Waverley Little Athletics Centre Inc.

Denis' involvement commenced in 2013/14 as an Age Group Leader. As an Age Group Leader, Denis was responsible for; looking after all athletes within his group, ensuring they run through the program smoothly, assisting with the ON TRACK program for U6-U8's, assisting with and running the various field events, which includes looking after the athletes, recording of results, coaching the athletes to ensure they know how to the events, spiking/raking the jump pits, measuring at jumps and throws; timekeeping the long-distance events and most importantly, ensuring all athletes are safe and have fun. Denis had a very positive influence on the athletes, encouraging and assisting all athletes to strive better. 

Denis took a strong interest in Relay Coaching from 2016/20, coaching several teams and taking them to Mentone Relay Open Day, Region & State Championships. Denis spent many hours per season rallying interest amongst our families, organising and coaching his teams and assisted in the overall organising of Relays. Denis also volunteered to transport equipment to and from the different events and venues.  

At the 2017 AGM, Denis decided to step up and support the Centre by joining the General Committee. Denis was interested in taking over as Arena Manager, but at the time was uncertain due to a Saturday morning clash with swimming. On the first week of the 2017/18 season, Denis officially decided he would take over as Arena Manager and has since filled this role for 4 years. Denis has doubled as Arena Manager and Announcer, managing the program, ensuring the venue is set up, ensuring venue safety, and is the voice of Waverley LAC. He is always giving the Yellow Brick Road Coffee Van plenty of promotions, acknowledging our Sponsors, acknowledging our fantastic volunteers, thanking our Life Members, expressing the need for officials, promoting Relays and encouraging athletes in their events! In the later part of the 2019/20 season, Denis started warming up his “dulcet tones” at about 8:30am with a warmup song! 

Denis joined the Centre Executive in 2018 as Vice President, providing much needed support to the Committee. In previous years, the role of Vice President has been a fallback position, only required to fill the Executive, but Denis has often weighed in on Executive decisions, assisted with the day to day running of the Centre, chaired several Committee Meetings in the absence of the President and has always pitched ideas and provided feedback on several important issues.  

Denis has been a very passionate and enthusiastic member of the Committee, having a strong focus on organising relay teams, coaching, building rapport with our Key Officials and parents and watching our athletes strive for their PB’s. He gets straight to the point and does his best to rally the troops, especially for early set up and pack up. Over the past two years, Denis has attended several Saturdays to fulfil his obligations, even though his children did not attend.  

We’re very fortunate to have a strong relationship with the Monash City Council, the groundskeepers and Councilors. Denis has a close friendship with Shane MacGregor, grounds manager at Central Reserve and Shane McCluskey, Deputy Mayor, which has certainly had its advantages and benefits for our Centre. 

Denis is a fantastic person; he has always been willing to help and support the Centre anyway he can. Outside of Little Athletics, Denis is also the Vice President (Admin) at the Waverley Park Hawks Junior Football Club and has been for several years. 

In 2020/21, Denis was awarded the Distinguished Service Award at the Waverley Little Athletics Centre Inc., in recognition of achieving 8 years outstanding general service to the Centre.