A GROUP of Nambucca Heads youngsters are on a road less travelled on their way to athletic success.
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Known as the Nambucca Scurry Squad, they've been operational for just a year, after the group was set-up by local school teacher Michelle Versluys.
There's now about 15 in the group, aged from seven to 16, and they train three times a week over a chocolate box of courses.
Runs in the Nambucca State Forest are coupled with slogging up the sand hills at Main Beach and interval training - keeping it varied and fresh for mind and feet.
"It's about the group rather than the results," Michelle told the Guardian.
"Any kids in Nambucca who want to give the group a try will be made more than welcome."
Results might not be the name of the game but they have come all the same.
Michelle's son, Daniel Williams, was a standout at the NSW All Schools Cross Country Championships, where he qualified for nationals after finishing fourth in the 12/13 years primary schools division.
Daniel was the only boy in the top 10 finishers in his race who wasn't from Sydney.
Other Scurry Squad members also shone.
Wilson Baade finished 37th in the 12/13 years high schools division, and came away with a bronze medal in the 12 years Combined High Schools (public schools) section.
Lexi Brown (eight years old) ran in the multi class division and won her race and Indigo Sharpe (15) is inspiring the younger members of the group.
"For country kids to achieve these results is outstanding," Michelle said.
With cross country done and dusted the Scurry Squad members now turn their mindset to the formal athletic competitions - PSSA for primary schoolers and CHS for the high school go-getters.
Anyone interested in joining the squad should email Michelle at michelle.versluys@det.nsw.edu.au
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