As part of the ‘Leaders in Clubs’ segment, Athletics Victoria caught up with Box Hill Athletics Club President, Jeremy Griffith.
Griffith is an affable character, professing the major strength of the club being the committee itself – whilst playing his own role as voluntary BBQ chef.
With a few years of committee experience under his belt, Griffith became involved as many do, watching his daughter and son compete. With Hagenauer Reserve considered one of the fastest tracks in Australia, Box Hill continues to lead in the event space, “I really loved the concept of the Vic Milers as a way of growing the sport. Almost the T20 for athletics. Steve Dinneen, a Committee member and coach had been developing the Box Hill Classic and Whitehorse Twilight and I liked the idea of getting involved in them.”
A great success in 2019, Griffith explained his vision for the club and the sport moving forward, “I think Box Hill hosting last year’s Zatopek was a great highlight – great crowd and some outstanding races – from a sports point of view does not get much better than that. Also, opening a bar for our events – we need to make it fun.”
Box Hill has a number of projects underway, continuing to build the popular Box Hill Classic and Whitehorse Twilight platforms, whilst developing the Box Hill 5k Burn.
A recently upgraded gym, a newly rebuilt terrace, and regular council discussions underway with a focus on upgrading the track – Griffith takes great pride in his club involvement.
“It is great to be involved in such a positive and healthy environment – good for the soul”