SPORT NEWS: SCHOOL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

ULTIMATE VICTORIA SCHOOL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024

On a brisk Tuesday morning on 17 September, the McKinnon Ultimate Disk squad arrived in force at Royal Park in Parkville in a fleet of Nuline buses. An imposing six teams took to the field to compete in the 2024 Ultimate Victoria School Senior State Championships across male, female and mixed team divisions. Strong bonds had been forged in the fires of gruelling lunchtime and after school training sessions, the well-rehearsed cellys were locked in and ready to unleash, and all competitors were hungry to embody the McKinnon value of Success, and the squad’s motto, Vires in Numeris. 

Results were mixed.

One team of Year 12 boys was entered into Division A, and quickly realised the State Championship level upon arrival, remarking upon the professional and athletic aesthetic of the other teams. 

The morale briefly fluttered, but the boys rallied and put on some very entertaining performances throughout the day, including a notable and highly elaborate goal celebration for their third goal of the match, bringing the score to 3-8.

Three other teams were entered into the boys Division B. A young team of primarily Year 10 Boys took Gold in the division, and another young team was awarded the Spirit Award - an acknowledgement of sportsmanship as voted after every match by the opposing teams. 

The future of the McKinnon Ultimate Disk squad shines brightly with these talented youngsters still having two more years of eligibility for future championships. Our other boys team of Year 12s showed great heart, and will be missed.

The team in the mixed division had some tough matches early but started to connect their passes well later in the day, finishing strong but unfortunately falling just shy of a podium position. The Squad will certainly feel the loss of these Year 12 students next year. 

The level on display in the girls division was extremely high, and the girls team were faced with challenging opposition in every match. Fortunately, this team of Year 11 girls has a full year to dedicate themselves to the pursuit of Ultimate Disk mastery and can only go up from here.

Despite the mixed results, the day was a great success for the squad. The students represented themselves and McKinnon in an exceptional manner with the level of skill and sporting behaviour on display. We look forward to the Junior State Championships on Tuesday 15 October where a modest two teams will seek to add to the successes of the squad, which also includes victory in the Kingston Regionals earlier this year. 

Special thanks to Ms Wood, Ms Phillips and Offensive/Defensive Coordinator Fleming. 

Mr Grantham-Smith

McKinnon Secondary College Ultimate Disk Squad Head Coach

STUDENT REFLECTIONS

When the sun rose that morning, it wasn’t just a frisbee tournament that would take place. The McKinnon Ultimate disc forces would participate in battles of the soul that Royal Park had never before seen. Weighing in at an average of 105 kilograms of pure, lean, athletic muscle, and standing on average at 6 foot 4, all while wielding a combined IQ of 2300, the McKinnon Secondary College Ultimate Disc Local Championship League A-Team would finish at an impressive 4th place (out of 12), cleverly dodging the podium out of tremendous modesty and respect for the other teams. We, the team, would like to thank both our reliable coaches, as well as the attending officials on the day from Ultimate Victoria, for their service in allowing the A-Team, and the others, to shine.

To the juniors, best of luck in state championships, where we hope you’ll perform at at least a fraction of our brilliance.

We wish for all those interested in the spectacle that is Ultimate Frisbee to come forward next year and begin a new McKinnon tradition of flying disc dominance.

Brisk with the Disc

The A-Team

Participating in the Ultimate Frisbee State Championship was more than just an experience, it was a new awakening inside me as I discovered my love and passion for the sport of Ultimate Frisbee. Even though we did not place too high on the rankings, as a team I strongly believe we are winners as it strengthened our bond as a team and as friends, throughout the trainings we had after and during school. 

I want to thank Mr Grantham-Smith for organising the teams from McKinnon SC and introducing me to the world of Frisbee. 

Pietari Tuomi , Year 12

Mixed team