Young athletes on state stage

Warragul Little Athletics held its championship day to conclude the 2021/22 season on Saturday morning.

After a event-filled morning, PB medallions and end of season awards were presented along with the club's annual general meeting.

The club also congratulated 19 athletes who have qualified for the Victorian State Track and Field Championships to be held at Lakeside Stadium on March 12 and 13.

“Nineteen athletes, many across multiple events, is an outstanding achievement and one that the club is very proud of," vice president Stuart Dalton said.

It follows 31 athletes representing Warragul Little Athletics at the Gippsland Country Region Track and Field Championships in Berwick, winning 11 gold, 12 silver and 20 bronze medals.

“Three years ago, the club was struggling for numbers and had very low representation at external competitions," Mr Dalton said. “This year Warragul was third only to the two powerhouse centres in Berwick and Cranbourne as the best represented club at the Gippsland Regionals. With the club embarking on an exciting new phase of significant facility upgrades over the next few years, it is hoped that this growth trend will continue."

Qualifying in four events are William Brewer and Zaria Dalton. William will compete in the under 16 age group in discus, shot put, javelin and long jump. Zaria will compete in the under 12 age group in 100m, 200m, 400m and long jump.

In three events are Darcy Knowles in under 15 400m, 800m and 1500m; Olivia Barr in under 13 200m hurdles, 80m hurdles and 100m; and Sylvie Endersby in under nine 60m hurdles, 800m and high jump.

Qualifying for two events are Justin Fernando (under 14 200m hurdles and triple jump), Steph Morland (under 14 discus and shot put), Lewis Aubrey (under 13 1500m walk and shot put), Isaac Barr (under 11 80m hurdles and high jump), Harry Savage (under 11 long jump and javelin), Alex Morgan (under 11 80m hurdles and triple jump), and Sasha Reidy (under nine 70m and long jump).

Also qualified are Alexandra Aubrey (under 14 1500m walk), Fraser Aubrey (under 13 1500m walk), Alexia Ando (under 12 high jump), Max Lyons (under 11 javelin), Ruby Reidy (under 11 1100m walk), Lilah Stevens (under 10 1100m walk) and Sapphire Pratt (under 11 1500m).

Right: Taking out the medals in the shot put are (from left) Ethan Fernando (third), Charlie Pratt (first) and Josh Finger (second).

Photographs by MICHAEL ROBINSON. Nicholas O’Brien looks focused as he jumps 1.13m in the long jump on Saturday.

Above: Standing on the podium after the triple jump are (from left) Ruby Reidy, Alex Morgan and Indi Olsson.

Qualifiers for the Victorian State Track and Field Championships are (back, from left) Alexia Aldo, Steph Morland, Alexandra Aubrey, Darcy Knowles, Lewis Aubrey, Justin Fernando, William Brewer, (front, from left) Sasha Reidy, Zaria Dalton, Sapphire Pratt, Fraser Aubrey, Sylvie Endersby, Ruby Reidy and Harry Savage. Absent are Max Lyons, Lilah Stevens, Isaac Barr, Alex Morgan and Olivia Barr.

Alex Morgan finishes first in the 80m hurdles in a time of 18.72 at Warragul Little Athletic’s last meet of the season.

Henry Driessen is first off the blocks in the 60m hurdles on Saturday morning.

Sasha Beechey celebrates after jumping a centre record 1.05m in the high jump.

Beau Beechey enjoys the Warragul Little Athletics championship day.