By RUSSELL BENNETT
NOBLE Park 12-year-old Dylan Walker only knows one pace – and that’s flat out.
He’s lightning fast with the Sherrin on the footy field, but he also sets a blistering speed off it.
Dylan has been a Noble Park Bull since the age of nine, but earlier this year expanded his athletic repertoire to include distance running. He was recently first across the line in the 13-and-under age group of the Victorian Special Schools State Cross Country Championships – a three-and-a-half kilometre track in Bundoora.
He estimates that he only trained “for about six weeks” prior to being picked in his first cross country race. But he has since blown onlookers away with his commitment and sheer pace, qualifying in two major competitions – the school regional finals and then the state secondary school finals.
He’s soon off to Western Australia to represent the big V in the School Sport Australia Cross Country Championship in Albany from 21 to 26 August – the first student from Dandenong’s Emerson School to do so.
“He’s always been a little bit of a runner and it was probably one of the attributes that made him stand out amongst his footy team,” said Noble Park Junior Football Club president Trish Marson.
“He always had that capability.
“We encourage the kids to do Little Athletics and other sports in summer – that’s how he got his nickname, ‘Speedy’.”
But Dylan is also a prodigiously talented footballer – with a premiership and a league best and fairest runner-up to his name already.
“Because he is playing with boys who are developing really quick, his speed is one of his key attributes and he’s been able to utilise that really well,” Trish said.
“From the day he first came down to the club, it was evident that he was always going to have that athletic ability.”
Dylan, a Saints’ fan, idolises Nick Riewoldt and would love to win another flag with Noble Park this season – but first thing’s first; conquering the nationals in Western Australia.
His mentor – Emerson School phys-ed teacher Liam Mara – has had a huge influence on him, and the school has backed him as well.
“The school donated $2000 towards him going because they don’t want him missing out, and the state coach said whatever it takes – they want Dylan there. The support he’s had has been incredible,” dad, Anthony, said.
But Dylan’s quest for gold in Albany promises to be a hugely expensive one when airfares, accommodation and his compulsory team uniform are taken into account. He and his family will be furiously fundraising until it’s time for him to leave on his first ever interstate adventure.
To help out, contact the Noble Park Junior Football Club, email Dylan’s mother Georgie on georgiew2@optusnet.com.au, or call the Emerson School on 8762 6466.
