ACT ATHLETICS
On Thursday the 3rd November a number of Erindale college students competed in the ACT schools Athletic carnival.
All of the students represented the college exceptionally well and there was some fantastic results from the athletes. Some notable results include:
Lauren Elliott 2nd 1500m.
Jess Gregory 3rd 800m.
Kaylee Gregory 3rd 1500m.
Sean Hancock 3rd 1500m.
Balthazar Lai 3rd Triple Jump.
Hannah McPherson 3rd Discus, 3rd Javelin.
Taylah Minto 2nd 100m.
Josh Torley 1st 1500m with a new record.
Congratulations also to Lauren Elliott, Sean Hancock, Balthazar Lai and Josh Torley who were selected in the ACT team to compete in the National Track and Field Championships to be held in Canberra in December.
Newslink Issue Date: 14th November 2016
MIXED NETBALL
On Tuesday October 25 Erindale College entered three teams into the ACT inter-college mixed netball competition. It was a great day with plenty of fantastic Netball skills, strong competition and improvements as the day went on.
All three teams were outstanding on the day. Erindale 3 was unfortunate to be knocked out of the grand final by the Erindale 1 team. Erindale 1 and Erindale 2 both progressed to the final with Erindale 1 being overall winners on the day.
The final results placed Erindale in first, second and third place, only being beaten by each other throughout the day!!
Well done to all involved.
Newslink Issue Date: 14th November 2016
LAUREN ELLIOTT
Lauren Elliott attended the Triathlon World Championships in Gozumel Mexico from 13th -19th September 2016. 59 athletes, including 5 Australians qualified and raced in the Junior Women’s Sprint Distance - 750m Swim, 20km Bike ride, 5km Run. Lauren had a great start in the swim leg, leading for much of the swim, coming out of the water in 3rd place. In a small pack of 6, with 4 Mexicans and a New Zealander Lauren had her share of the lead through the bike leg, with several attempts as the “break away”. Lauren was in 5th place during the transition into the run leg. The 36 degree heat (with 80% humidity) took its toll in the final leg and she finished in 25th, a great effort.
Lauren will now focus on the Australian Junior Elite Women’s Series over the summer before making another attempt at the World Championships in Rotterdam.
Congratulations Lauren.
Newslink Issue Date: 7th November 2016
RUGBY 7’S
On Thursday 27 October 2016, Matt Adams took a group of year 10 boys out to a year ten NRL 7’s day. They won 5/5 games and will look to play in a final series at a later date this term. A number of schools made positive comments about, not just the way our students played but how they conducted themselves on the day. A big ‘thank you’ to Connor Massen, Jason Bye, Brody Peat and Riley Thomas who helped out on the day.
Results
Game 1: Erindale College beat Gold Creek School 3 tries to 2
Game 2: Erindale College beat Mackillop Catholic College 4 tries to 2
Game 3: Erindale College beat Lanyon High 5 tries to 3
Game 4: Erindale College beat Kaleen High 7 tries to 0
Game 5: Erindale College beat Belconnen High 6 tries to 0
Newslink Issue Date: 31st October 2016
RUGBY UNION
On Friday 21st October three Erindale students competed in the Central Coast 7’s in Gosford as a part of the u17’s Brumbies team. As well as playing they were lucky enough to meet a couple of the Gold medal winning Women’s 7’s team and newly named men’s Captain Lewis Holland.
Congratulations to Elana Sliwinski, Keesha Kapea and Soso Feaunati.
Newslink Issue Date: 31st October 2016
ACT SCHOOLS KNOCKOUT CHAMPIONSHIPS
On Friday October 14, fourteen TSP students entered the ACT Schools Knockout Championships and Woden Athletics Track. The event is a team event where students compete for points in a series of Track and Field events. Our boys team won the Senior Division and our girls came a close 2nd. Both teams are looking forward to the National Championships on December 5.
The teams were Sean Reaney, Balthazar Lai, Mason Stone, Josh Torley, Bjorn Ackland, Callie Knight*, Sean Hancock*, Kate Kichenside, Taylah Minto, Jess Gregory, Kaylee Gregory, Lauren Elliott, Hannah McPherson and Bridgette Peters-Northcote*. (* not pictured)
Newslink Issue Date: 24th October 2016
TESS HENMAN
Congratulations to Tess Henman who recently returned from Hawaii as a member of the School Sport Australia All Australian Girls Softball Team. The team won 9 of 10 games on the tour. Tess, the only girl from the ACT to make the Australian team, was also selected in the ACT Open Women’s team. Well done Tess.
