Mr Stephen O’Donnell – Director of Co-curricular
E: sodonnell@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Ms Sue Walsh – Director of Identity & Student Formation
E: swalsh@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Last Saturday saw our first full round of internal trials, as well as our As and 1sts Football squads play in the CAS Blitz. There was a great level of enthusiasm and enjoyment from all students and coaches, in being able to get out onto the fields and courts.
Our 1sts Football and 8As Football were certainly the standouts on Saturday, with these two teams winning all of their matches.
The postponed Summer Awards Assembly has also been rescheduled to next Thursday, and we will hopefully get to recognise those award winners then.
Hopefully, we are able to get on again this weekend, and start to finalise selections.
1st XI v Joeys
1st XI v Joeys
We do have a number of students competing at the Aussie SLS titles over the next week for various surf clubs, and we wish all of these students the very best with their performances.
Next week, our Year 9 students along with other members of the Cadet unit, are at the AFX Cadet Camp in Majura, ACT. The camp activities look fantastic. Giving all students the opportunity to get outside their comfort zone, in an outdoor educational environment, is critical for students who go to a school in an urban area like Waverley. We wish all of the staff and members of the unit the very best for the week.
Any student who requires leave for a Saturday commitment, must make an application in writing to me via email, with two weeks’ notice where possible.
If any student is absent due to illness or injury, it is College policy that a medical certificate or COVID-19 test result is required. A maximum of two exemptions will be granted per year. Failure to attend will result in lower gradings and detentions being issued.
Holiday Training and Trial Opportunities
As the start of Term 2 is a very short first week, with students commencing on Thursday, and Waverley playing its first round of competitive fixtures on Saturday, 30 April, we will provide holiday training and trial opportunities for students who are available.
Selections and Playing Attire
Selections will be ongoing during Term 2, and all staff and coaches will do their best to grade students accordingly.
By the start of Term 2, all students must have all necessary playing attire for that first weekend.
>>> Click here to view information about the Secondhand Clothing Pool.
>>> Click here to view information about the Uniform Shop.
On the first day of Term 2, we will also present and acknowledge our 2022 Winter Co-curricular captains and 1sts teams.
I wish all members of the College community a safe and Holy Easter for the upcoming holidays.
Mr Steve O’Donnell
Director of Co-curricular
E: sodonnell@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Last weekend, it was so pleasing to see that Queens Park was alive and well! Rugby was back! Students were involved in training sessions and some internal trials throughout the morning which, thankfully, were able to go ahead despite some soggy conditions.
With a long season ahead, it is important that our coaching staff have players well prepared for full contact. As players return to Rugby, coaches have been able to assist in developing some of the technical areas, such as the tackle, to ensure injuries can be avoided.
Further to this, coaches have refreshed our young men about the key protocols used such as the MAYDAY procedure at the scrum, as to ensure that players are well prepared with key safety terminology during the games played.
In 2022, it is important that all our players are up to date with some key law changes. This includes the introduction of the 50:22 rule as well as the update around the ‘Goal Line Dropouts.’ It is extremely important that our players are ‘switched on’ when it comes to understanding these rules, as these changes could very much be used to our advantage.
>>> Click here to view more information on the 2022 Game Management Guidelines.
15s Rugby 2021
We have very much appreciated all the wonderful offers of support, which parents and friends have made in recent weeks, for the Waverley College Rugby Supporters’ Club. If you would like to be part of this enjoyable team, please feel free to contact Mr McCoy jmccoy@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Rugby ISTS Indigenous Round 2021
Please note that a training schedule will be sent out in the coming week for the Easter holidays. This will be sent out through the Waverley College App (a reminder that Team App will no longer be used).
If families have made plans for the upcoming holiday period, we certainly support this, and hope you enjoy the time away. At the same time, if students have no plans to travel, we certainly would love to see them at training over the break.
As team selections are gradually made over the coming weeks, in preparation for the fixture against The King’s School on Saturday, 30 April, please know that teams which are initially selected, are not set or final.
Coaches are mindful that some players have been unable to train, as they have been impacted by COVID-19 in recent weeks, and others may have been involved in various school activities and camps.
Coaches are working hard to ensure players are appropriately graded, but this can take time. We thank players and parents for their patience, as we work through this important process.
Have a great week!
WAVERLEY TO WIN!
Mr John McCoy
Convenor of Rugby
E: jmccoy@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Thank you to all who attended the College’s Cricket Presentation Evening. The night consisted of an arrangement of awards, farewells and thank you messages to those who have served our community over this past season. We were also lucky to have Sydney Thunder star, Jay Lenton, as our guest speaker, who shared many of his insights and experiences.
Firstly, congratulations to the following students who received the Coach’s Award:
Furthermore, a very special congratulations to Hunter Eldridge of the Year 10A, who received the Br Murphy Award for best overall cricketer, with 187 points. One of Hunter’s most notable performances this season was his 51 against St Aloysius’ College.
