitors in the senior ranks, highlighting the depth of talent in Jan Juc.

“The team placed second in the lifesaver relay event which takes a massive team effort. The event encompasses surf boats as well as a swimmer, board paddler, ski paddler and a runner. It takes four females, four males as well as an U17 competitor and an U19 competitor,” Mr Wason said.

“To get a silver medal at the state titles when we haven’t done that event for a couple of years was a fantastic effort.”

With their clubhouse under construction, Jan Juc SLSC partnered with Torquay SLSC to facilitate training.

Mr Watson said while it’s been difficult, the outcome has proven the club’s strength.

“We haven’t had a base and that’s been tough.

Teaming up with Torquay has been a great partnership. We’ve really helped each other out and it’s been fantastic for both clubs.”