John Hirst

Life Membership awarded in 1990.

In the 1960s and 1970s the name Hirst was best known in athletic circles for the skills of Monty Hirst as a coach/trainer/manager in professional athletics. In the late 1970s

the club was fortunate to have Monty at to the track and invite our sprinters to work with his team. At the same time Monty’s son John was continuing the family coaching

tradition but in the field of middle distance and distance events. Throughout the 1980s John’s innovative coaching and unstinting support for his charges led to the development

of a team of athletes unparalleled in Victorian athletics. His dedication and skills played a key role in the success of Doncaster and opened the way for  athletes to gain

representation for Victoria in Australian Championships and go on to represent Australia overseas. For these achievements alone election to life membership of the club was assured.

However John was at the same time making a valuable contribution in other fields. He was always ready to help organise club events and to support the club by acting as an official.

From 1978/79 he was a valued member of the Committee and, when the men’s and women’s clubs combined, he was elected to the Committee of the combined club. In 2005 the

Committee honoured John by introducing the John Hirst trophy - to be awarded to the most successful male athlete of the winter season.