Newslink Issue Date: 24th October 2016
CAROLINE BUCHANAN VISIT
On Wednesday 19th November the Individual Squad in our Talented Sports Program were fortunate to have a visit from former student, Caroline Buchanan. Caroline is a 2 x Olympian and 5 x World Champion in BMX and Mountain Biking. Caroline handed over a signed racing shirt which will be displayed alongside other Olympians and National Representatives within the school.
Pictured with current Year 10 students: Zac Ingram (Mountain Bike), Noah Cornelius (Mountain Bike), Mikalya Rose (BMX) and Felicia Thomas (BMX).
Newslink Issue Date: 24th October 2016
ERINDALE COLLEGE AT ACT YOUTH DANCE FESTIVAL
Every year Erindale College's senior Dance class participates in the Ausdance ACT Youth Dance Festival, which is an event held at the Canberra Theatre over three nights. The event is an opportunity for students to collaborate on and create a performance together, that explores a given theme. This year's theme was, "be loud, be heard."
The Year 12 Dance class decided to explore the idea of domestic and family violence, and highlight the struggles faced by those that encounter it. Domestic and family violence is an issue that occurs behind closed doors, in the darkness; Erindale students wanted to bring it out into the light. They conducted hours of research, locating facts and statistics about the issue and how it affects our community here in Tuggeranong as well as across the rest of Australia. This process became quite a personal one for the class. As part of our music for the piece we asked permission to use the trailer from reporter Sara Ferguson's ABC1 documentary from November last year, Hitting Home. Permission was granted, with both Sarah and her production company becoming aware of our project and praising the students for tackling such a big issue through their performance.
The performance was selected to open the show on the final night of performances, indicating the high regard in which it was held by organising staff. All dancers performed brilliantly and were an absolute credit to Erindale College and the Dance program.
Newslink Issue Date: 17th October 2016
ERINDALE GIRLS WORLD’S BEST
Despite breaking her arm and wrist in Andorra in preparation for the 2016 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Junior Women’s World Championships, student Sian A’Hern was crowned overall winner of the UCI World Cup Series!
This is a huge moment in her young life. Congratulations Sian. We look forward to seeing you when you get back to Erindale College.
And after the disappointment of the Rio Olympic Games, what better way for a champion to come back to form then by winning her 7th World Title as ex-student Caroline Buchanan did by winning the 2016 UCI Four cross World Championship.
Newslink Issue Date: 19th September 2016
ERINDALE STUDENT SERVING IT UP
At the Tennis ACT Award Evening held on September 9th at the Lyneham Tennis Centre student
Dimitri Morogiannis was again recognised for his talent and achievements when he was awarded the title of the 2016 Junior Male Athlete of the Year.
This continued recognition of his dedication to his sport is wonderful to see.
Congratulations Dimi.
Newslink Issue Date: 19th September 2016
2016 HOLDEN CUP TEAM OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED
Nick Cotric was honoured in the 2016 Holden Cup Team of the Year. This was announced at the 2016 NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series Launch at Allianz Stadium. NRL Head of Football Brian Canavan said 90 percent of players who made the Holden Cup Team of the Year went on to play in the NRL.
"It's become clear that the Holden Cup Team of the Year is a virtual preview of the next batch of NRL talent," Mr Canavan said. "In fact a number of this year's team have already made their mark in the NRL.”
It is worth noting that Nick is the only Year 12 student named in the team!
Congratulations Nick Cotric.
NewsLink Issue Date: 12th September 2016
CANBERRA DISTRICT RUGBY LEAGUE COMPETITION FOR 2016
The following students have been recognised for their outstanding efforts and accomplishments within the Canberra District Rugby League competition for 2016. All students are part of the ESA.
Tuggeranong Bush Rangers Rugby League Football Club
Division One: Jack Heyman: Best and Fairest
Division two: Connor Massen: Best and Fairest, Top Try Score and Top Point Scorer.
Woden Rams Rugby League Football Club
Division One: Dan De Smet: Top point scorer.
Ex-Erindale Student (2015) Sean Maloney pictured above (Captain - Minor Premieres - Second Grade)
NewsLink Issue Date: 12th September 2016
UNDER 17’S BRUMBIES
We would like to congratulate the following Erindale College students on being selected in the u17’s Brumbies 7’s training squads:
* Jack Gilmour
* Zoe Podmore
* Keesha Kapea
* Elana Sliwinski
* Christina Saulo
* Soso Feaunati
ERINDALE COLLEGE BOLT
The annual Erindale college bolt was held last week. The Bolt is a 100m foot race for boys and girls - with all squads represented by their fastest runners.
This year the female Bolt winner was Tayla Minto from the Individuals squad and the male Bolt winner was Sean Reaney from the AFL squad (above).
Congratulations also to the winners of the Donkey race: Elana Sliwinski and Keesha Kapea, Locky Ceissman and Hayden Hepburn (above).
