Sporting Report

It has been another busy year in sport at Edenhope College. We enjoyed another cluster swimming carnival with Balmoral and again for athletics. Our primary school students headed to Goroke for their Kowree Swimming day, and stayed here to compete with strength in the athletics. Across the year we have had teams and individuals compete for our school in AFL, hockey, basketball, netball, cross-country, athletics, swimming and tennis. These have been at Little Desert and some also at the Regional level. There is no shortage of talent and determination when it comes to Edenhope College students and sport. They represent our school to the best of their ability, but also with excellent sportsmanship. We are proud to have those students who put their hand up to give things a go, to fill a spot in a team, to win with price and lose with grace. 

A huge thank you to the staff and parents who have helped with organisation and transport this year. It cannot happen without you and I hope the students know how lucky they are. 

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. 

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

• Taewyn Brennan 
• Max White

At Year 9 and 10 the Intermediate Sportspeople are 

• Shane Perks 
• Jasmine McIntyre

And our Senior sports people at Years 11 and 12 are

• Hunter Adams 
• Buzz 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 2024, our Primary Lil and Jim Greenhill Award goes to Ayla Domaschenz

Ayla has been nominated for her involvement in a range of sports. As well as being a keen player at Edenhope Apsley Football Netball Club, Ayla attended interleague tryouts and although she did not make the team, she passed the first training and was invited back to attend the 2nd try outs. In Hockey Ayla took the opportunity to be involved with the Little Desert Hockey Tournament and showed great determination to succeed and support her team. Ayla also qualified for the 200m sprint and high jump at Little Desert Athletics, also for cross country where she went a step further to compete at regional level down in Warrnambool. Ayla plays in the 13 and Under Grade in the KABA and has also filled in for the women’s team, always looking for opportunities to improve her game and experience. 

Ayla had to overcome an injury of the achilles this year which hindered her participation in her sports. She had to sit courtside for netball for 5 weeks, however she attended training and watched her team from the sidelines cheering them on. She picked up the netball whistle and started practicing her umpiring at training and umpired the Senior and Junior Social Mixed Netball. It is this kind of never-give-up attitude that makes Ayla a worthy recipient of this award.

Ayla has given her time to babysit children at netball and basketball so that their parents can participate in the game. She assisted in court set up on Saturdays at netball when she was there early and helped in the kitchen at EAFNC. She has helped in setting up social events whether blowing up balloons or setting tables for club functions. 

Ayla has assisted in the HOOPS basketball program in the KABA with children ages 5-7 and she has completed her green shirt umpiring course and is currently a learner umpire for the KABA shadowing a senior umpire.  

Ayla has a clear passion for her sport and her community. We hope to see her continue with all the effort she has made this year, inspiring others to do the same. 

And for our 2024 Secondary Johnny Mullagh Award goes to Buzz Brennan

Buzz has had another exceptional year in both his ability and efforts to give back to his community. Buzz was selected in the South Australian team to compete in the Australian Country Championships. When given this opportunity he approached it with an open mind, willing to learn and develop his game all the while displaying the utmost respect for his teammates and officials. Buzz dedicated himself to an outstanding work ethic and a selfless performance on the field. He actively participated in team discussion to better his technical skills and contribute to the team. 

From the President of the Redlegs Hockey Team, Buzz has shone for his club. In addition to the Country Championship, he participated in the South Australian Zone Championships as co-captain and assistant coach. Also in the South Australian Junior Regional Championships in the U19’s side as a playing captain. For his age, Buzz is often described as having unique maturity and leadership skills.

Whilst Buzz no-doubtedly has a natural talent for Hockey, he also works incredibly hard doing extra sessions by himself or with other local hockey players. Buzz recently travelled to Adelaide for the South Australian State Under 18 State Hockey Identification camp, with another camp early in 2025. Buzz displays impeccable sportsmanship in all aspects of his sport and coaching. In his work with Hot Shots Tennis, Buzz displayed a nurturing and caring attitude towards the young players as helped teach them the game. He is a credit to the words ‘hard work’ and ‘dedication’ and always manages to find time to support his community when possible.

Showing an all round sporting ability, Buzz was the age group Champion for all three major events of Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country.

We congratulate Buzz on being a role model for others in not only his ability but the way he conducts himself. Well done Buzz.

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  

Miss Morgan Coventry

PE Coordinator