Tara Murray
Western Athletics is back in division 1 of the Athletics Victoria Shield League after claiming the division 2 title earlier this month.
Western Athletics dominated throughout the season, culminating in the playoffs for the top four clubs in each division on March 5.
The club would win the division 2 title, finishing nearly 10,000 points ahead of second placed Wyndham Track and Field, with the two clubs sharing training facilities.
Western Athletics president Peter Cashin said after a tough year the previous 12 months which resulted in the club going down to division 2, they were thrilled to go straight back up.
“It’s pretty good and hopefully we can now stay up there,” he said.
“We our now one of a few clubs to be in division 1 in the track and field and cross country events.”
The club had 52 athletes represent them at the finals, with the club focused on entering athletes in every event.
Cashin said that was one of the things that really helped them, after several events were limited in the previous season.
“You get points for three events,” he said. “We had 52 athletes compete one the day and about 23 did three events.
“We had a whole range of athletes compete from under-14 up to people in their 60s. Being able to win involves everybody.
“We had a huge contingent on the day.”
Xander Byrne was one of the stars named the most valuable athlete in his age group, the under-18s.
The title comes after a successful state championships held in February, where six Western Athletics’ athletes won state titles.
Frankleen Newah-Jarfoi won three titles in the under-18 men’s competition. He claimed the 100 metres, 200 metres and long jump gold.
Competing in the same age group, Xavier Byrne won gold in the 400 metre hurtles,.
Abagial Thomas on gold in the women’s under-20 3000 metres, while Ella Tobin won gold int he 400 metres in the same age group.
Her sister Honour Tobin won gold int he under-15s 800 metres, while Elizabeth Hall won gold in the under-15 2000 steeplechase.
Cashin said there was also a number of athletes winning silver and bronze medals, while another 16 top 10 performances were recorded on top of the medals.
The success of Western Athletics has continued on a bigger stage.
Jack Rayner broke the Australian and Oceania record for the 10,000 metres event. The time was enough to meet the standard for the Commonwealth Games and World Championships.