NewsLink Issue Date: 12th September 2016
ACT BRUMBIES SCHOOLGIRLS
On Sunday 4th September Erindale had 4 girls represent the ACT u18’s Schoolgirls team. The girls played against Sydney and unfortunately lost 17-5. The girls will now travel to Sydney to play Western Sydney and then play against a representative team from New Zealand.
Congratulations to Elana Sliwinski, Dorothy Pikula-Carrol, Nirvana Ngan-Woo and Zoe Podmore.
Elana Sliwinski was named best back on the day.
NewsLink Issue Date: 5th September 2016
LIMELIGHT: TALENTED DANCE PROGRAM
On Thursday August 25 our Talented Dance Program students performed in this year's Step into the Limelight festival, which celebrates creative and performing arts in ACT public schools.
This year's festival was an arena spectacular in which each piece centred around the theme of 'Stories' and was held at the AIS. The TDP group's performance, an energetic and technical jazz piece entitled 'Hansel and Gretel: A Sweet Revenge,' was chosen to close the show, which was an indication of the high level of the performance and of the regard in which organisers held it.
All dancers are to be congratulated on their hard work and efforts during preparations for this performance, their exemplary behaviour during the long day of rehearsal and their exceptional performance during the show. Well done, dancers, you were an absolute credit to the Talented Dance Program and Erindale College.
NewsLink Issue Date: 29th August 2016
OZTAG
Last Friday (5th August) Erindale College entered 2 teams in the ACT Oztag gala day. Canberra turned on the weather for one of the best days of winter. Both our boys and girls teams were perfectly behaved demonstrating excellent sportsmanship throughout the day. The boys cruised through the day undefeated not being challenged until the final where they had to come from behind to win.
The girls managed to also go through the day undefeated only to bomb the lead in the semi-final resulting in extra time. Luckily they were able to score in sudden death to set up a final with our old rivals Lake G. Somehow the girls managed to find themselves in extra time again after leading 3-1 with 4 minutes to go. The resilience and determination of our football girls is amazing and once again they performed in the clutch situations. That continues their unbeaten run at any Rugby code or variation this year.
Both teams were undefeated and crowned ACT Champions.
NewsLink Issue Date: 15th August 2016
INDOOR CRICKET:
Five Erindale College students competed at the national championship for ACT indoor cricket teams over the previous holiday break.
Benji Floros competed in the Open Men's division, with the team finishing 2nd overall, being beaten in the Grand final by Queensland 73-65. Benji was named in the men's Australian team to compete in the Trans-Tasman series in week 7.
Dominic Hawksworth, Jackson Wise, Tyler Van Luin and our new student Tyler Hays competed in the U17s division and the team making the preliminary final before being beaten by Western Australia 110-83. Tyler Van Luin was named in the Australian All Star team.
NewsLink Issue Date: 15th August 2016
AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLBOYS: DAN KEIR AND NIC COTRIC
Australian Schoolboys beat England 50-26. Erindale College students Dan Keir and Nic Cotric were members of the successful “Aussie” team that won the first of two International games versus Great Britain. Dan was named player of the match after initially being added to the team due to an injury. Talk about making the most of your opportunities!!! Well done.
If you go to The Live Stream for the Australian Schoolboys Vs England Academy you can see Nic Cotric score the first try at 0:15:30 and Dan Keir score his try at 1:38:47 on the time bar.
Posted in the 8th August 2016 NewsLink
ERINDALE GIRLS FOOTBALL TEAM TAKES ON NSW STATE FUTSAL TITLES
On the 29th July we travelled to Sydney to take part in the NSW Futsal Championships. Gaining entry after winning the Penrith Regional competition we knew we would be up against the best 22 teams in the state.
Game 1 vs St Schols Won 2 – 0
Goal Scorer: Anna Dixon x 2
Coming up against St Schools first was a tough game to have. We spent most of the first half in defence and unable to convert our attack into shots on goal. Cristina was brilliant and kept us in the game, along with great tackles by Shannon. It was well into the second half before we took the lead. Sarah chipped a lovely ball over to Anna to finish off with a header around the keeper. From there we lifted our game and started to control things. Anna’s second goal was definitely the goal of the day. It passed through 4 players before Sophie crossed it back post for a tap in.
Game 2 – Vs Vincentia High Draw 1-1
Goal Scorer: Cristina Esposito
Another extremely tough game, with us struggling to keep possession. Vincentia were a very physical side and this rattled us. We tried to stick to our game plan and inspirational runs back in defence and winning some 50/50 tackles gave us the determination to keep going. We conceded in the second half but never gave up. Shannon and Chloe stood out in defence. Cristina scored from a free kick that seemed to confuse the opposition. We took the draw, a lucky escape but it kept us in with a chance of making quarter finals.
