Life Members of WCLAC
The following people have provided highly meritorious service to The Redbacks over many seasons. Their contributions can be credited, in part, with providing the culture and athletic experience that is offered to our athletes today.
Peter Boden - 2011
Peter Boden was honoured with Life Membership in 2011. Peter has been involved with WCLAC for over 10 years. During that time, Peter has held almost every position in the club. He has been President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Equipment Officer and Public Officer. He also currently holds the position of Head Coach - a position he has held for many years.
Over the years, in addition to his heavy involvement at the club, Peter has been:
- - the Track Referee for most LAACT carnivals;
- - an Australian Little Athletics Championships ACT team selector;
- - a member of the LAACT Board of Management;
- - a coach for many athletes who have achieved ACT representation.
Whilst President of the club, Peter presided over the building of the current clubhouse and amenities. Membership increase under his leadership and these levels have been maintained.
Over the years Peter has been a key instigator in the improvement of ground facilities and equipment for the club. He has always ensured that technical specifications align with Australian standards, source providers and assists with all grant applications and fund-raising activities. As a result, our club has some of the best equipment and facilities in the ACT.
Peter's has remained involved at the club despite his own children outgrowing the sport. He still attends every Saturday morning to assist in the setting up, running and packing away of competition gear.
Peter continues to be the source of all corporate knowledge within the club and he is passionate about Little Athletics. Peter often remarks that his first attraction to Little Athletics was the sport's motto of Family, Fun and Fitness. There is no person who conveys this motto better than Peter Boden.
Bob Davidson - 2011
Bob Davidson joined Weston Creek Little Athletics Centre in 1992 when he relocated his family from the Central Coast of New South Wales. Bob quickly engaged himself in the activities of the club and nominated for the role of Vice-President. Bob also held the position of Track and Field Coordinator concurrently whilst Vice-President and later as the Centre President. As President, Bob presided over a number of new initiatives, including the introduction of club captains and the re-introduction of the Redback spider mascot which coincided with the Centre's 20th anniversary celebrations. Also that year, Bob presided over the inaugural Redback Gift and Spiderback handicap races. Bob was also the brain-child of the Triangular Challenge between Weston Creek, Woden and Tuggeranong. The Triangular Challenge was previously held over three weekends, with each centre hosting a program of events. The overall champion club was awarded the Triangular Challenge Trophy. Bob also coached middle distance runners at the club ad was a recipient of the inaugural Karen Green Trophy (which was presented to the entire Davidson family). Bob's contributions to Weston Creek were highly meritorious and it is fitting that he has been honoured with Life Membership.
Russell McGowan - 2011
Russell joined Weston Creek Little Athletics in 1988 when his eldest daughter registered in the under 7 age group. A former middle distance runner, Russell was immediately dedicated to ensuring his daughter and other athletes shared in his passion and enjoyment of athletics. This later lead to Russell taking on the role of Head Coach. Russell's strength was always his dedication to athletics and helping Weston Creek athletes achieve their best. Russell continued to demonstrate this commitment for over 10 seasons, despite facing a serious personal battle with cancer. Russell is also a qualified official and spent many hours assisting at LAACT carnivals, whilst also offering some training for our parents. Russell has always been considered the "gentleman" of Chapman Oval and is still a well respected member of the ACT Athletics community. Life Membership is a deserving honour for Russell, and we appreciate the outstanding contribution he has made for our club.