A GROUP of dedicated Moree junior athletes began serious training during the week in preparation for the NSW State Championships at Sydney’s Olympic Park in September.
Moree Secondary College students Karri Weatherall, Lucy Grant, Ruby Wadwell-Graham, Sarsha Maas, Teo Whan, Lakia Noble, Jayden Wilde and Blyde Evans have been selected to represent the Zone 1 district at State level.
They will join athletes from Narrabri, Gunnedah, Tamworth, Quirindi, Armidale and Inverell at Olympic Park on September 11-12.
The Moree squad will compete in girls and boys relay events, with Ruby Waddell-Graham also starting in the 100-metre sprint.
Lakia Noble, ranked No.1 in the Zone for 13-years’ shot-put and discus, will compete in high-jump, discus and shot-put.
Lakia has also been invited to join NSW Little Athletics LEAP program training camps at Sydney Sports Centre, Narrabeen, in October and January.
The relay teams qualified for a shot at the State titles at a recent Moree Secondary College athletics carnival, where Blyde Evans was awarded 12-years’ athletics champion.
Team-mate Jayden Wilde was named 13-years’ cross country champion as well as 13-years’ athletics champion.
Coach and mentor, Kerry Cassells, said Moree will be represented by two relay teams at the State championships.
“This will the first time in many years, a girls and boys team from Moree have been selected to represent the north-west at this level – it’s a mighty achievement,” Cassells said.
The squad met at Ron Harborne Oval late Wednesday to start serious training.
The sessions will continue twice a week until the State Championships next month.
“The teams had a very good hit-out,” Cassells said.
“The main focus was to increase their speed, and ensure smooth baton passing and baton retention.
“They all did extremely well and ended up doing three relays to get things right, which was their choice.
“The more they trained, the more they enjoyed it – when you’re fit, you have fun,” she said.
Cassells said there were exciting days ahead for the dedicated squad as they prepare to take on the best in New South Wales.
“It’s not just about winning, but doing personal bests and enjoying this tremendous experience and opportunity,” Cassells said.
“At this level of competition you see the very best New South Wales has to offer. You never know who may be at these competitions – there could be future Olympians competing.
“After all, this is where it all starts,” she said.
Words and Image: Bill Poulos
