SPORT NEWS

Year 9 Elite Sports Program                           Melbourne Excursion

From the hallowed turf of the MCG to the cutting-edge facilities of the Victorian Institute of Sport, our new Year 9 Elite Sports Program students experienced a whirlwind three days in Melbourne from Wednesday 19th to Friday 21st March. This action-packed excursion provided a unique insight into the world of professional sports, leaving our students inspired and motivated.

The adventure kicked off immediately upon arrival in Melbourne with a comprehensive tour of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and the Australian Sports Museum. Students explored all facets of this legendary sporting venue, immersing themselves in its rich history and engaging with the museum's interactive exhibits. Adding to their exciting experience, our students were also used as participants in filming for upcoming MCG promotional footage, so keep an eye out for them in future MCG advertisements! It was a fantastic introduction to the sheer scale and passion that defines Australian sport.

Thursday brought an incredible opportunity to witness the Western Bulldogs Captain's Training run. The highlight of the visit was a candid and insightful talk from Matt Kennedy, a local Wagga Wagga success story who has made it to the AFL (GWS Giants, Carlton Blues and now Western Bulldogs). Matt shared his personal journey, detailing the challenges and triumphs of his career. His message about perseverance and resilience, especially his experience of missing out on a state team at 15, resonated deeply with our students. After the talk, Matt Egan, the General Manager of Football Operations at the Western Bulldogs gave students a tour of the new facilities at Whitten Oval which were incredible. 

Due to the unexpected wet weather on Thursday afternoon, the planned outdoor fitness session was replaced with a fun and competitive ten-pin bowling outing, providing a welcome change of pace. Thursday night saw the group cheering on the Hawks and Blues at a thrilling AFL match, experiencing the electric atmosphere of live professional sport at ‘The G’ with over 62,000 people.

Friday morning was dedicated to exploring the state-of-the-art facilities at the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS). Students were privileged to meet past and upcoming Olympians and witness firsthand the cutting-edge technology and resources available to elite athletes. The tour showcased a range of facilities including a climate chamber, biomechanics testing lab, lap pool, spa, cold plunge pool, nutrition station, and physiotherapy and medical stations. This eye-opening experience provided a glimpse into the dedication and scientific precision required to achieve peak performance.

The students' behaviour throughout the excursion was exemplary, and they embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm and respect. This excursion has undoubtedly ignited a spark in our budding athletes, providing them with a deeper understanding of the dedication, perseverance, and passion required to excel in the world of elite sports. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of this experience on their future sporting journeys.

Ryan Price | Sports Coordinator

Jackie Byrne | KLA Coordinator - PDHPE

Preston Butcher Open Girls Touch Competition

TEAM:

(Rear) Leni Stenhouse, Elka Morris, Delilah Griffin, Asha Creek, Olivia Driscoll, Brianna Elphick, Katani Milligan, Holly Williams, Coach Mrs James

(Front) Violet Paton, Cloe Bray, Zara Connolly, Jess Graham, Abbey Hodge, Lulu Rynehart, Sienna Butt.

Our 2025 Preston Butcher Touch campaign started in early March with our two round games against MDCC and WWHS. We faced a fast, well drilled MDCC team and were defeated 6-2. We bounced back in our second game defeating WWHS 5-3. This placed us second in Pool A so we played team 1 in Pool B, KHS in the semi-final. We won that game 6-2 and thus secured our spot in the Grand Final. MDCC played WWHS in the other semi-final and MDCC were victorious. This setup yet another Grand Final with the Catholic Colleges vying for the Preston Butcher trophy.

In a tough Grand Final game, MDCC started off strong and before we could settle, the half-time score showed MDCC 6 - KCC 2. The KCC team started to gain their rhythm and in the next 15 minutes reduced the margin to two touchdowns MDCC 8 - KCC 6.

Unfortunately in the final few minutes of the second half, we let MDCC score twice and thus they retained the Preston Butcher Cup with a scoreline of 10 - 6. Our girls fought hard all game and should be proud of their efforts. Touchdown scorers - Holly (2) Jess (2), Violet (1) and Abbey (1).

With seven of our players coming from Years 7 and 8, our future in this competition looks bright. We farewell our Year 12 players, Holly Williams and Brianna Elphick and thank them for their service to this and past KCC PB teams. Thank you also to our coach, Mrs James and support crew Mrs Arentz and Mrs Murphy. Thank you also to Kylie Connolly for being our referee. A number of Kildare students came to cheer on the team and we thank them for their support.

Jacinta Murphy | Assistant KLA Coordinator - Maths

Dio Netball Trails

On Tuesday the 4ᵗʰ of March, the Kildare 15s and Opens netball team participated in the Dio Netball trails at Equex Netball Stadium, Wagga. 

The Diocesan netball trials are the pathway for individuals to progress through to NSWCCC and NSW All schools teams. Both teams demonstrated outstanding skill, determination and sportsmanship! 

Congratulations to Emily, Sadie and Charlotte who were selected in the Opens team and Phoebe who was selected in the 15s team. They will travel to the NSWCCC Trials in Sydney during Term 2.

Monique Jones | Teacher/ PDHPE