Hunter Eldridge receiving the prestigious Br Murphy Award from Sydney Thunder player, Jay Lenton
Also, thank you and farewell to the following Year 12 players: Maxim Brooks, William Dodd, Jack Rigg, Sachiel Bass, Liam Joll, Hugo Defina-Sperando, Patrick Abrahams, Edward Regan, Patrick Abrahams and Daniel McSweeny.
Despite the setbacks of COVID-19 and the wet weather, their balance of competitiveness and their upbeat manner has constantly inspired many of the younger cricketers. They are young men who can be counted on.
Lastly, thank you to all involved this season. Especially to coaches and parents within the Supporters’ Group. This year has consisted of many challenges, and at times disappointment, as we have had to again navigate COVID-19 and the heavy onslaught of rain. However, as games were cancelled and disruptions occurred, the spirit of the cricket community could not be faulted.
I am looking forward to seeing you all again next season!
Mr Sean Picone
Convenor of Cricket
E: spicone@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Read more: Presentation Evenings, seeking new parents for Supporters’ Groups, Summer Season award winners, Winter Training Schedule, Swimming and Diving Squad excellence at CAS Championships, Football masterclasses with Robert Gold and UOW Tottenham Hotspur Global Football Program.
Well done to all of our award winners at the Basketball, Cricket, Water Polo and Swimming presentation evenings last weekend.
Congratulations to Basketball Presentation Night Award Winners
All of our Parent Supporters’ Groups and Convenors did a tremendous job over the season, and for these important community events that were held for the first time in two years.
Attendance by students and parents was excellent, and I want to make particular mention of a number of parents on various Supporters’ Committees who have now concluded their time. I thank them for their wonderful hard work in ensuring various activities continue to develop.
Thank You: Mr and Mrs Abbott in Basketball, Mr and Mrs Gleeson in Basketball, Mr Andy Rigg in Cricket, Mr Rob Regan in Cricket, Mr and Mrs Andrews in Cricket, Mr and Mrs Hickey in Cricket, Mrs Michelle Sullivan in Cricket, and Mr and Mrs Dodd in Cricket.
I am sure I have forgotten many and I apologise. A number of these parents are also key contributors during the Winter season.
We do, however, need some new parents to join the various Supporters’ Groups and I encourage as many parents as possible to be willing to assist. The parent groups are excellent ways to meet other parents, do important work for the delivery of our co-curricular programs, as well as have some fun along the way.
*We especially need more parents to join our AFL, Football and Rugby Supporters’ Groups. Please contact the relevant convenors if you can help out.
We also are looking to celebrate our Summer Season award winners this week. Whilst the season was impacted by COVID-19, and some extreme weather, these young men demonstrated outstanding commitment and performances that have earned them particular accolades.
I also want to mention Max Fischer in Year 10 and Toby McDonald in Year 9, who competed in NSWCIS Golf this week. Max finished 5th overall. This is a tremendous effort to be in the top five golfers across all independent schools in the State. Max has now been selected to represent NSWCIS at the State All Schools Championships.
Max Fischer is now in the top five golfers across all independent schools in the State
>>> Click here to view the full list of Summer Season award winners.
We also commenced our winter training schedule this week, and have internal trials planned for this weekend, as well as the CAS Football blitz.
Unfortunately, the weather looks like it may play its part once again, so please follow the published procedures around using the Waverley College App, and contacting the wet weather line on Saturday morning after 7am.
With some current poor weather forecast, we will potentially look to add in some holiday training and trials during April.
We also have a very short week at the start of Term 2 due to ANZAC Day and parent/ teacher interviews. Depending on the weather over the next week, we may have to add some trials on the final weekend of the holidays, on Saturday, 23 April.
Last Thursday evening we also had some excellent performances by our Swimming and Diving Squads at the CAS championships. We had a small but very vocal crowd of supporters, and I want to say a huge thank you to the students, staff and parents who came to support.
Excellent Performances at the 91st CAS Swimming and Diving Championships last week at Sydney Olympic Park
Both squads finished 4th, however, our points scores were some of the best in a very long time, with the swimmers finishing 15 points off third.
Ryan McNamara was a standout in the U12/U13 events, but the swim of the evening belonged to Scott Swinburn in the 200m Freestyle, when he held off a fast-swimming Trinity swimmer. The cheer from our crowd lifted the roof off the venue and the shock on the faces of a number of opposition schools also showed what a tremendous swim this was.
This week we were lucky enough to have Robert Gold, from the UOW Tottenham Hotspur Global Football Program, run some Football masterclasses with our coaches and players.
Robert Gold from UOW/THFC working with our 10As Football this week
Waverley College and The University of Wollongong (UOW) are looking to develop a partnership to give players a pathway to both high-level Football and Tertiary opportunities.
