Club History

The 1980's

Wendouree were now very powerful with an enormous depth of talent and growing numbers in female and junior ranks. The following list of National athletes shows why we were such a powerhouse.

Sprints: Gerard Keating, Michael Benoit.

Jumps: Paul Cleary, Robert Lehman, Megan McLean.

Middle Distance: Paul Schnyder, Marcus Downes, Greg Whitfield, Andrew Curtis.

110 Hurdles: John Calijury, Brendan Stevenson.

Steeplechase: Mervyn Johnstone.

Distance: Lindsay Burgoyne, Mervyn Johnston, Malcolm Johnstone.

Decathlon: Steven Bews.

Race walk: Craig Jeffrey, Sharon Schnyder.

With all of these athletes to choose from Wendouree were always going to be a strong combination. YC.W. retained its strength in distance running and were strong in the throwing events which made each competition very close.

Y.C.W. usually dominated the distance events and Wendouree the sprints. It nearly always came down to the relays, and with Keating, Benoit and Schnyder we always had a chance. In fact for 10 years (1976/1986) Wendouree A grade were never defeated in the 4 x 100 and Medley Relay, - this includes the normal rounds of competition as well as finals, an amazing feat.

On three occasions the Grand Final was decided on the last event of the final day, the 400 metres. In this event Wendouree has been well served with names like Peter Hunt and Paul Schnyder. In 1981 we had to run first and second in the 400 and persuaded Gerard Keating into running, he hated the 400. He went out like a scared rabbit but no one could run him down, the result Keating 1st, Schnyder 2nd.

Sharon Schnyder had the distinction of competing successfully in the men's "A" grade competition.