MUSWELLBROOK is in danger of losing one of its oldest sporting organisations.
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And, unless the community throws its support behind the Muswellbrook Amateur Athletics Club this week, it will cease to exist.
A meeting - to form a committee that will oversee the local contingent of talented youngsters - has been scheduled for Friday, June 21, at the Muswellbrook RSL Club from 6pm.
Long-serving coach Jim Huggins admitted it was a disappointing scenario, especially after many decades of existence.
"Athletics is still popular in town, so it would be sad to see the club fall away," he said.
"We celebrated our 50-year reunion in 2002.
"In that time, hundreds of kids have come through the ranks.
"But, Friday [night] will be the final attempt to form an executive.
"If a committee isn't established then, the club will close for good.
"The money and gear will be handed away to other [sports] associations, too."
Huggins, a mentor since 1960, said Muswellbrook Amateur Athletics boasted a proud history in town.
"We've hosted many events over the years, including the NSW 15-Mile Road Championships and the Campbell Club Road Race," he explained.
"The latter took place each June from the Scone and Aberdeen Campbell stores to Muswellbrook.
"It was extremely popular.
"In fact, the club - under the guidance of the late Cliff Johnston - formed the now Muswellbrook Shire Band.
"On the athletics front, we've produced numerous champions at branch, state and national level.
"We've also been home to World Masters and Pacific Coast Masters representatives in the past.
"We hold our own in the mentoring stakes as well.
"We've got two of the top coaches in the state, covering all track and field disciplines.
"Although we only had 19 members at the end of the year, it would be a shame for Muswellbrook Amateur Athletics to fold."