Special season: 1200 PBs, 120 members, 12 to nationals

North Mackay Little Athletics had a year to remember, defying coronavirus to break records at every turn

North Mackay Little Athletics member, Amy Lester.

THE SUN set on a stellar North Mackay Little Athletics season in fitting fashion at the weekend, as the club’s members ended the year with a twilight carnival at the Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Complex.

In what loomed as a year of significant struggle for the club, beginning with “less than 50” members according to coach Dave Lester, NMLA grew despite COVID-19 to have its best season in recent memory.

The club grew its modest membership base pre-coronavirus to a confirmed final count of 120, thanks in no small part to the club’s proactive Athletics At Home online program.

NMLA also had 12 athletes automatically qualify for nationals next year – the first time in Lester's tenure as coach that the club has pre-qualified any members.

“As far as achievements and performances, we were well above what anyone expected when you consider what we had to go through,” Lester said.

“For our little club up here in Mackay, without all the resources like our metropolitan brothers and sisters, I’m just amazed at what these kids have been able to do.

“I can’t recall, in my time, any North Mackay athletes qualifying for nationals – we had 12 automatically qualify. That’s a standout achievement.”

Members recorded a total of 1235 personal bests, keeping assistant registrar Raylene Herrington on her toes.

“They kept her busy,” Lester laughed.

“Having to print out all of those certificates each week. It would take about 15-20 minutes each centre day (to hand them out). We’ve been starting late all year because we have to go through all the awards.”

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Lester said the total was particularly impressive because the athletics calendar had lost most of its feature events this year because of coronavirus.

“Those larger events help with records and PBs because athletes are putting in the extra training to go away and do well,” he said.

“Without those, you would expect the PBs and records to drop, but it’s been even better.”

Lester said the number of club records broken this year would be confirmed at the AGM this weekend and he expected that number to exceed past totals as well.

The club will have its break-up day at Pioneer Pool this weekend, with a view to returning to action in February next year.

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