Athletics season comes to an end

THE Bacchus Marsh Little Athletics Centre track and field season has ended with the annual championship day.

Athletes took part in their five favourite events with medals awarded to the top three in each final.

The day, which was held last month, saw six centre records broken.

“There was a fantastic crowd, and the athletes were all pretty excited with special visitors down to watch them,” committee member Linda Thompson said.

“There were lots of grandparents in attendance which was lovely to see, with the grandparents sharing in the kids’ successes.

“The championship day brings out the best in the athletes.”

At the end of the event, athletes, life members, distinguished service members, parents and supporters gathered for end-of-season presentations.

Patrick Lovett was recognised for 10 years of service with Little Athletics Victoria, and Alexis Farrell, Gemma Lee, Mathilde Grant, Troy Lee and Iyla Robinson were celebrated for reaching seven years of service.

Mackenzie Estlick was named the most outstanding 100-metre runner and high jumper and was presented with the Jim Lilburne and Wayne Arnold awards.

The Trevor Lyn award for most outstanding triple jumper went to Alec Lloyd, and Nyal Halfhide was named the most improved athlete.

The centre’s junior champions were Oliver Kaleta and Penelope Mallard, while Cohen Mills and Nyah Halfhide were the intermediate champions.

Patrick Lovett and Mathilde Grant were named as the senior champions.

Under-17 athletes and centre captains Alex Lloyd and Mackenzie Estlick were thanked for their contributions as they age out of Little Athletics.

“Mackenzie and Alex were recipients of some of those major trophies and we acknowledge their service finishing up at the centre and their service as centre captains, which they have done a wonderful job [with],” Ms Thompson said.

“They are both remarkable athletes who many of our younger athletes certainly look up to.

“Both of them are going on to senior athletic competitions and have started to compete at seniors, so they’ll continue their athletic journeys.”

The centre will return for the winter cross country season in May.