The UOW Tottenham Hotspur Global Football Program is a full-time football training program available to students studying at UOW.
UOW are also delivering the UOW Tottenham Hotspur Elite Residential Program for students in Years 9 to 12 during the April school holidays.
UOW is already a popular destination for many Waverley students, and this will also help to ensure these students continue to play the world game.
>>> Click here to view more information about UOW’s Global Sport Programs.
>>> Click here to view more information about the UOW Tottenham Hotspur Global Football Program.
Mr Steve O’Donnell
Director of Co-curricular
E: sodonnell@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Last Friday night, Waverley College hosted the annual Basketball Presentation for the 2021/2022 season. This was an emotional night for many, as it was the Year 12 students’ last season playing in the blue and gold uniform. The night consisted of a wide variety of tasty food, drinks, awards and memorable moments.
The night was organised by the Basketball Supporters’ Club, and a special thanks goes to Nicole Abbott (President) and Stephen Abbott, who have worked tirelessly for the club for many years.
Nicole and Stephen Abbott
Another special thanks goes to the Convenor of Basketball, Mr Anthony Gibbs, for putting this night together, as well as organising the season. The night commenced with a dinner in Braidwood, followed by a variety of shooting competitions in the Gym, with the last part of the night hosting the award ceremony.
A special thank you to Old Boy, Mr Ryan Abbott, who recorded a short welcome message that was played at the start of the awards ceremony.
Mr Abbott attended Waverley College from 2013 to 2020, and is currently in California, studying a Bachelor of Business Administration at Fresno Pacific University (FPU).
Mr Abbott has enjoyed a standout Freshman year as the starting Small Forward for the FPU Sunbirds. He helped the Sunbirds reach the Quarter Finals of the PacWest Conference Basketball Championships.
Ryan Abbott (Class of 2020)
Among the many accolades he obtained during his time at Waverley, including Captain and MVP of 1st V, Mr Abbott also represented NSW in the U18 and U20 State teams, and Australia at the 2019 FIBA U17 Oceania Championships. He will return to Australia during his summer break from college, and play for Norths Bears Men’s NBL1 team.
Congratulations to the following players who received the highest honours within their year groups: Marko Rangan (1st V Best and Fairest); Cooper Stynes and Solomon Tuqiri (2nd V Joint Best and Fairest); Aren Yaghoubian (10A Best and Fairest); Benjamin Pignatelli (9A Best and Fairest); Tane Barclay and Angus Peshos 8A (Joint Best and Fairest); and Dominic Dametto (7A Best and Fairest).
Congratulations to Basketball Presentation Night Award Winners
This year has been a successful season compared to previous seasons, with a 6% increase in wins over the past five seasons. This could not have happened without the leadership and contribution of the Year 12 players over their time in the Basketball program.
Congratulations to these players who received a Service to Basketball award: Hugo Roles (Captain of 1st V), Cameron Abbott (1st V), Solomon Tuqiri (Co-Captain of 2nd V), Aodan Byrne (Co Captain of 2nd V), Dakota Fanning (2nd V), James Jones (2nd V), Hugo King (2nd V), Jake Mckell (2nd V) and Cooper Stynes (2nd V).
Congratulations to Alejandro Zanapalis and Jock Edwards for winning the two-point shooting competition, and Alejandro Zanapalis for winning the three-point shooting competition. Both received brand new basketballs as prizes.
1sts and 2nds at Basketball Presentation Night 2022
A special thanks goes to the coaches who were up for all the early mornings or late afternoons for games and trainings throughout the season.
Thank you to the following staff members for attending and supporting the night: Mr Stephen O’Donnell (Director of Co-curricular), Mr Stephen Wilmot (Assistant Director of Co-curricular), Mr Linden Smith-Hyde (Assistant Coach, 1st V), Mr James Spargo (Head Coach, 2nd V), Mr James Minogue (Assistant Coach, 2nd V), Mr Tom Kennedy (Coach, 9A/B), Mr Kyle Goulding (Coach, 8A/B), Mr Ed Smith (Coach, 8A/B), Ms Jenna Turnbull (Coach, 7A/B) and Mr Andrew Sexton (Coach, 5th V/6th V).
Thank you also to Ms Cathy Pham, a University of NSW student, undertaking her practicum at Waverley College, who assisted on the night.
