Maccabi clinch two Vic cross country series titles

In a huge milestone that demonstrates how far they have come, Maccabi Athletics Club have won the 2026 Athletics Victoria XCR (Cross Country) Series in divisions three and six, earning automatic promotion up one division next year.

Club president Len Bogatin said “The team spirit, pride, camaraderie, focus and commitment to the competition – plus the depth of talent – has enabled Maccabi to now compete against some of the premier teams in the state, including teams that boast Olympic and world-ranked athletes.

“The club is extremely proud of our XCR teams – the highest ranked in our 65-year history – which provide a wonderful role model for many aspiring juniors in the club.”

In division three, it was a photo finish with Maccabi powering ahead in the first half of the season before their main rival, Doncaster, clawed back into title contention by dominating the latter rounds.

After the penultimate round in Burnley, Doncaster only trailed them by two points but Maccabi responded in the best possible way by earning maximum points (16) in the final round – the Tan relay – led by a season-defining PB run by Nick Hershan.

That was enough to see Maccabi win the title on 134 points, while runner-up Doncaster reached 128 points.

Team leader and coach Jarrod Zuchowski was the standout performer all season, regularly finishing in the top 15 per cent.

Other core team members Noah Star and Asher Grodski consistently earned valuable points each round and veteran Julien Schulberg’s experience was a big plus.

Adding to their depth were Elliot Schulberg, Ariel Golvan, Gavriel Pincus, Davin Traub and Asher Myerson, who ran in both divisions throughout the season.

The Jewish club’s 2026 division six title win was earned in easier fashion, with Maccabi reaching an unbeatable 144 points after the penultimate round, well ahead of runner-up St Kevins.

Their division six squad was built around a core group of Michael Abbo, Nathan Guttmann, Tim Goodman, Daniel Goldman, Adam Bogatin, Jordan Levy and rising youngster Jake Feldman, whose sixth-placed finish in a 3km run (10:12) in round seven truly impressed.

And in another great sign for the future, club juniors Joshua Godlewicz, Yuval Berry and Asher Brown shone in the U14 cross country relay at Jells Park.

Golvan – a runner, team manager and longtime club committee member – emphasised how the club has had its ups and downs in cross country, but since 2024, it has won the XCR Series in division 5, division 4 (2025) and now with two squads in 2026, it has won divisions three and six.

“That is a phenomenal result by any measure and shows the year-on-year growth at the club and the depth we’ve built, with contributors aged between 16 to the mid-50s in two divisions,” Golvan said.

“You’re only as good in cross country as your slowest runner, so having a team mentality is vital.

“I’d say the team spirit at Maccabi Athletics Club and the way everyone supports each other and creates an inclusive environment, breeds success.

“Earning a promotion to divisions two and five is a challenge we will embrace and look forward to, as we continue to grow and welcome new members.”