The 57th Exchange

On Monday 24th of June, at 7.00am, Cheltenham Secondary College's 57th Exchange Squad set out on their 12-hour bus ride to Avenues College in Adelaide to begin our 3-day tournament. Whilst we were slightly delayed because our star Gizele forgot her footy boots (haha), we drove off to a pretty insane sunrise. The bus ride was filled with chants, deep chats, and lots of sleepy heads. Upon arrival, Avenues College and their fellow captains welcomed us with a warm spirit. We are so fortunate to share this tradition with such a welcoming school. I was lucky to be billeted with Avenues College's Squad Captain Lucy, alongside my best friends Victoria and Ciara. Not only did her yiayia whip up Michelin star meals, but Lucy became one of us. 

On Tuesday morning, the two schools went head to head in Captains Games. Personally, Captains Games is my favourite event as you get to establish amazing friendships. Whilst we unfortunately lost the captain's plate, it was brilliant to see such blood, sweat and tears go into each event. The day was then followed by an amazing jigsaw win, carried by our Year 7 star Julian R. (who we will see big things from in the future), and boys and girls soccer - which saw 2 more wins. The boy's soccer, in particular, dominated the game, ending with 11-0. Despite many players being sent off (Noah, Finn, Jae, Dylan and probably more), Jacob K. was the clear BOG, scoring 5 of our goals, and assisting in many more despite having multiple blood noses. Tuesday night was then completed with Cheltenham making history with a 2-0 win at music night. We had Georgia S. harmonising with Ellie M. and Carys G. with her eye-catching performance, and Ramone and Keziah H. sharing a beautiful brother moment (their parents were there to watch too). 

On Wednesday we began the day with a boy's cricket win, carried by our amazing batsmen Buckets and Millar, alongside the catch of the day taken by Rudi. Julian then blew our minds, yet again, with his immense hockey talent, capturing yet another win. After taking more influential wins throughout the day, the night was completed with 2 basketball wins. Despite having an NBL star in the Avenues gym, Charli A. was NOT threatened, with her amazing composure and memorable buzzer beater 3. 

The final day of play saw a historical moment on Thursday morning with our touch rugby team winning on Adelaide soil for the first time in 10 years. Our team was led by our fabulous captain Dylan, who scored multiple tries and was clear BOG. Then we saw Marsha's unreal table tennis skills, two football wins, Dilay's amazing leadership in the girls' volleyball team, and Sanders’ appreciation breakdown!  

By the end of Thursday night, Cheltenham Secondary College had officially won the shield. Despite this, the two schools embraced one another with such comradery. Not only did we sing our final chants for the last time (sorry for bursting everyone's ear drums), but we also got around Avenues College, hugging one another and participating in each other's chants. It was honestly an experience I will never forget, and I'm so unbelievably fortunate to have been able to lead this squad. With my very own mum and two older brothers having participated in the exchange, I always knew that I really wanted to be a part of something special. After being in the program for four years, I feel so fulfilled and proud of every single individual, and I hope we, as captains, inspired the younger year levels. 

The Exchange is Cheltenham Secondary at its core, and a tradition that I hope continues indefinitely. I would also like to extend a colossal thank you on behalf of the 57th Exchange Squad to Ms Hargreaves and Mr Sanders. This Exchange wouldn't be possible without you, and your efforts do not go unnoticed. Thank you for caring and supporting us through it all, I will never forget the amazing memories we have shared. To all coaches, thank you for putting time and effort into us, and to the squad, thanks for becoming one big family! I would also like to give an honourable mention to my best friend, Victoria K., who was presented with the Ross Smith Medal for showcasing her profound spirit of the Exchange! 

For one final time, I believe that we won.

Squad Captain - Tori E.