There was a buzz of excitement across Smyth Field as Maitland Little Athletics Club held its last training session before Saturday’s regional finals at Hunter Sports Centre on Saturday.
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On offer on Saturday are spots in the state finals.
Late Wednesday afternoon there was the excitement of the chance to have their photo taken by the Mercury.
But when coach Patrick O’Brien calls them to their training activities the response is instant and enthusiastic.
The common theme among the young athletes is the love of competing and doing their best.
Maitland is sending a team of 38, who qualified at zone level, to Saturday’s regional meeting.
O’Brien said up to 10 of those youngsters had strong chances.
Leading the charge for medals on will be runners Petra Greaves, 15, and Terri-Lee Van Wyk, 13.
St Joseph’s Lochinvar student Greaves has taken part in the state carnival every year since she was seven.
She said she believed her best chance of success was in the 400 metres.
Van Wyk, a student at St Peter’s Maitland, has a busy schedule competing in the 100 and 200 metre sprint double, discus, javelin and long-jump.
She said her favourite event was the 200m, but she was hopeful of qualifying in a few events.
For more information on how to get involved in athletics go to the Maitland Senior and Little Athletics Club website at www.mslac.org.au or visit their Facebook page.
