School friendships were behind Melton resident Melvin Monleh’s decision to attend Sunbury Little Athletics – and it has paid off for him and the centre.
At the start of the Little Athletics season Monleh joined Maribyrnong College friends Cody Rodwell and Brennan Wilkins, who have competed at the Sunbury centre since they were in the under-6s, and Junior Mabia, who joined the club 12 months before Monleh.
The centre was by then well aware of Mabia’s talents – he had won three gold medals at the Australian Little Athletics Championships (ALACs) and several state titles.
Monleh soon proved he, too, was someone to watch. Late last month, Monleh won three gold and a silver at the ALACs in Perth.
“Melvin came in and beat Junior and everyone was surprised. No-one beat Junior,” said the centre’s Jeanetta Rodwell. “While they are in different age groups, they race against each other in training.”
Rodwell said the arrival of Monleh and Mabia had allowed the centre to reach new heights.
“The centre has always won medals and had success. Cody and Brennan have medalled in every region relay since under-7 and every state relay title since under-9s.
“But we have never had athletes medal at ALAC before.”
The four boys, as well as fellow club athlete Sebastien Bell-Bartels, dominated the state Little Athletics relay championships, winning three titles and breaking three state and one national record.
Cody Rodwell won three medals at the 2015 Little Athletics state track and field titles, while Brennan Wilkins won silver in the under-14 heptathlon at the Little Athletics multi-state titles.
Wilkins was due to compete in the Australian Junior Championships but had to withdraw because of injury. Mabia won four medals at the event, including one gold.
Rodwell said seeing the results was rewarding for everyone.
“All five boys are role models to everyone else at the club,” she said.
Tara Murray