Thank you to all the parents/carers who made the season possible, along with Presentation Night.
| Basketball Award | Award Winner |
| Captain of Basketball | Thomas Gleeson |
| Captain of 1st V | Hugo Roles |
| 1st V MVP | Marko Rangan |
| 1st V Best Defensive Player | Thomas Gleeson |
| 1st V Most Improved Player | Daniel Palacio |
| 2nd V MVP | Cooper Stynes |
| 2nd V MVP | Solomon Tuqiri |
| 2nd V Most Improved Player | Charlie Smith |
| Service to Basketball | Cameron Abbott |
| Service to Basketball | Hugo Roles |
| Service to Basketball | Solomon Tuqiri |
| Service to Basketball | Dakota Fanning |
| Service to Basketball | Aodan Byrne |
| Service to Basketball | Jake McKell |
| Service to Basketball | Cooper Stynes |
| Service to Basketball | James Jones |
| Service to Basketball | Hugo King |
| 3rd V Best and Fairest | Finlay Chandler |
| 4th V Best and Fairest | Samuel Stewart |
| 5th V Best and Fairest | Lachlan McMunn |
| 6th V Best and Fairest | John Walsh |
| 7th V Best and Fairest | Brandon Reid |
| 8th V Best and Fairest | Daniel Di Paola |
| 9th V Best and Fairest | Darcy Ferguson |
| 10th V Best and Fairest | Jesse Harper |
| 11th V Best and Fairest | James Armstrong |
| 12th V Best and Fairest | Frank Vescio |
| 10A Best and Fairest Player | Aren Yaghoubian |
| 10A Best Defensive Player | Tashi Harrison |
| 10A Most Improved Player | Solomon Maxwell |
| 10B Best and Fairest Player | Christian Robbins |
| 10C Best and Fairest | Declan Minto |
| 10D Best and Fairest | Ashton Child |
| 10E Best and Fairest | Cameron Pierce |
| 10F Best and Fairest | Eamon Henderson |
| 10G Best and Fairest | Alfie Griffiths |
| 10H Best and Fairest | Campbell McCarthy |
| 9A Best and Fairest Player | Benjamin Pignatelli |
| 9A Best Defensive Player | Renato Rovacchi |
| 9A Most Improved Player | Giles Strachan |
| 9B Best and Fairest Player | Oliver Stynes |
| 9C Best and Fairest | Fergus Dominy |
| 9D Best and Fairest | Cooper Butler |
| 9E Best and Fairest | Max Tomic |
| 9F Best and Fairest | Jules Bryan |
| 9G Best and Fairest | Digger Callander |
| 9H Best and Fairest | Hamish Witten |
| 8A Best and Fairest | Angus Peshos |
| 8A Best and Fairest | Tane Barclay |
| 8A Best Defensive Player | Lachlan Gibbins |
| 8A Most Improved Player | Petris Kalpouzanis |
| 8B Best and Fairest Player | Noah Thomas |
| 8C Best and Fairest | Cooper Ryan |
| 8D Best and Fairest | Ben Darcy |
| 8E Best and Fairest | Nicholas Russell |
| 8F Best and Fairest | Riley Tutty |
| 8G Best and Fairest | Ashton Scally |
| 8H Best and Fairest | Ethan Varvaressos |
| 7A Best and Fairest | Dominic Dametto |
| 7A Best Defensive Player | Hayden McAusland |
| 7A Most Improved Player | Otto Murcutt |
| 7B Best and Fairest Player | Levi O’Keefe |
| 7C Best and Fairest | Liam Gardiner |
| 7D Best and Fairest | Tyden Hennessey |
| 7E Best and Fairest | Luc Le Roux |
| 7F Best and Fairest | Archie Nicholson |
| 7G Best and Fairest | Finley Cromer |
| 7H Best and Fairest | Alex Moore |
| Outstanding Contribution to Waverley Basketball | Mr Matthew Johnston |
| Outstanding Contribution to Waverley Basketball | Mr Stephen Wilmot |
| Outstanding Contribution to Waverley Basketball | Mr James Spargo |
| With great appreciation from Waverley Basketball | Mr Stephen O’Donnell |
| With great appreciation from Waverley Basketball | Mr Linden Smith-Hyde |
| With great appreciation from Waverley Basketball | Mr James Minogue |
| With great appreciation from Waverley Basketball | Mr Damien Thompson |
| With great appreciation from Waverley Basketball | Mr Thomas Kennedy |
| With great appreciation from Waverley Basketball | Mr Kyle Goulding |
| With great appreciation from Waverley Basketball | Mr Ed Smith |
| With great appreciation from Waverley Basketball | Ms Jenna Turnbull |
| With great appreciation from Waverley Basketball | Mr Damian Murphy |
| With great appreciation from Waverley Basketball | Mrs Anne O’Loughlin |
| With great appreciation from Waverley Basketball | Mr John Christoforidis |
| With great appreciation from Waverley Basketball | Mr Jamie Mattick |
| With great appreciation from Waverley Basketball | Mr Luca Zanarini |
| With great appreciation from Waverley Basketball | Mr Jacob Gibson |
| With great appreciation from Waverley Basketball | Mr Sebastian Rasmussen |
| Waverley Basketball Supporters’ Club | Mrs Nicole Abbott |
| Waverley Basketball Supporters’ Club | Mr Stephen Abbott |
Lastly, thank you to our awesome hosts, Hugo Roles and Tom Gleeson
Student Reporters
Tom Gleeson (Captain of Basketball)
Hugo Roles (Captain of 1st V)
Mr Anthony Gibbs
Convenor of Basketball
E: agibbs@waverley.nsw.edu.au
I would like to welcome all Waverley College families to what looks to be a very promising year of Rugby.
