Sporting Report

Sport at Edenhope College in 2023 has been full steam ahead. We have had primary and secondary teams compete across all kinds of sports and incursions from, swimming, athletics, cross country, volleyball to netball, basketball, tennis, hockey, soccer and AFL. We have also enjoyed the second year of our equestrian elective which is gaining in popularity with our students. There has been success in winning teams and success in team spirit, there has been frustration during competitions and disappointment at times. All of this has built character in our students and taught them patience and humility. Regardless of the outcome, they have represented our school with respect and sportsmanship which they should be commended for. Our hockey team made it all the way to state finals whilst our year 8 and our intermediate girls volleyball, tennis, basketball and netball all played at a regional level. Our students have so much talent and we encourage them to continue putting their hands up to have a go when these opportunities arise. Thank you to the staff, parents and community members who supported our students across their sport this year and made it all happen. Thank you. 

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 students across the two year levels who have 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. 

Sportsperson awards are decided in part by how many points a student accumulates over the course of the year, through their participation and success in school sporting activities as well as teams representing Edenhope College. Students’ total points from their placings in school swimming, cross country and athletics events are combined with one point given for every other Edenhope College team or event participated in at a district or regional level. On top of this is perhaps the most important consideration, and that is the willingness of students to take opportunities to be involved in school sporting events and teams. Their sportsmanship, encouragement of others and representation of our school is also incorporated into these awards. 

The Junior Sportspeople across Years 7 and 8 are 

• Eliza McDonnell
• Oscar Dunstan

At Year 9 and 10 the Intermediate Sportspeople are 

• Mattea Hollis
• Buzz Brennan

And our Senior sports people at Years 11 and 12 are

• Jaali Brennan
• Mollie Reid

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 Lily Eyles.

Lily has been an outstanding young athlete this year. She has committed herself to school swimming, cross country and athletics events, giving her best effort at each of these. Lily excelled in her athletics and went on to compete in shot put at the district and also regional competition. Her willingness to take these opportunities is a credit to Lily’s determination to do her best and grow. In her netball at Edenhope-Apsley Football Netball Club Lily was a valued member of her team and took on feedback to improve her game. Her sportsmanship is impeccable and she leads by example, attending training and additional fitness sessions, playing up a grade in U13’s this year and always encouraging her teammates. Lily should be proud of her success and her conduct in her sport this year, well done! 

And for our 2023 Secondary Johnny Mullagh Award goes to Buzz Brennan

Buzz has achieved so much in his sport this year. Competing in our school teams, Buzz has represented Edenhope College in Cross-Country and Volleyball as well as Hockey at a regional and state level. He participated in our school swimming and athletics carnivals with determination to be the best but also to enjoy the spirit of the day. Outside of school Buzz is a keen hockey player with Red Legs Hockey club in Naracoorte. Here he is described as a team player who, this year, took an interest in the development of his teammates to bring success to his team. These leadership skills enabled Buzz to support his team and gain insight into how he can best help them achieve their best, as well as his own. Buzz was also a member of the School Sport National U16 team which competed in Adelaide this year. His coach observed him to be a responsible, dedicated, persistent and respectful player who always aimed for excellence. This young man is a model sportsman in all he does and sets a high standard in his behaviour and the skill with which he competes. Congratulations Buzz on a wonderful year. 

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  Finn Stuart.

Miss Morgan Coventry

PE Coordinator