THE start of the athletics season for Raymond Terrace Athletics Centre was bittersweet. The excitement of being able to return to Vi Barnett field after having to relocate to the Maitland Regional Athletics Centre last season, due to serious flood damage, was overshadowed by the sudden passing of Bill Mackenzie who was a highly respected Life Member, former Groundsman and Starter.

Bill had a passion for Starting and became part of a starting team for many Little Athletics and School Zone and Region Championships.

He was also the Starter for the Centre’s 21 Annual Pentathlons.

Emotions also ran high with the Centre officially opening the David Marsh Athletics Track.

The Committee was delighted to be given the approval by Port Stephens Council to name the track in honour of Foundation Member, coach and athlete David Marsh, who passed away suddenly just prior to last season.

Some of his coaching squad has constructed a sign with the track name which has been placed in a garden bed beside the building.

It was an emotional time for David’s son, Paul, who proudly cut the ribbon which was held by squad members Ashlyn Wall and Benjamin Edstein.

The Centre will continue to take registrations on www.raymondterraceathletics.com.au or at the Centre in Kangaroo St on Saturday mornings from 8:15am.

Kids’ Active Vouchers are welcome and enquiries can be logged on their facebook page.

The introduction of a Social Athlete category for athletes who are Under 18 or over and want to stay in the sport but no longer at a competitive Championship level, can now register in this new category which is also a cheaper option.

The Centre is looking forward to a great season of competition “back at home”.

By DEIDRE HALL