I would particularly like to welcome all new players and families. Waverley College has a very proud history of Rugby. I encourage new families to have at look the photos and records found in the T & M Hayes (Queens Park) Pavilion at some stage this season, to give you an idea of the proud history you are stepping into. You are all very welcome!
Queens Park T&M Hayes Pavilion Interior
This year we welcome Mr Lachlan Drew-Morris to the Rugby Program. Mr Drew-Morris is a passionate Old Boy who will be our Director of Coaching in 2022. We look forward to seeing the energy and experience Mr Drew-Morris will bring.
Mr Lachlan Drew-Morris (Class of 2016)
It was a disappointing end to the 2021 season, which was cut short as a result of COVID-19. In remembering some of the wonderful Rugby that was played last year, as well as getting our community excited for the year ahead, I encourage you to watch the 2021 highlights video.
Thanks to the Elder Family for putting together this fantastic clip.
>>> Click here to view the Waverley College Rugby 1st XV 2021 Undefeated video.
The Waverley College Rugby Supporters’ Club are looking for any parents and friends in our community who are interested in joining our team.
We have been extremely fortunate to have wonderful parents and friends who have helped create such a wonderful atmosphere at Queens Park over the years. We are looking for interested parents to carry on this tradition.
Should you be interested in joining the club, particularly if you are interested in being part of the committee in a leadership role, we encourage interested parents and friends to meet some of the current committee members in the Pavilion over the coming two Saturdays on 26 March and 2 April.
This week training commenced at Queens Park. A reminder of the weekly training schedule:
All players are expected to bring along Rugby gear (jersey, shorts, socks, mouthguard and headgear).
Students are to walk to Queens Park after school, where they will get changed in allocated sections. We ask students to please walk down in a safe fashion and cross the roads at the traffic lights.
Rugby 2nd XV
This weekend we are holding training sessions and some internal trials for all age groups. This will be held at Queens Park with the schedule for the morning sent out by Mr Steve O’Donnell. Coaches have been instructed to use the Saturday session as a training session, as we gradually work into contact.
A reminder that all players need to label all their gear and clothing. Each season we have a collection of lost property at Queens Park. If uniform/gear is labelled with the student’s name, it will usually find its way back to the owner!
We are holding some holiday training sessions during the upcoming Easter Holiday break. The schedule will be communicated to parents and players in the coming weeks.
*Please note the Waverley Rugby Team App is no longer in use. All communications which were once found on the Team App will now be found on the Waverley College App. Please ensure you subscribe (tag) ‘Rugby’ as your Co-Curricular Activity.
Rugby Ists in Their New Indigenous Jerseys
During each Saturday home fixture in the 2022 CAS season, Waverley College Rugby will publish a program. Over the years we have had much generous support from the community.
Any parents or families, who may have a business and are interesting in sponsoring Waverley College Rugby in 2022, are welcome to email me to place an advert in the program. E: jmccoy@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We would like to congratulate Old Boys Ben Donaldson and Jed Holloway, who were selected in the first Wallabies Squad of 2022! We are very proud of their efforts and we look forward to seeing their progress on the playing field.
I look forward to seeing you in the coming weeks at Queens Park.
Waverley to Win!
Mr John McCoy
Convenor of Rugby
E: jmccoy@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Read more: Congratulations Marko Rankan and Thomas Gleeson, tickets selling fast for Basketball, Swimming/Water Polo and Cricket Presentation Evenings, summer awards assembly, Winter Season Training and Trials, 1st XI Footballers Need Your Support, Holiday Training and Matches, Crusaders Jersey Raffle Winner.
Last weekend saw the final round of the Summer season and I want to thank all of the Convenors, Staff, Coaches, Supporters’ Groups and parents for their efforts over the term. I especially want to mention and thank those students in Year 12 who have played their final Summer round for the College.
Well done to Marko Rangan who was selected in CAS 1sts Basketball this week, and to Thomas Gleeson who was selected in CAS 2nds Basketball.
We have our Basketball and Swimming/Water Polo presentation evenings this Friday and Cricket on Saturday. There are still limited tickets available, and we hope to see as many students and their parents as possible at these two events, which are being held for the first time in a couple of years.
1st v Knox in Week 7
We will also hold our summer awards assembly next Thursday for all activities and award winners.
The winner of the signed framed Crusaders Jersey was Mrs Cathy Patane (mother of Sonny in Year 9.) Congratulations Cathy!
From next Monday we commence our Winter season training and trials. All students in AFL, Football, Rugby, Volleyball, Tennis and Debating commence from next week.
