This year the 2021 sports calendar has been set, rescheduled, rescheduled again, and then thrown out the window completely.

Despite a year fraught with interruptions, our students remained committed to their sport in and out of school. Our school swimming, cross-country and athletics das were well attended with smiling faces and dress ups for the battle between Wallace and Mullagh. Both events saw a number of records broken, reflecting the depth of talent and competitive spirit within our primary and secondary cohorts.

Regional and State level competitions were also interrupted throughout the year however I would like to recognise the achievements of all our students, both those who did and did not get to compete due to restrictions.

Our primary students represented their school with pride on a number of occasions. The Kowree Swimming competition, the winter sports day in both netball and AFL and cross-country where our small, talented team came home with the winning shield. The secondary students took on the Little Desert swimming in Horsham, performing exceptionally well. From here Levi Linto in a relay team and Buzz Brennan for backstroke, qualified for Regionals which they should be commended on. Our Athletics team then blitzed both the track and field in Kaniva [1] [2] with each student qualifying for Regionals in at least one of their events, which is a rare and incredible feat. Unfortunately the Regional Competition in Ballarat was cancelled, however I am excited to see what some training and development of these athletes will bring in 2022.

The combined year 7 and 8 netball team also gave the Little Desert district a tournament day to remember. The girls played with maturity, teamwork and respect to come away undefeated and headed for Ballarat to play at a Regional level. Although this event was finally cancelled after many reschedulings, this team has incredible potential to develop and take their netball to the highest level. On the same day, our year 7 and 8 AFL team dominated the field with an undefeated score on the ladder before the grand final.

Our final sports event for the year was Regional Cross-Country in Warrnambool. It was such a pleasure to see our talented runners excel amongst other students from across the Western Region. Of our 7 students, Ryley Munro, Holly Whitehead, Buzz and Jaali Brennan all qualified for State which is a fantastic achievement.

The performances, conduct and sportsmanship shown by Edenhope College students this year has been outstanding. We are so lucky to have a depth of talent across a range of sports and I am excited for students to harness their potential and rise to be the best they can be. Thank you and well done to all our students for remaining willing and committed in such an uncertain year.

Given the cancellation of so many sports days, this year we are only able to award three awards.

The Lil and Jim Greenhill Award at Primary and the Johnny Mullagh Award at Secondary, each recognise a student who has demonstrated talent and commitment to sport both within school and the wider community. The recipients must demonstrate respect, sportsmanship and a dedication to improve in their area. Training hard to improve their own performance, they also encourage and support others to be their best, leading by example. Awardees represent their sport at a high level and always display athleticism and effort to the best of their ability.

The third award, which is new this year, is the Sporting Spirit Award. This award recognises one student across Foundation to year 12 who consistently demonstrates a ‘give it a go’ attitude with enthusiasm and encouragement for others. They conduct themselves with pride and comradery at school events and when competing against other schools in the region. Most importantly, this student is not necessarily the highest achieving athlete, but one who strives for their best with respect and the spirit of sportsmanship.

Local sporting clubs and staff have nominated the following students.

Lil and Jim Greenhill- Levi Linto, Oscar Dunstan, Ruby Caldow

This year the Lil and Jim Greenhill Award goes to Oscar Dunstan.

Oscar has been an outstanding sportsman in all that he has attempted this year. From the beginning of the year he was a strong contender. He broke the Open Boys Kickboard and Backstroke records, and was a top 3 place-getter in almost all of his events. These efforts in the pool saw him awarded Age-Group Champion for the 12 year old boys. Out of the water and onto the cross-country track, Oscar came in first for his age group and went on to run at the Little Desert Competition in Balmoral. On the athletics track, Oscar’s talent was equally evident as he again took the title of Age-Group Champion. Breaking the record for the 12 boys Long Jump and Illinois Agility run, Oscar competed with determination and respect against his peers.In community sport with the Edenhope-Apsley football netball club Oscar contributed to the strength of the U14’s football team who went near undefeated for the entire season. Congratulations Oscar on a fantastic year of sport.

Nominations made by staff and local sporting clubs for the Johnny Mullagh Award for secondary students were- Holly Whitehead, Buzz Brennan, Sienna Bull, Ryley Munro, Jaali Brennan, Brooke Ewer, Erin Ewer.

For 2021, the Johnny Mullagh Award goes to Jaali Brennan

Jaali has proved himself to be an exceptional all-rounder athlete this year. In school competitions Jaali was awarded Age-Group Champion for both swimming and athletics after placing in the top 3 for the majority of his events both in the pool and on the track. Coming first for his age group in school cross-country and then 10th on the Regional course in Warrnambool, Jaali’s talents are undeniable in long distance events. Out amongst community Hockey with Redlegs Hockey Club, Jaali contributed to the strength of the U16’s team and also in the men’s competition. He took out the club best and fairest for both Under 16’s and the mens, whilst also awarded best and fairest boy in the under 16’s for the Naracoorte and District Hockey Association. Jaali also placed 3rd for the Men’s league best and fairest; an incredible achievement which Jaali should be commended on. Jaali was also a member of the under 18’s Boys South East Hockey Team and competed in the State Junior Hockey Championships in South Australia. A well deserved recipient of the Johnny Mullagh Award for 2021, congratulations Jaali Brennan.

This year the school sporting spirit award nominees were: Sienna Bull, Chloe Dubois, Layla Linto and Josh Robinson.

Sporting Spirit Award - Layla Linto

As a year 7 student, Layla has displayed sportsmanship and maturity beyond her years in all sport that she was a part of this year. In full Mullagh blue dress ups she signed up and competed in every event for our school swimming carnival. When she wasn’t swimming you could see her cheering others in the pool and encouraging her peers to just give it a go. Layla was equally full of support and spirit for our Athletics Carnival, again competing in anything and everything she could, not caring if she was first or last across the line. As a younger player in the year 8 netball team, she demonstrated leadership and teamwork of the highest quality during every match of the tournament. Her performance was flawless as was her attitude and honesty on a long and challenging day. Layla is always seeking ways to improve and willingly applies any feedback given by her teammates to ensure she gives her best effort. She is the first to let others take her place in a race or on the court, to ensure they have an opportunity to participate and will celebrate her team or school houses’ success no matter the results. For these reasons, Layla is a worthy first recipient of the Sporting Spirit Award for 2021.

Miss Morgan Coventry

PE Coordinator

Class of 2021 - Year 12