Students show their skills at athletics carnival

By Contributed

Aug 26, 2024

It’s a soft landing for Jasmine Watson in the high jump. Photo: Tarliah Murphy

Rochester Secondary College held its athletics carnival on Thursday, Aigust 22.

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The annual event provides a chance for students to compete in a range of track and field events with points for participation and placing added to house totals.

“This is our first year with three instead of four houses,” RSC sports co-ordinator Ellie Cuttriss said.

“Our new house names — Acacia, Banksia and Grevillea — align with yellow, blue and red respectively. It was fantastic to see a sea of these colours with students dressing up.

“Our Year 12s went the extra mile with their costumes, even if some were a little difficult to run in.”

The event was held at Windridge Oval, with RSC receiving generous support from Rochester Little Athletics, who set up the track and loaned equipment.

“We are so grateful to Little Aths, we couldn’t have done it without them,” Ms Cuttriss said.

Darcey Pump in action in the high jump. Photo: Meg Doller

Music, lawn games, an on-site coffee van and morning tea provided by the parents’ club, in addition to a full canteen, added to the festive atmosphere.

RSC assistant principal Mitch Bright said the attendance on the day was excellent.

“It was fantastic to see parents and families attending to share in the day,” he said.

The day say Banksia finish on top.

Banksia house co-captain Matthew Harrington said it was great to see so many students taking part.

His co-captain Lily Peake lauded her house for its win.

“Banksia’s win was a result of the combined efforts of our house, by students from years 7 to 12. Matt and I were so proud to accept the trophy on our team’s behalf,” Lily said.

Will Hann manages to clear the high jump bar. Photo: Meg Doller Photo by Meg Doller

The age champions across the six ages were awarded medals.

Age champions

12/13 years: Kiefer Haines and Keeley Major

14 years: Zac Morgan and Macey Ryan

15 years: Tex Jones and Cadence Major

16 years: Will Hann and Marli Cottam

17 years: Charlie Mundie and Hannah Foley

Open: Hugh Kerlin and Maddy Pearse

In addition to winning 12/13 age champion medals, Kiefer Haines and Keeley Major achieved some outstanding individual results. Kiefer ran 200m in 30.25 seconds and Keeley ran 100m in 13.99 seconds and 800m in three minutes and 27 seconds.

Other impressive achievements on the track were recorded by Cody McKenzie, who ran 100m in 12.10 seconds; Ziah Haines, who ran 200m in 32.69 seconds; and Asher Rasmussen, who ran 800m in two minutes and 56 seconds.

In the field events, Year 7 student Mac Dickinson threw 28.08m in discus and 11.97m in shot put and Morgan Boyack threw 26.20m in discus and 10.77m in shot put. Heidi Plim achieved a discus throw of 18.33m.

Ziah Haines sails over the high jump bar. Photo: Meg Doller Photo by Meg Doller

Year 9 students Cale James and Leah Toohill jumped 4.29m and 4.01m respectively in long jump, while Year 8 students Leo Hayes and Macey Ryan achieved 9.25m and 8.89m respectively in triple jump.

Macey Ryan and Jasmin Watson (Year 7) cleared 1.35m in high jump, while Darcey Pump (Year 9) and Will Hann (Year 10) cleared 1.64m and 1.65m respectively.