Sport News
So, lockdown still got you feeling blue?
Bummer that you can't go out to play sport?
Well, so are your teachers and school support staff!
So instead of simply posting 'sport has been postponed, AGAIN', let's take some time to learn about your teachers at the school.
Old hands, new members, people who you wouldn't associate with sports, and people who keep the school ticking over.
Ms Whiting
1) What is your preferred sport/s? How long have you been playing? Who do you play for (or coach)?
Netball and Football. I have played netball since I was 5yrs old, but have only played socially for my cousin’s Balls of Glory team for the last couple of years. I have been playing Senior Women’s football for 6 years and currently play for Marcellin OCFC.
2) What is your greatest achievement(s) in these?
I have won a few netball premierships over the years, which have been amazing. This year, we went through the footy season undefeated and made it in to the Grand Final before the season was called off, so I think that was a pretty good achievement. What could have been though!?
3) What's your favourite sporting moment in history? Why?
Cathy Freeman’s 400m win at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. An incredible performance and such a milestone for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Bruce McAvaney’s commentary gives me chills!
4) Do you have any athletes who inspire you?
Watching all the Paralympians has been so inspiring! Vanessa Low’s performance in the long jump was incredible.
5) Do you have any advice to motivate/inspire young athletes today?
Whatever it is, give it a go! If you are thinking about trying a new sport, a new skill, competing in a higher level, then try it out. You will never know until you try! Also, have fun!
Ms Butler
1) What is your preferred sport/s? Netball
How long have you been playing? 20 years
Who do you play for (or coach)? I played for North Heidelberg in the NFNL League until I "retired" in 2021.
2) What is your greatest achievement(s) in these?
Playing Championship Level in my early 20s against players that went on to be selected in the Australian Team. It was pretty cool to think you'd been playing against them! Also winning the NFNL Division 1 Best and Fairest in my mid 30s. That gave me a good boost that I could still play competitively and kept my motivation to stay fit going.
3) What's your favourite sporting moment in history? Why?
I think it would be Steven Bradbury winning gold in the 2002 Winter Olympics Speed Skating event. Many argued that it was just plain luck that he won, but really he was good enough at his sport to make the Olympics! And I also like his quote "I don't think I'll take the medal as the minute and a half of the race I actually won. I'll take it as the last decade of the hard slog I put in". That's what it's about, the effort you put in.
4) Do you have any athletes who inspire you?
Sharelle McMahon. She was is only 177cm which is pretty short for a goaler, but she could out run and out maneuver all of her defenders!
5) Do you have any advice to motivate/inspire young athletes today?
Make sure you love and enjoy what you do, persist, and always keeping pushing yourself to try harder and have a go at the next step/level.
Ms Manioudakis
1) What is your preferred sport/s? How long have you been playing? Who do you play for (or coach)?
Basketball.
2) What is your greatest achievement(s) in these?
Played as a young person for the school team and local club.
3) What's your favourite sporting moment in history? Why?
Cathy Freeman winning gold in the Sydney Olympics.
4) Do you have any athletes who inspire you?
In recent times the Paralympic athletes who despite challenges have achieved success.
5) Do you have any advice to motivate/inspire young athletes today?
Be a good role model. Listen to other athletes and their experiences and advice. Continue to strive-don’t give up!
Ms McKie
1) What is your preferred sport/s? How long have you been playing? Who do you play for (or coach)?
Netball, no longer playing (too old!) Played locally, Diamond Valley areas.
2) What is your greatest achievement(s) in these?
N/A, played for fun
3) What's your favourite sporting moment in history? Why?
Ian Thorpe @ 2000 Sydney Olympics - home turf & he made it look so effortless.
4) Do you have any athletes who inspire you?
Ian Thorpe - his dedication & resilience in the pool and his personal life.
5) Do you have any advice to motivate/inspire young athletes today?
Find a sport/s that you enjoy, and most of all you have fun with.
Mr Moloney
1) What is your preferred sport/s? How long have you been playing? Who do you play for (or coach)?
Played football as a junior and seniors until about 3 years ago. Played for a few different clubs including Strathmore, Banyule and Yarra Valley Old Grammarians. Since I have finished I have gotten in to running more and have completed a couple of half marathons.
2) What is your greatest achievement(s) in these?
Running the last half marathon I did in 1hr35mins, knocking 20mins off my previous PB time. Still a long way to go to catch Mark Eagling though!!
3) What's your favourite sporting moment in history? Why?
Carlton beating Richmond in the 2013 elimination final after finishing 9th on the ladder - it is as close to a premiership as I will ever get as a Carlton supporter!
4) Do you have any athletes who inspire you?
Jarryd Clifford - I was lucky enough to teach him at my last school, and the adversity that he has overcome to reach the elite level is truly inspiring! He is someone that never makes excuses, but is all about bettering himself and just has fun while competing!
5) Do you have any advice to motivate/inspire young athletes today?
Never worry about what anyone else is doing, just focus on competing against yourself to get a bit better every day, and always do it for fun!
Mr Purcell and Mr Gazzola