Game 3 – Vs St Mary Green Won 6 – 0
Goal Scorers: Sophie Bui x4 , Anna Dixon x2
We needed a good win to finish top of the table and we came out firing. Although we were convincingly better than the opposition we played as a team to create the scoring opportunities. All of the girls played well this game. Anna and Sophie combining was a stand out. Sophie was set up by Niki and Katelyn. Mel also played well upfront, creating lots of scoring opportunities. A fantastic team win. This allowed us to finish Top of Pool 3, now for quarter finals.
Quarterfinal – Vs Kirrawee HS Lost 3-0
After a change in the draw we spent 2 hours waiting for this game and started very sluggish. Kirrawee came out firing and we struggled to keep up. Sarah and Cristina stood out for us in defence. Anna and Sophie were unable to get the breakthrough up front. When we had chances we failed to find the back of the net. It was great to see the girls fight so hard right till the end despite being down by three for most of the second half. Disappointing to not make Semi’s but overall a very good effort by the girls.
PLAYERS: Cristina Esposito, Anna Dixon, Niki Krajacic, Chloe Willis, Katelyn Evans,
Shannon Esposito, Sophie Bui, Mel Ward and Sarah Daisley
Posted in the 1st August 2016 NewsLink
MOUNTAIN BIKING: JACKSON FREW AND SIAN A'HERN
Jackson Frew pictured above
Year 12 TSP students, Jackson Frew and Sian A’Hern left Australia on the weekend to start their 2016 Mountain Bike Worlds campaign, that sees the season finish at the World Championships, Val di Sol Italy in September. First leg of the campaign is Whistler, Canada BC with 10 days training. Jackson will then travel with his team, GT Factory Racing to Montreal and race the last World Cup for the season outside of Europe in Mont Saint Anne (MSA). Mont Saint Anne is a fast track and a favourite on the mountain bike calendar. Sian will also travel to MSA and have the chance to maintain her top 5 ranking in Junior Women, by racing her first MSA race! After MSA they fly back to Whistler to train and race.
Whistler hosts Crankworx - a 10 day mountain bike festival, the biggest bike event outside of Worlds and World Cups. The event attracts more than 25,000 spectators and is a favourite with riders. Again this will be Sian’s first time racing Crankworx, Jackson has raced Crankworx over the past few years and being the only Australian rider to win Prince of Crankworx in 2013.
Sian A'Hern pictured above
Jackson and Sian will then fly to Andorra, in Europe. Andorra is an independent principality in the Pyrenees, between Spain and France that hosted last year’s MTB World Championships. This in one of the steepest tracks on the World Cup calendar in the most beautiful countryside. After Andorra in August they fly to Val da Sol, Italy to compete in the MTB World Championships. This event will finish the 2016 season and enable riders to go home and have a brief rest before the domestic season commences in December.
Erindale has enabled both Jackson and Sian to be able to attend school, train and compete both domestically and Internationally. Both riders are currently ranked in the top 5 in Junior Men and Women in the world - Good luck guys!
Written by Jo Frew
Posted in the 1st August 2016 NewsLink
RUGBY STOCKS SWELL AT ERINDALE COLLEGE
As well as the 3 Erindale ACT Rugby Union players recently selected for the Australian Schoolboys, Erindale College has also had 2 boys play for the Northern Territory. Yr. 12 students Tom Watego (Right) and Elijah Simpson (Left) were invited to play for the Division 2 Northern Territory team due to their previous residency and history of representative football.
The boys enjoyed a week long camp at the AIS prior to leaving for the Championships in Sydney. This allowed them the opportunity to meet their fellow team mates and develop game play and strategy. The National Division 2 Competition is played between the Northern territory, South Australia, Tasmania and the Lloyd McDermott Indigenous team. Northern Territory went through the competition undefeated and took out the championship. Tom and Elijah will now represent the College in the upcoming Waratah Cup state wide knockout being played 3/8 in Sydney.
Posted in the1st August 2016 NewsLink
TENNIS- DIMI MOROGIANNIS
Dimi Morogiannis made the final of the Junior ITF (International Tennis Federation) South Pacific Open Junior Championships in Fiji.
Dimi is a tennis player and a member of the Individual Squad for the Talented Sports program.
Although Dimi did not drop a set on the way to the final unfortunately Dimi retired in the final against Yu Hsiou HSU (TPE) as he had an injury that occurred before the match that day.
Dimi joined Erindale as a Year 10 student and has recently earned Year 12 certification. We wish him well for the future.
Posted in the1st August 2016 NewsLink
Canberra insurance broker Ali King (Former Erindale College student) to show her creative side on Zumbo's Just Desserts
Canberra insurance broker Ali King will be showing her sweet side as she competes to be Australia's top dessert maker on a new reality show.
