The 2022/23 HH Hunter Memorial Shield has been awarded to Athletics Essendon after a stellar weekend of performances at the 2023 Victorian State Championships.
The HH Hunter Memorial Shield is named after Captain Herbert Humphreys Hunter, a celebrated Victorian athlete killed in action at Gallipoli in 1915. HH Hunter was the 100yds and Long Jump (Broad Jump) National Champion between 1901-02 and 1903-04.
Going into the final weekend of competition, Essendon (32) were second on the ladder behind Box Hill Athletic Club (47), with Western Athletics, Williamstown, and Sandringham still in the hunt. The scoring so far had consisted of the Men’s and Women’s 100yd, Mile, 5000m and 10000m Championships, in addition to the Men’s Decathlon and the Women’s Heptathlon. Placings at each Open Track & Field Championship event for men and women determined the final points scored, with a first place finish garnering 9 points, and an 8th place finish adding 1 point to the club’s total for each event.
A strong showing by Athletics Essendon across the whole weekend resulted in the club overtaking Box Hill, and finishing strongly with 163 points. It was a close competition lower on the ladder, with only 8 points separating 10th place and 5th place.
Taking home the shield in their 125th year is an incredible feat. Congratulations Athletics Essendon!
