By Harry Roberts

In 1910, athletics was a relatively new sport to the Geelong community. A small, church-based competition, begun by Christ Church Harriers, had been successful for a few years between 1900 and 1903, but this fell away. Mack was one of the founding members of the Geelong Guild Presbyterian Harriers in July 1908. He was also one of the hard Presbyterian Guild workers who contributed to the building of the Guild Hall at 33 Myer Street.

Mack was heavily involved not only in the Athletic Section, but also in Bible classes and the Literary and Gymnastic Sections. He was well regarded in each area, but was outstanding in the athletic winter competitions. Many Geelong citizens in 1908 would have seen him compete at the Geelong Football Club home games, where the Guild competed in races at the half-time break. In summer, Mack played cricket, not too successfully, although he was the founding secretary of the Newtown and Chilwell Cricket Club in 1910.

This is a story about a modest champion who influence on the local community was huge. It begins with his life as a runner and concludes with his commitment to Nation, King and Empire.