She is one of 12 dessert makers putting their mixers to the test on Zumbo's Just Desserts under the eye of host and judges Adriano Zumbo and Rachel Khoo.
"I've always been a creative person, whether it's painting or arranging flowers or cooking," she said.
The show will be on Prime7 after the Olympics.
The 28-year-old was up for the challenge of making a dessert in front of Zumbo, famous for his devilishly difficult dessert challenges on MasterChef and British cook Khoo.
"It was a bit scary thinking what he might come up with. His desserts were so outlandish and crazy and detailed on MasterChef but I also kind of thrive off trying to replicate something," Ali said.
Born and bred in Canberra, Ali works for Capital Insurance Brokers in Deakin.
"One of my colleagues knew I loved to cook and saw the ad [calling for contestants] on telly and said, 'Ali, you need to apply'. And it all happened really quickly," she said.
Ali, who went to Wanniassa Primary, Wanniassa High and Erindale College, learnt much of her baking from her grandmother, Dorothy MacDonald.
"It's a really nice childhood memory, cooking with her," she said. "I spent a lot of time with grandma because she would look after me while mum was at work.
"It would be really nice if she could see what I've done but she passed away several years ago."
Ali loves all things France and was inspired by a trip to Paris when she was 18.
"I saw all these beautiful cakes and pastries. I was like, 'I want to know how to do that!'."
Macarons are Ali's speciality - and, of course, the delicacy Zumbo made his name on, so she has well and truly nailed her colours to the mast.
Ali intends to be around friends and family, including mum Heather and dad Brian, to watch the first episode.
"One of my friends even suggested hiring out a cinema," she said, with a laugh.
Original article posted in The Canberra Times on 29th July 2016 by Megan Doherty
DAN KEIR ADDED TO THE AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLBOYS RL TEAM.
After a successful week with the ACT team, where Dan Keir was named most Valuable player for the ACT, he has been added to the Australian Team that will play Great Britain in 2 matches over the next fortnight. He joins fellow Erindale College student Nic Cotric.
Incredibly Dan becomes the 3rd member of his family to represent Australia after sisters Ashley and Lauren represented Australia in Tennis and Soccer respectively. All 3 attended Erindale College as members of the Talented Sports Program.
Well done Dan.
Posted in the 25th July 2016 NewsLink
NIC COTRIC SELECTED IN THE AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLBOYS TEAM.
The Australian School Boys team was named following the Australian Secondary Schools Under-18 National Championships played in Wynnum QLD. The will play England Academy on July 31 and August 6.
Nic Cotric has been playing with the Canberra Raiders in the U20’s, and is a member of the Talented Sports Program at Erindale College.
Posted in the 25th July 2016 NewsLink
ACT SCHOOLBOYS AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION CHAMPIONSHIP
During the first week of the school holidays 3 Erindale College students represented the ACT Schoolboys team at the Australian School Rugby Union Championship. Riley Hughes, Fred Kaihea and Francis Soakai Tai were all outstanding throughout the tournament with all 3 boys playing a vital part. A massive congratulations must go to Francis who was selected in the Australian squad. His damaging ball running and ruthless aggression in defence cemented his spot in this prestigious team. Francis will now travel to Samoa and New Zealand during the September holidays. Well done.
Posted in the 25th July 2016 NewsLink
NETBALL: Waverley International Netball Tournament
Congratulations to the Erindale Netball Squad who recently played in the Waverley International Netball tournament.
The girls played some quality opposition and commenced the tournament in a very tough pool that had the eventual winners and third place getters.
We played 10 games over the 4 days and had some outstanding results. We were fortunate enough to come up against teams from Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Tonga - winning games against teams from all three states and country!
Our final game was one of just a few nail biters. In wet conditions we went into the final quarter 6 goals down with only a 7 minute quarter remaining. The girls were outstanding and kept fighting away and narrowing the gap. When the final siren went the teams were drawn ... another lot of extra time!! After the first lot of extra time the game was still drawn and we did not have the centre pass advantage. But with true Erindale fighting spirit the girls turned the ball over in the dying moments and scored 2 quick goals to win the game. A fantastic effort once again.
Apart from the great netball I would like to thank and acknowledge the girls for a great trip; your behaviour, maturity and representation of the college was to be commended.
A HUGE thank you also to the wonderful Rachelle Cridland who accompanied us on the trip and was a wonderful manager and person to have on the road trip with us!!
Team members: Jordan Bardsley, Jenna Cattanach, Molly Halpin, Georgia James-Dixon, Chance Kaihe (captain),Felicity King, Nalani Makunde, Sheona Pollard, Kate Svager, Jess Wallace
Posted in the 25th July 2016 NewsLink
GYMNASTICS: ALEX MCDONALD
Congratulations to Alex McDonald who recently competed in the International Level 9 Gymnastics tournament in Christchurch New Zealand.