Students need to ensure that they have the appropriate training attire and equipment specific to each activity by Monday.
First Round of Internal Trials
On Saturday, 26 March we will have our first round of internal trials and our 1sts and As Football Teams also have CAS football blitz commitments that day. We will continue with another round of internal trials the following week.
Our 1st XI Football are also playing St Joseph’s College next Wednesday, 23 March from 2:30pm at Waverley Park, in their first round of the CIS Independent Cup.
Waverley are the current premiers of this competition, and it would be great to see some supporters there in the afternoon.
1st XI 2021 – CIS Champions
We will also be arranging some holiday training and matches in the upcoming holidays for those students who are available, and we will publish these opportunities from next week.
Best wishes for a weekend off and good luck for the trials starting from next week.
Mr Steve O’Donnell
Director of Co-curricular
E: sodonnell@waverley.nsw.edu.au
On Friday night, the 1sts took on Knox, reigning CAS premiers, for the last game of the season. Being the last game, it was sadly Year 12’s final time playing in the Waverley College Basketball uniform.
Year 12 players included Hugo Roles and Cameron Abbott, with both leading the team in the first quarter, as they put on a show to keep the game close. Unfortunately, they could not hold this competitive edge as Knox took over by the end of the second quarter.
Once Knox gained the momentum, the 1sts could not keep up, only having short little runs. Waverley were not able to hold out, with the end score being 89-40 to Knox. It was an emotional game seeing the Year 12 basketballers leave, the ones who lead us through the season, but the players were so thankful to be a part of a team with them.
Once again thank you to Hugo Roles and Cameron Abbott who put their heart and soul into the Basketball program and this season, leading the Waverley College 1sts, who tied third in the CAS with a 2-3 record.
Year 12 1st V players Cameron Abbott and Hugo Roles
Six 1st V players were selected to trial for the CAS representative teams: Hugo Roles, Tom Gleeson, Marko Rangan, Marley Henare, Daniel Palacio and Sergej Jakovljevic. Unfortunately, Daniel and Sergej were not able to make the trials.
All Waverley players trialled well – congratulations to Marko, who was selected for CAS 1sts, and Tom who was selected for CAS 2nds. This was a great achievement for both players.
To start off the night, the 2nd V took on Knox’s competitive 2nds team and were led by the Year 12s. This was a game for the premiership, as both teams were tied first after four rounds.
It was the final game for Year 12 players, including Solomon Tuqiri, Cooper Stynes, Dakota Fanning, Aodan Byrne and Jake Mckell. The first half was back and forth, with the Knox crowd roaring as the students played their last game. By the end of the first half, the score was tied at 15-all.
2nd V after their final game of the season against Knox
In the second half, Knox generated the required momentum, and took off to a 10-point lead by the end of the third quarter. Waverley tried fighting back, but were not successful, with the end score 50-31.
Congratulations to the Year 12 basketballers who played their final game in the Waverley College colours. The 2nds came second in the comp, with a 3-2 record.
Thank you to all of the Year 12 players who put their time into the Waverley College Basketball program over the years, helping to keep the sport flourishing with strong representation. We wish you the best of luck in your HSC year and your future endeavours.
The 10As fought hard, and secured their first win of the season with the final score 40-35. Their final record was 1-4.
The 9As, unfortunately, had a result they were not looking for, losing to Knox with the final result 52-26. The team had a final record of 1-4.
The 8As were also unable to secure a win, with the score ending on 41-26. Their final record was 1-4.
The 7As had a close and well-fought game, but could not get the result hoped for, with the score 23-33. They ended their season with a record of 2-3.
Congratulations to the 7Gs, who went undefeated this season to bring home a premiership. Representing the team were: James Austin, Finley Cromer, Aidan Gray, Max Hammer, Cameron Macarthur, Ryder McTavish, Joshua Messaike, Zach Polihronas, Zan Rosenthal, Liam Walmsley and Raffy Welch. Well done boys!
Other teams who won their fixtures against Knox included: 3rd V (52-49), 4th V (29-22), 8th V (69-42), 10B (43-39), 10D (36-27), 9C (43-39), 9E (26-24), 8F (26-18), 7B (36-26), 7C (46-20), 7D (29-22) and 7G (20-14).
13 Waverley teams enjoyed a positive win-loss record this season including: 2nd V (3-2), 8th V (4-1), 10B (4-1), 10C (3-2), 10D (4-1), 9B (3-2), 9H (3-1), 8G (4-1), 7B (4-1), 7C (3-1-1), 7D (4-1), 7E (4-1) and 7G (5-0), with 4 teams breaking even: 10G (2-2), 9E (2-2), 8C (2-2) and 7H (2-1-2).
