BY ALEX TIGANI
St Catherine’s Catholic College students had three reasons to smile this week.
They were represented by Quin Neyland (Year 5) and Owen Trickey (Year 6) who both competed for NSW at the School Sport Australia under-12 AFL Championships held in Adelaide.
Their selections have made for a trend after Alex Neyland (Year 9) represented NSW at the under-15 titles held in Albury.
Popular teacher Patrick Fitzgerald, who made history as the coach of the school’s winning 2019 Paul Kelly Cup girls side, admits he has been just as proud of the trio off the field.
“I do not say this part lightly,” Mr Fitzgerald explained.
“All three of these students are incredibly humble and conduct themselves in great manner.
“We are pleased to celebrate their success.”
Alex completed her campaign with a 11.13 (79) to 0.0 (0) win over the ACT while earlier in the tournament she inspired her side to a 6.10 (46) to 4.4 (28) victory over South Australia.
Earlier in the season she also led the Hunter Country side to a 9-1-0 winning record at representative level and at club level she has starred for the undefeated Singleton Roosters’ youth girls side.
“Alex is probably the most courageous player I’ve seen,” he continued.
“I can still see her going back with the flight and taking marks against the boys during training.
“She has built from her Paul Kelly success.”
Now students have been checking on live scores and streams from Adelaide.
Quin has commenced her campaign with a narrow 2.2 (14) to 3.2 (20) defeat to the home state while Owen was also unsuccessful against South Australia, going down 7.7 (49) to 2.3 (15).
Mr Fitzgerald has highlighted Owen’s speed, foot skills and great leap while Quin reads the play very well and has a great pair of hands.
“Since he was old enough for pathway sports Owen has dominated Athletics,” he explained.
“He has also been picked for Polding AFL for two years straight and Quin played up an age level at school last year and performed extremely well.”
“For the wider community, I suppose it shows that even though we are a country town, it is great that these pathways are open to our children.
“It is also pleasing for the school and club who have worked closely to build junior numbers, particularly considering we are in Rugby League heartland.”