Alex placed in all 6 of the apparatus and won the overall competition.
Posted in the 25th July 2016 NewsLink
BMX star Caroline Buchanan former Erindale College student aiming high for Rio Olympics
The symptoms have fluctuated between mild and acute but there is no doubt one of Australia's top Rio Olympics gold medal prospects has been afflicted by FOMO.
That's Fear of Missing Out.
For Caroline Buchanan, the energetic 24-year-old ruling BMX world champion – she with eye-wateringly large and very well attended-to online following – this is status usual.
As Rio countdown hype builds among compatriots much closer to her original Canberra home, Buchanan has itched from abroad where she has felt strangely isolated from green-and-gold frenzy since January.
Now, more than ever, she reminds herself this distance is self-imposed and designed for greater good.
Four years ago, Buchanan arrived at the London Olympics with the same reigning world champion ranking she boasts today.
Aged 21 and at her first Olympics she won her semi-final on a gnarly dirt track. With the fastest time from qualifying, her gold medal favouritism could not have been hotter.
Her verge-of-greatness moment literally played out before royalty; sporting and the orthodox kind.
Buchanan spotted David Beckham in those surreal seconds before the 2012 Olympic BMX women's final. Standing at the start gate she suddenly became conscious of a blaring public address system she had blocked out all day. It informed her Prince William and Duchess Kate were also in the house.
An Olympic champion was determined 37.7 seconds after the start gun. The sole Australian in the women's final was engulfed by cameras and microphones. Buchanan was crying but these were not happy tears. It was an outpouring from a young person feeling nothing short of an abject failure.
From primo lane one position she finished fifth. This, she said in the raw and very public aftermath, was the most painful event of her life.
Four years later, this self-described adrenaline junkie who has "learnt to love fear" says it took 12 months to forgive herself for that race.
To guard against a repeat in Rio, Buchanan has honed an array of techniques – including cold-turkey interventions – to limit hyper-reality factors she thinks conspired to throw her in London.
Shortly, Buchanan will place herself in what she calls "detox" mode. It has nothing to do with food. She practised this before the world cup and world championship titles she won this year.
"Basically I pull my Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter – all my apps – and put them into one folder on my phone," Buchanan explained.
"I put that folder at the back of my phone, then for 10 days before competition I don't touch it.
"The first four days are the hardest. You don't realise how many times you go to pick up your phone and flick onto Instagram. But the break allows you to spend more energy and focus on things like race plans, and to really calm down before an event, almost being quite bored. Just calm and centred.
"With BMX being so short, sharp, aggressive and adrenaline-geared I've found this switch-off has become one of the most powerful tools. In London the problem wasn't technical. My body knew what it had to do but my mind had to be in the right place and it wasn't. I wouldn't say I was overwhelmed in London but I could say I was over-stimulated.
"So 10 days before competing in Rio I'll go into detox. We've got some pre-planned posts, some of that is being done now. When I get to the Olympics I'll just be sending photos to people who will upload them for me."
To the sporting purist this might sound absurd. How could this social media thing demand such attention and require such careful controlling?
Well, when you're not in mainstream sport, you're followed online to the extent that Buchanan is and rely on sponsors paying you because of that following, it's actually vital in maintaining a full-time profession.
A Canberran who started BMX racing at age five now has 102,000-odd Facebook followers, 59,000-odd followers on Instagram, a YouTube channel, a website, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts.
Whether modelling bespoke 'green fade' race eyewear from one of her major sponsors, Oakley, riding her Harley Davidson (another sponsor) or flying in fluro race gear, post-able opportunities abound in Buchanan's adrenaline-filled life.
When $5000 is a record earner for a race win, feeding her social media beasts has made the difference between Buchanan just breaking even and deriving income from sport.
"600,000 views of one of my videos on Facebook has been one of my widest reach examples," she says.
"But my favourite is Instagram. I run little competitions. I love the whole creative side of the videos and photos and making people feel, I guess, like they're riding the journey with me."
Being quarantined from Australia all year has served two purposes: cutting travel for preparatory competitions and limiting distractions. The results are compelling. Buchanan has never had such a consistent season.
"Every part of me has wanted to go to every Rio celebration and lead-off event at home," she says. "When Hamish and Andy call me for something I want to go and do it. I want to go on Wide World of Sports and to the Australian Olympic uniform launch. But it's as if I've traded a bit of that lead-up celebration to make sure I can celebrate at the end of Rio.
"That's what I missed out on in London. It was a huge celebration coming into it but there was no result afterwards."