A huge thank you must be given to outgoing Basketball Supporters’ Club President, Mrs Nicole Abbott, as well as Mr Stephen Abbott. The Abbotts have been wonderful supporters of the College’s Basketball program for many years, having helped organise our weekly BBQs (pre-COVID-19), Presentation Nights, and post-game luncheons for 1sts.
Nicole and Stephen Abbott
Both have been instrumental in raising funds for the program. The College and the Basketball program have been blessed to have them, and they will be greatly missed.
Both Mr and Mrs Abbott’s sons, Ryan (class of 2020) and Cameron (class of 2022) played Basketball for the College for eight seasons, having ultimately represented our 1st V.
Coaches
Thank you to all our coaches, especially our 1st V (Mr Matthew Johnston and Mr Linden Smith-Hyde), 2nd V (Mr James Spargo and Mr James Minogue), and A/B coaches (Mr Damien Thompson, Mr Tom Kennedy, Mr Kyle Goulding, Mr Ed Smith and Ms Jenna Turnbull) for their efforts in preparing their teams each week.
Scorers, Officials, Gym Managers and Teachers
Thank you to all of those injured students who assisted with scoring games each round, as well as the officials and our Gym Managers, Mr Jamie Mattick and Mr Luca Zanarini with additional assistance from Mr Jacob Gibson and Mr Seb Rasmussen.
Thank you to Mr Matthew Johnston, Mr James Spargo and Mr Stephen Wilmot for their day-to-day assistance with running the program and, of course, Mr Stephen O’Donnell for his support.
Finally, Friday night’s Presentation Evening at the College will provide the opportunity to celebrate some of the wonderful achievements that have happened over the course of the shortened 2021/22 Basketball season. See you there!
Student Reporters
Tom Gleeson (Captain of Basketball)
Hugo Roles (Captain of 1st V)
Mr Anthony Gibbs
Convenor of Basketball
E: agibbs@waverley.nsw.edu.au
It is not too late to buy tickets to our inspiring Cricket Presentation Evening, which will be held tomorrow night!
When: Saturday, 19 March 2022
Time: 6pm – 8.30pm
Where: Br Lacey Gymnasium, 131 Birrell St, Waverley
Cost: $10 per person + 50c booking fee (includes sausage sizzle!). Drinks available for purchase at the bar.
Dress: students are reminded to wear their summer academic uniform including a blazer and tie. Casual attire for parents.
>>> Click here to view booking information for the Waverley College Cricket Presentation 2022.
More About the Virtual Waverley College Cricket Bat Prize Giveaway
Hope to see you there!
9As recent win over Knox at Gillespie Field
Mr Sean Piccone
Convenor of Cricket
E: spiccone@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Read more: Thomas Walker provides flood relief, successful NSW Rugby Referees Education Evening, CAS Swimming and Diving Championships at Homebush, Aquatics, Basketball and Cricket Presentation Evenings, sport-free weekend and commencement of Winter Co-curricular Program, Basketball and Water Polo brilliance.
This week is our final Round of Summer sport for Years 7-12, with Years 5 and 6 concluding the following weekend. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of our convenors, staff, coaches, students and parents for their patience and support for our co-curricular program, for what has been a challenging period for many reasons, including the weather. I especially want to thank those students in Year 12 who will be playing their final ever round of summer sport for Waverley, this weekend.
I also want to make special mention of Thomas Walker in Year 11 who took some time off this week to go with the Coogee SLSC IRB crews to help with some of the Hawkesbury population during their floods. Unfortunately, Mr Steve Wilmot has also had to take some time to help his parents and their farm in that same location, and we wish all of those people affected by the recent adverse weather conditions the very best and that we are praying for them at this time.
Thomas Walker (Year 11) Providing Flood Relief in the Hawkesbury This Week
Last week, Waverley College also hosted the NSW Rugby Referees Education Evening in the PAC. There were some very high-level officials in attendance, and a huge thank you to Mr Richard Chen for organising this. The schoolboy Rugby Referee Program that Mr Chen implements is the envy of many other schools.
Waverley Hosting the NSW Rugby Referees Education Evening in the PAC
For any current student, Old Boy or parent who is interested in rugby refereeing, we would love to have you as part of this program. Should you be interested, please contact Mr Richard Chen at rchen@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Next week, we have the CAS Swimming and Diving Championships at Homebush on Thursday, 17 March. We can take a limited number of spectators, and invite any student in Years 7-12 who wants to attend, to sign up in the Wellbeing Centre by next Monday.
Students will be transported to and from the venue, as well as be given dinner packs for the evening. Students will depart Waverley College at 3pm and return by 9pm.
Our CAS Swimming and Diving squads have been training very hard this term for this major event, and we want to fulfill our allocation of permitted spectators. Parents of these squads are also invited to attend, however, facemasks will be required at the venue, and all members of our community must sit in their allocated seating area please.
This will be the first time in two years that we can actually run these wonderful events with parents, and we are hopeful these three events will be sold out.
