A three-time world championship triathlete has helped guide West Moreton Anglican College to a record-breaking cross country season following best-ever results for both the Junior and Senior School.
WestMAC Cross Country program coordinator Hannah Purvey, an Australian representative at the World Age Group Triathlon Championships, said this year’s record-breaking year was the result of a four-year program led by a team of specialist and volunteer coaches.
The College’s Junior School team of 94 students successfully defended their Overall Junior TAS Champions trophy at the Junior TAS Cross Country Carnival at John Paul College in Daisy Hill.
WestMAC also experienced success at the TAS Cross Country Championships with more than a dozen top-eight finishes led by podium place-getters Jai Cuthbertson (16 years) and Kaylee Gorroick (14 years), who spearheaded the 14 years Girls team to the TAS age championship which was a record result for WestMAC.
Purvey said about 240 students had been part of this year’s campaign which started with pre-season training at the end of last year.
“We have committed and dedicated students who train four to six times a week to ensure a consistent training program, under the encouragement of our coaches,’’ Purvey said.
“We have athlete-specific programs to develop students from beginner level right through to national level.
“We have a beautiful cross country course on our campus which has also helped with the College’s success.’’
WestMAC was crowned Junior Girls TAS and Junior Boys TAS Champions, while the College also secured championship titles for three age-groups – 9 years Boys, as well as 10- and 11-Years Girls.
Outstanding Junior School students included Mia Kertesz (Year 6) and Mikaela Learoyd (Year 5), who both qualified for last month’s QSS State Championships, at Queen’s Park in Ipswich. Mia won the State under-11 girls multi-class 2km race.
West Moreton Anglican College principal Geoff McLay praised the dedicated coaching team who nurtured and motivated the students to strive for individual excellence, with programs for all age levels and abilities.
“WestMAC’s outstanding results have been a reward for the hard work of our committed coaches and students who showed dedication with their training including on all those cold morning sessions,’’ Mr McLay said.
“It’s so rewarding to see the improvement of so many students following the College’s training programs.
“It was great to see so many students recording personal best results as they showed tenacity, determination and a real desire to do the best they could for themselves, their teammates and their school.’’
WestMAC students Kaylee Gorroick (Year 8), and Cross Country Captain Camryn Novinetz (Year 12) led the College in the prestigious Metropolitan West School Sport regional championships.
Camryn finished second in her age group in the Met West championships and achieved a top-12 result at last month’s QSS State Titles in Ipswich.
For more information:
West Moreton Anglican College Senior Communications and Events Officer
Fiona Purdon
P:07 3813 4518 and M: 0429 491 335