The South Coast club powered to 13th position overall on the club championship and are within touching distance of their larger rival’s thanks largely to the constant presence of the black and white cap of Mollymook on the podium throughout the Beach Sprint and Flag events.
In future years the records will show that Mollymook left Blacksmiths in 2017 with 11 medals (6 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze) across the Beach Sprint, Relay and Flag Events, but it was the way that they won them that indicated that if this group of talented athletes can stay together anything is possible.
In the Beach Sprints Keeghan Norwood (U15) and Tim Burgmann (U19) both took gold, Sam Zustovich (U15) claimed silver, and Adam Newey (U17) finished as a finalist.
As powerful as they were individually there was more joy for the club in the Relay events with tboth the U15 team (Noah Hill, Jordan Karakousis, Keeghan Norwood and Sam Zustovich) and the U19 team (Tim Burgmann, Ben Hamill, Brent Manning and Adam Newey) claiming a gold while the U17s (Brock Scrivener, Adam Newey, Jarryd Murphy and Ben Hamill) finished with silver.
The Flags which were the final Beach Event on the program also delivered a highly successful return for the competitors. Sam Zustovich and Noah Hill went one/two in the U15 event, Brock Scrivener took out the U17s with Ben Hamill just missing the medal rounds in 4th position, while Steine Lofts (Opens) and Tim Burgmann (U19s) both ended their competition with a bronze medal.
But what makes this squad so successful?
New recruit Adam Newey who joined the club earlier this season puts it down to a strong culture driven by their coach and a training environment where you are always being pushed to better yourself.
“We’ve lost a few people who dropped out during the season but one of the great things about our sessions is they’re always interesting and varied. One thing that is positive and really helped us in the relays in particular is that we are all mates and there is a good team culture here.”
Despite the bulk of the team still being in their mid-to late teens they know the next generation coming through at the club are keen to shape their own path to state glory at future championships.
“We were definitely aware of how the Nippers went last week and they did an absolutely fantastic job for the club so that certainly gave us the motivation to do well,” said Newey.
“It’s great actually a few of them come down and do training with us during the season so there is a healthy level of competition which is always a lot of fun.”
With speed to burn and a strong culture emerging out of Mollymook don’t be surprised to see these names on the podium for many seasons to come.
The NSW Surf Life Saving Age Championships, proudly supported by Your local club returns to Blacksmiths Beach, Swansea in 2018 from Feb 24 – March 11 for another exciting year of competition.