SUCCESS STORIES

EX-McKINNON STUDENT: STAR COLLEGE FOOTBALLER IN OREGAN

Nick Porebski, from McKinnon’s Class of 2010, was always an elite athlete in his time at the College. His photo can be seen in the corridors of McKinnon from back when he was a State Champion Springboard Diver. Numerous other athletic awards followed Nick whilst at school, but it’s what has happened since he has left our school that will feature in this piece.

Nick, like a growing number of Australian footballers, decided to chase a dream of professional football and education in the United States. He started at Snow College in Utah where he completed his Junior College, represented their 1st team and was awarded the honours of “1st Team All-Conference” and “National Junior College Athletic Association 1st Team All American”. Amidst all the football, he also managed to graduate with an Associates of Science Degree.

In 2015 Nick was hot property. He was offered multiple scholarships to play at big colleges all across America and finally decided to sign with the Oregon State University. His opening year with the Beavers was outstanding, playing in all 12 games and being named to the Pac-12 All-Conference Honourable Mention Team. He was also a semi-finalist in the Ray Guy award which is a national award for the best punter in College Football.

The future looks extremely bright for Nick as he chases his dream of graduating from College and being drafted as the next Australian punter in the National Football League. Good luck, Nick.

NATIONAL KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Congratulations to Hamish Jobling (Year 8C) who won the National Karate title in the 12-13 age group which was held at the Glen Waverley Netball Centre. He had to win four fights to take out the title. This is a fantastic achievement, Hamish. Congratulations!

ARCHERY SUCCESS CONTINUES FOR BEN!

Ben Howell (Year 12) has had a busy year competing in many tournaments with outstanding success!

Nationally, this year Ben has won the Junior Men's Gold Medal and a Silver Medal in the Open Men's division in the Indoor Championships and a 3rd placing in the Australian Open Field Championships.

At State level, he has won a Gold Medal in both the Open Men's and Junior Men's divisions in the Indoor Championships, a Gold Medal in the Junior Men's Field Championships. Add to this list more than a dozen wins in both Grand Prix and Club Tournaments.

Ben will be representing Australia in Dublin, Ireland, in the World Field Archery Championships in September and we wish him continued success.

Merryn Walker

Publicity