By JARROD POTTER
SLOGGING uphill for the last time in 2015, Dandenong Little Athletics Centre (DLAC) bid farewell to another high-calibre season.
At the Little Athletics Victoria Cross Country state championships, held at the end of July, the under-15 boys’ relay side made it two-for-two in recent campaigns as Lochlan Taylor, Luke Scott and Mitchell Kawli earned a team’s gold medal for the centre.
Representing Doveton/Endeavour Hills and Narre Warren Little Athletics Clubs, the trio stormed home in a combined time of 34.24 minutes to win the team relay as Taylor (10.28), finished third overall with Scott (11.52) and Khawli (12.03) also posting strong times for the cumulative victory.
Rounding out the success at the meet, young endurance runner Bradley Hall just missed a top-20 finish in the under-14 boys’ 3000 metre run, clocking in at 13.15 minutes.
DLAC president Steve Fenton was proud to see the junior cross country runners excel at the top level at the conclusion of yet another strong season.
“Second year in a row for the under-15 boys and they cleaned up again,” Fenton said.
“It’s fantastic for them and good for the centre as well.”
Fenton said it was an extraordinary year – both track and cross country – for the centre which continues to get scores of runners through the doors at Robert Booth Reserve.
“It’s been a fantastic season – we’ve had Casey and Cranbourne join us this season, due to Casey’s track being refurbished – but we’ve always had a close connection with Casey as they used to be a club at our centre called Berwick.
“Our idea for Dandenong LAC is participation and just everyone having a good time… everyone doing their best and having fun as they do it.”
“We’ve had fantastic numbers and our families have always given us great support as well which is always appreciated.”
The club wanted to make special mention of Scott de Jong for his tireless work as cross-country coordinator this season.
With summer athletics only around the corner, starting up in the first weekend of October, for more information on the Dandenong Little Athletics Centre visit the website dandenong@lavic.com.au or contact via 9794 6502.