Original article posted in The Canberra Times on 16th July 2016 by Samantha Lane
Gungahlin Bulls' junior Daniel Keir (Current Erindale College student) set to return after Canberra Raiders under-20s call up
Gungahlin Bulls forward Daniel Keir's dream to play in the NRL received a massive boost when he was called up to play for the Canberra Raiders under-20s and he hopes it will propel him to a bright future.
Keir played his first game for the under-20s against the Brisbane Broncos three weeks ago in another step to burying the injury demons that delayed his rise through the ranks.
The 18-year-old broke one of his toes in a season with the Raiders' under-16s team and then broke his hand before getting an opportunity to trial for the club's SG Ball side.
Keir spent four years playing rugby union after being turned away from junior representative teams as a five-eighth, but made a comeback to rugby league as a forward.
The move has paid off with the call up to the Raiders under-20s team but he says he's still developing.
"I want to develop more as a player and build on for the next couple of years," Keir said.
"I just showed up to the training and worked my hardest; I really took it as a positive because I have had some setbacks over the years, so it is a big positive for me to go forward.
"There are obviously setbacks for players along the way and not everyone gets to play NRL, but NRL is definitely the dream and being called up to the Raiders U20s is a good stepping stone."
Keir will return to the Bulls team on Saturday to play the second-place Queanbeyan Blues, who will be seeking redemption after losing to cross-town rivals the Queanbeyan Kangaroos last weekend.
"The experience has been good, coming up from under-18s Gungahlin Bulls it has been a really big jump for me, but I am excited to get back to the Bulls this weekend and put in a big shift."
Bulls coach Lincoln Withers is happy Keir is back and says the clash against the Blues will be a good test to see how the team is progressing halfway through the season.
Withers is yet to guide the team into the finals after three years in charge.
"We just missed out last year and the year before that we didn't play in it, this is my third year so we haven't been in since I have been in there and hopefully we can change that this year," Withers said.
"We have had a real strong start to the year and then had a couple of losses but now we feel like the last couple of weeks have been good for us.
"It will be a good test for us to come against the Blues who had a loss last week so they will be raring to go."
Original article posted in The Canberra Times on 1st July 2016 by Matthew Stirton
Former Erindale College Students Nathan Hart and Caroline Buchanan heading to the Olympic Games in Rio
Canberra cyclist Nathan Hart has endorsed Anna Meares as one of the most influential leaders in the Australian Olympic Games team and says he will turn to the two-time gold medallist for advice ahead of his debut in Rio.
Hart was one of three Canberra athletes named as part of the Australian cycling team on Tuesday, joining BMX queen Caroline Buchanan and mountain bikeer Rebecca Henderson.
Hart is hoping to help the men's team sprint chase a medal after being called up for his first Olympics.
Meares is the inspirational leader of the Australian team and is tipped to be announced on Wednesday as the flag-bearer for the opening ceremony.
"To see Anna's determination and grit at training is pretty amazing," Hart said. "She's been around for a very long time and obviously has a lot of experience.
"She's one of those people you can go to and ask a lot of questions, especially for someone like me who's going to their first Olympics.
"I'll definitely be doing that for general sorts of things to figure out what to expect. It's great to train with someone like her, and everyone in the team brings something different to the table.
"Every now and then I go to Anna [for advice]. Everyone figures things out at their own rate but to know that she's there to help is an amazing thing."
Hart will link with Patrick Constable and Matthew Glaetzer in the team sprint as the lead-off rider as they try to improve on their fifth place at the world championships in London earlier this year.
The squad will fly to the United States on Wednesday for a three-week training block before the Olympics.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a gradual rise through the ranks in the past four years, working his way into the national team and relocating to its training base in Adelaide.
The excitement hit over the weekend when he was told he was being selected in the Australian team, and the news sunk in when the squad was announced to the public on Tuesday.
"But now we've got to switch that focus, we've got a job to do," Hart said.
"We've been working towards this for 15 months now ... I was quietly confident but I wasn't getting ahead of myself. I knew I had to keep improving.
"I was only thinking the other day about where I was four years ago when the London Olympics were on. I think I was just stepping into the elite ranks.
"I crashed in a training session at Narrabundah and I broke my collarbone so I couldn't go to compete in Perth. The only good thing about that was that I didn't have training and I could stay up all night to watch the Olympics."
BMX star Buchanan is out for Olympic redemption after suffering heartbreak at her debut Games in 2012.
Buchanan was the fastest qualifier for the women's final, but failed to fire and finished fifth in the gold-medal race.
She won the opening two rounds of the BMX World Cup this year, as well as claiming the time trial world title in Colombia.
"The past four years have matured me and helped me deal with stress and pressure," Buchanan said. "Now I am more focussed on BMX and hitting the 1 per cent goals in Rio.
"Last time around I tried to do everything, from working with sponsors, to being a mountain bike world champion, BMX world champion and put time into media. I over committed.
