Casey little athletes, from left, Matthew DeBruin, Seamus Murphy, Jordan Nelson, Shannon Cox, Siobhan Jagusch and Samantha Prime are hoping to make an impact at national level over the next two weeks. Picture: Meagan Rogers.By Marc McGowan
CASEY Little Athletics Centre is set for a big two weeks, with six of their athletes preparing to compete on the national stage.
Four of the club’s middle-distance prospects – Jordan Nelson, Shannon Cox, Siobhan Jagusch and Seamus Murphy – have qualified for the Australian All-Schools and Youth Athletics Championships.
The annual event will be held at Sydney Olympic Park Centre from 6 to 9 December.
Completing Casey’s representatives are 11-year-old rising stars Matthew DeBruin and Samantha Prime, who have been selected in the state team from the Victorian Primary Schools’ Sports Association track and field championships last month.
The pair will be in action from today (Thursday) through until Sunday in the National Track and Field Exchange at St Leonard’s Athletic Track in Launceston.
DeBruin won gold in the 80-metre hurdles and finished fifth in the high jump at the state titles, and has been chosen for the multi events competition in Tasmania, which consists of the 100m, long jump, shot put, 800m and relay.
Prime was similarly successful, claiming silver and bronze in the 1500m and 800m respectively.
After having already recorded a fourth placing over 3km for Victoria in the national under 12 cross country championships this year, she will represent the state in the 800m at the Apple Isle.
Casey middle-distance coach Trish Jagusch, mother of Siobhan, is extremely proud of all six athletes and has mentored all of them outside of DeBruin in her six years at the club.
“Their ability to train is unbelievable. They are committed to train hard each and every session,” the level two coach said.
“Casey Little Athletics is what has brought them all together, but to go on and aspire to great things in school colours is fabulous, and to earn the right to wear the Big V is just awesome.”
The five middle-distance runners have moved into renowned coach Richard Huggins’ squad at Knox Little Athletics Club to take the next step, according to Jagusch.
“I’ve taken them to the limit they can with me and he’s the perfect person to take over what I’ve started,” she said.
“Richard’s attitude and concern towards the children is fabulous.”
Huggins coaches Australian athletics world championships representative and Harkaway resident Jeff Riseley.
Jagusch has her fingers crossed that the athletes’ training base will serve them well.
“I just wish all their dreams will come through after all the hard work they’ve put in,” she said.
“As I’ve always said, it’s never easy, but it’s worth it – hopefully they’ll bring home the bacon.”
