By JARROD POTTER
TAKING their athletics to the next level under the tutelage of Corey Pendry, a pair of Greater Dandenong runners will test their mettle against the best in Victoria.
Springvale Little Athletics all-rounder Bambino Moukassa Warel, 14, from Springvale, and Dandenong Little Athletics sprinter Krish Rajavel, 12, from Endeavour Hills, are off to the Little Athletics State Track and Field Championships after exceptional regional results recently.
The Pendry Development Squad tandem flew around the Murrumbeena track at the recently held South Metro Region Track and Field Championships.
Moukassa Warel won gold in the high jump and 100m sprint and has taken plenty away from his time with the Pendry squad.
“Everything went pretty well – I had ups and downs because I was training, as I’ve just started this season, so far everything has been good and I’ve been training with Corey and I’ve met such amazing people,” Moukassa Warel said.
“Corey is an amazing coach and I’m thankful for that.
“I’m looking forward to state so I can smash it out – I’m going to state which I’m happy about.”
Dandenong’s star sprinter Rajavel picked up the under-12 girls 200m and 400m titles and is confident she can back up her achievements at the state level.
“It was unbelievable and really cool,” Rajavel said.
“I came first in the 400m and I think my best event is the 400m – also came second in the 100m and first in the 200m.
“I really want to win (at the state championships) so I’m going to try my best.”
The state track and field championships will be held at Casey Fields on 19-20 March.