Sport News
NSW ALL SCHOOLS TRIATHLON
Individual
Congratulations to Wade B who in 2019 had such an amazing year that he won our Sportsman of the Year Award.
Here are some of his achievements:
- He qualified for CSSA Swimming;
- He won CSSA Cross Country and then placed 7th at CIS;
- He also dominated the 1500m at CSSA in Athletics, making it to CIS level;
- He played Goalie in the Mariner’s Cup team, where they progressed to the Final;
- At the CSSA Triathlon, he finished 1st in the Individual event and then 2nd in the Teams;
- Several days later, Wade and his Triathlon team competed at the CIS Team Triathlon, where they finished 4th.
Last week, Wade competed at the NSW All Schools Individual Triathlon. He did this event last year and finished in 70th place. In this event, students compete against the strongest and most experienced triathletes in NSW, who are all trying to place in the top 6 to earn a spot on the NSW team. This team then competes at the National Triathlon Championships.
Wade started with the swim leg coming out of the water at the end of the 400m with the leaders, ready to tackle the bike section. This was a 10km ride around the course, so needing to keep a constant and fast pace was important. With a new bike, Wade set a fast pace and was in the leader pack, going as high as equal first.
After a delay due to unforeseen circumstances, Wade finished with the bike and then started his run. He had 3km to go and was looking for a big finish. He ran the required 3kms in just over 10 minutes, which is an exceptionally fast pace, and crossed the finish line in 5th place.
Wade went from 70th last year to 5th place this year, placing so high that he made the NSW Team who will now compete at the National Triathlon Championships.
This is such a phenomenal effort by Wade and a true reflection of the time and dedication that he puts into his training. Congratulations Wade on such an achievement and we wish you all the best for Nationals.
Team
Our Triathlon teams had a lot of success in 2019 at both the CSSA and CIS Team Triathlon Championships.
Due to these results, two teams competed at the NSW All Schools Triathlon Team Events last week and again, our students have represented the College proudly.
This day was not going to be easy, with 218 teams competing in the Junior Boys Division alone, which was where both of our teams were competing.
Our teams were comprised of the following athletes:
Team 1: Swim Spencer M
Bike Jaxon S
Run Wade B
Team 2: Swim Zachary S
Bike Charlie M
Run Noah T
Our swimmers (Spencer and Zachary) have both made it to a State level in swimming; our bikers (Jaxon and Charlie) both competed in the Hunter Schools Mountain Bike Championships last year; and finally our runners (Wade and Noah) have both made it to CSSA level in Cross Country.
In the end, Team 2 just edged out Team 1 by only 80 seconds. Team 2 finished with a time of 38:46, while Team 1 was just behind in 40:06.
Both our teams finished in the top 50 out of over 200 teams. Team 2 was 31st and Team 1 was 50th. A sensational effort indeed.
GPCC SECONDARY SWIMMING CARNIVAL
Our Secondary Swimming Carnival was held last week and it was a wonderful day.
With a great increase in participation and atmosphere, our students were keen to get in the water and go in as many races as possible, whether it be the 50m Butterfly, 100m Freestyle or the 200m IM.
Our novelty events were also a big part this year, with five different fun swim races held between events. There was the usual and classic Salmon Run, where students line up in a lane for their House and when directed, jump into the pool and complete as many laps as possible. We also had the Pool Noodle Relay, with Houses again lining up and trying to pass the noodle down their lane to the end and back as fast as possible.
Our Year 12 students had their annual 50m swim and a very colourful swim it was, with everyone dressed up in bright outfits. Some teachers were also involved in not just the novelty events, but also trying their luck at racing the seniors in some 50m sprints.
The competition was as fierce as ever, with some very close races that went down to the wire. There were some Age Groups that are always extremely close, one being the 15yrs Girls. This group of girls have always been close in their races over the past couple of years and 2020 was no different.
Congratulations to all our swimmers for a superb effort and for representing their House so well. Age Champions and the winning House will be presented in the Term 2 Commendation Assembly.
Nathan Lambert