2022 has been an outstanding year for sport at Edenhope College. After last year with many cancelled events and Covid interruptions before that, students were keen to get out and complete.

Our primary students competed in Kowree events against their rival schools and did so with pride and talent. Across swimming, cross country, athletics, netball, football and soccer, our students gave every effort to do their best for their school. Some students broke records, others won age group champions and some put themselves out there for the first time to just give it a go. No matter the outcome, we are proud of our students for their efforts.

This was also reflected at a secondary level. For every sport on offer, there was a name down to attend. When possible, we combine with our cluster schools Goroke and Balmoral to field a team and give students the opportunity to compete. These partnerships have been wonderful for our students to develop friendships and has enabled many to progress through to regional and state levels with their sport. The depth of sporting talent at this school is quite incredible. We had regional teams and competitors across years 7-10 in swimming, athletics, cross-country, netball, volleyball, badminton and basketball. We also had teams in tennis, boys and girls AFL, whilst our Equestrian riders worked with Mrs Price for an outstanding display on the horses. Our Hockey team was a standout, making it to state level down in Melbourne. A big thank you to Keiren Brennan from Balmoral for leading this team, and also to Bec Carter for her work with our Basketballers. Across all sports our students give their opponents a run for their money and did so with excellent sportsmanship. This year we also enjoyed our first cluster school athletics carnival day which was a great success to provide students with some healthy competition against their interschol friends. Our students should be proud of all they have achieved this year in their sport and I hope to see them all back out there in 2023.

So tonight we have a few awards to hand out.

Firstly, an award for our Junior (year 7/8), Intermediate (year 9/10) and Senior (year 11/12) sportsperson. This award goes to a male and female student across the two year levels who has demonstrated not only excellence in their sport but also a positive attitude and sportsmanship in their conduct towards their teammates and the opposition. They have been involved in a range of activities and represent the school with respectful behaviour on every occasion.

The Junior Sportspeople across year 7 and 8 are

Layla Linto
Jack Nelson

At year 9 and 10 the Intermediate sports people are

Charlotte Henderson
Buzz Brennan

And our Senior sports people at year 11 and 12 are

Brooke Ewer
Jaali Brennan

The next two awards are longstanding school awards that recognise an individual in the Primary school and one at secondary.

These awards go to a student who has achieved success in their sport. They have competed at a high level for their age group, demonstrating exceptional sportsmanship on and off the sporting arena. With a dedicated and respectful attitude towards their training and matches, they have maintained an encouraging and respectful attitude towards their teammates, coaches, officials and others involved. Both awardees are nominated by community sporting groups which is then considered with their contribution to sport within the school.

For 2023, our Primary Lil and Jim Greenhill Award goes to Bailey Hartas.

Bailey has had a wonderful year with his footy as part of the Edenhope Apsley Saints. In the u14’s team he has made great progress with his skills which is a credit to his work ethic at training. He is a role model for those on his team and for the young Auskickers who are learning the game. Bailey always offers his time and assistance to those who need it and shows a great community spirit in doing so. Bailey has the makings of a great footballer and will surely continue to excel in the game as he gets older. Well done Bailey on a great achievement.

And for our 2023 Secondary Johnny Mullagh Award goes to Adam Hood.

Adam has been an outstanding member of the local Motorbike club this year. He has competed in the Junior A Grade section for motor cross in Western Victoria and travelled across the state for this. He came 2nd in the Western Region A Grade 250cc section earlier this year and 2nd in the Nhill Pony Express. To accomplish this, Adam has trained many hours on his home track at Toothpaste Park and has taken opportunities to challenge himself and improve as a result. Achievements aside, the strength in Adam’s nomination lies in what he gives back to his sport. He is the first to lend a hand a club working bee’s and has taken up the opportunity to coach younger riders. Adam is willing and excited to help these beginners. Always making time for them and giving tips to improve where he can; he is a role model they look up to. This wonderful attitude is also reflected in Adam’s basketball. He is a talented player who takes the court with respect and sportsmanship every game. He looks out for the juniors on his team and makes sure to share the ball so that their skills and strategy develop too. Adam was also the recipient of the Most Consistent Award for the Reserves senior football team at the Edenhope Apsley Saints. Again his talent on the field and his conduct towards his own team and the opposition made him a standout nominee. Congratulations Adam on your efforts in community sport this year.

I would like to also congratulate the following students who were also nominated for this award:

Mitchell Hately
Dash Adams
Buzz Brennan
Jaalie Brennan
Clancy Shireffs
Hunter Adams
Isabel Bourne
Layla Linto
Izzy Payne

Our final award for sport this evening is our Sporting Spirit Award. This goes to a single student in secondary who is not necessarily the most talented but they approach sporting opportunities with a ‘have a go’ attitude. They are respectful and willing to learn in all they attempt and demonstrate teamwork and support towards their peers. This student gives 100% in their sports and represents the school with pride.

This year our Sporting Spirit Award goes to Ellie Bentley.

Miss Morgan Coventry

PE Coordinator

Mallee Excellence Award

Year 10