1st XI
The final weeks of this term will involve winter season preparations and internal trials.
Any students who fail to meet these compulsory requirements, can expect to be selected in the lowest teams.
I had the pleasure of watching our 1sts and 2nds Basketball secure two great wins last weekend against Barker, and it was heartening to also see some student and spectator support again. Right across our Basketball program last weekend we secured some impressive wins.
1sts after their thrilling win against Barker
Well done also to our 1sts Water Polo on securing their first win of the season after a couple of previous tough rounds.
Best wishes to all teams for their final rounds this weekend.
Mr Steve O’Donnell
Director of Co-curricular
E: sodonnell@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Sunday, 13 March is your last chance to enter the raffle for a chance to win a signed and framed Crusaders jersey.
The Christchurch Crusaders were the New Zealand Super Rugby premiers in 2021, and one of the most successful provincial Rugby teams in history.
All proceeds from the raffle will be donated to Youth in Union, whose humanitarian efforts are helping Tongan residents who have lost everything in the recent tsunami.
Buy a single ticket or a package of multiple tickets for more chances to win.
The raffle will be drawn on Monday, 14 March.
Good luck to all entrants and thank you for your support!
>>> Click here to buy a raffle ticket to help people in Tonga.
Last chance to win a signed and framed Crusaders jersey!
Mr Stephen O’Donnell – Director of Co-curricular
E: sodonnell@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Ms Sue Walsh – Director of Identity & Student Formation
E: swalsh@waverley.nsw.edu.au
When: Friday, 18 March 2022
Where: College Gym and Braidwood
Time: 6pm-8:30pm
Award winners will be contacted directly in Week 7. Tickets are $20 (plus booking fee), and include a seated buffet dinner, a non-alcoholic drink, and dessert.
Along with the end-of-season awards, the night will feature two-point and three-point shooting competitions, with prizes for the winners.
Awards will be presented to Senior School students only, however, all players and their families are welcome to attend, including Junior School families.
>>> Click here to make a booking.
>>> Click here to view more information on the Presentation Night flyer.
On Saturday, the Waverley College First five faced off against Barker College in a fast-paced, action-packed Basketball game. Heading into the game, the 1sts had four of their 11 players out.
The students were able to put this behind them and secure the win, fighting to the end led by Wylie Durrans, Marley Henare, Oscar Walters-Green and Marko Rangan.
Throughout the game, Waverley trailed Barker, but by the end of the third quarter, they were only down by two. In the fourth quarter with the help of the enthusiastic crowd, the students were able to take control of the game, closing the score down to one.
With 30 seconds left, Daniel Palacio hit a corner three to put them up by two, with the end score being 64 – 63.
Good luck to the 1sts next week against Knox in their last game of the season. This game promises to be another exciting one, as the players travel to Wahroonga for a Friday night fixture.
2nds played Barker in a tight tussle for much of the game. The 2nds were led by Dom Smith and Solomon Tuqiri’s defence, as well as Dakota Fanning to secure the 13-point win. Right from the first siren to start the game, the 2nds were on top of Barker with their defence.
At half time, Barker was up by six, but the students did not give up, to take the lead by the end of the third quarter. Throughout the fourth quarter, Waverley did not let up, with the end score being 45 – 32.
Next week, the 2nds face off against Knox Grammar, and if they win, they will be CAS champions.
The 7As lost narrowly 23-24, led ably by Dominic Dametto, Otto Murcutt and Stirling Quin.
The 8As lost in a close game, 36-44, with solid contributions from Tane Barclay, Petros Kalpouzanis and Angus Peshos.
The 9As notched up their first win of the season with a 17-point win, 30-13, with standout players being Ben Pignatelli, Renato Rovacchi and Giles Strachan.
The 10As were defeated 45-37 despite excellent games from Eden Byrd, Tashi Harrison and Solomon Maxwell.
Other teams that were victorious included: 3rd V (49-40), 5th V (38-29), 7th V (22-21), 8th V (58-27), 10B (34-14), 10C (30-20), 10D (19-17), 10E (18-17), 10H (42-28), 9B (37-26), 9H (30-22), 8F (14-13), 8G (24-11), 8H (21-15), 7B (32-23), 7C (34-18), 7D (27-14), 7E (33-5), 7F (25-18), 7G (20-9) and 7H (33-6).
With one round remaining, the 8Gs, 7Es and 7Gs remain undefeated while there are nine teams with a solitary loss from four games.
Good luck to all teams as they take on Knox this weekend.
Student Reporter
Tom Gleeson
Captain of Basketball
Mr Anthony Gibbs
Convenor of Basketball
E: agibbs@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We would like to acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation who are the traditional Custodians of the land on which Waverley College is located. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We are committed to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual connections to the land, waters, seas and sky and their rich contribution to society.
Watch our video