"I'm a whole different human from four years ago. I'm more mature and strengthening my mental side has helped my performance."
Original article posted in The Canberra Times on July 5th 2016 by Chris Dutton
Former Erindale College Student Trent Harvey makes Masterchef's top 10
When Masterchef announced the top 10 contestants, Queanbeyan's Trent Harvey made the cut.
An electrician by day, Harvey decided to apply for the reality cooking competition – which airs on WIN – on a whim.
"I've always been into food a little bit, just the last few years I did a lot of travel overseas, and that's where my interest really took off. I grew up on a farm and that's where it all started but since travelling it really got me into the cooking side of it a little bit more," he said.
"I actually did a cooking class that my partner bought me for my birthday, and we went there and somebody mentioned Masterchef applications. I got home and my partner Kristen – she's the one who pushed me to apply. I never really had thought of doing anything like that before, and it was sort of spur of the moment on the last day of applications so I applied."
Since being on the show, the sparkie has got to rub shoulders with foodie royalty, including Heston Blumenthal, Nigella Lawson, Maggie Beer and Marco Pierre White.
"Marco Pierre White at the start of the comp – he was a lot different to how I expected. I expected him to be really hard and strict in the kitchen but he was sort of a really soft, genuine guy and really down to earth," he said.
"He blew me away with his knowledge and skills and how he's generous enough to share all that with us so that was really good."
He nearly came undone last week during "Heston Week", bowing out in the first challenge. But he recovered in the elimination round to keep going in the competition.
"I was stoked to have made the top 10, so I was just sort of going in and going all out and seeing what I could do," he said.
"If I went home I would've gone home happy because top 10's sort of a massive achievement. I kind of felt like after that point every day is a bit of a bonus."
Having moved to Canberra in grade 11 and finishing his schooling at Erindale College, Trent and his partner now call Queanbeyan home – and they're hoping to put their mark on the local foodie scene.
"I'd always talked about opening a restaurant one day with my partner but to be honest I was planning on doing it a lot further down the track," he said.
"But now that this has happened, I'm gonna try and fast-track that a little bit more. I've been planning and thinking about what I want to do and the best way I can progress into a career in food. I still want to open my own place but it just might change a little bit the how and when. Maybe in the next couple of years."
Original article posted in The Canberra Times on the 1st July 2016 by Jil Hogan
DAN KEIR: RAIDERS DEBUT
Last Friday 3rd June 2016 Dan Keir made his debut in U20s Raiders team v Manly. Dan is pictured here with former student, Brenko Lee, receiving one of a number of awards from the recent SG Ball season. Good luck to Dan, as well as Nic Cotric who has become a regular in the team.
Posted in the 6th June 2016 NewsLink
FORMER ERINDALE COLLEGE STUDENT SUCCESS: TEVITA PANGAI
Tevita Pangai debuted last Friday night 27 May 2016 for the Brisbane Broncos. Tevita graduated from Erindale College in 2013 and worked and played the last two seasons with the Canberra Raiders. Tevita also played and captained the Australian u20’s Junior Roos side last month against New Zealand.
Another good news story from a former Erindale College student.
Posted in the 6th June 2016 NewsLink
" EX ERINDALE COLLEGE STUDENT ANDREW REARDON HELPS PUT OUT FIRE"
DHL Australia driver turns Good Samaritan by putting out fire on Black Mountain
A courier who put out a potentially disastrous, fast-running blaze on Black Mountain this week has some very personal experience with the devastating impact of a fire.
His grandparents lost their home in the 2003 Canberra bushfires.
Andrew Reardon, who works for DHL Australia, was at the end of his shift, on his way to pick up his son from day care in Gungahlin, when he noticed smoke on Black Mountain as he exited the Parkes Way tunnel.
The 27-year-old, who was was heading northwards, stopped his van and made his way across the busy road to put out the grass fire on the side of Black Mountain about 3.30pm on Wednesday.
"I pulled up and luckily I had a fire extinguisher in the van," he said.
"I would have liked to have got across there a bit quicker but the traffic was quite busy.
"The fire was actually quite intense. It had kicked off pretty quick and it was quite ferocious going up the hill.
"I put out the border real quick, as quick as I could, and then came back and stomped out all the centre.
"A lady and her partner, they literally just drove past and saw me stomping it out, and they came back to make sure I was all right.
"I said, 'The [fire] truck's on its way. I've already called them, so they should be here soon and I've got to go because I've got to pick up my son from day care!'.
"So I couldn't actually stick around to see the firies but it was pretty much handled when I left.
"I just acted with instinct and I knew where the fire was, if it was to get up that hill, it would have been pretty severe."
Andrew said the fire could have been started by someone who had thrown a cigarette butt from their car but he couldn't be sure.
An ACT Emergency Services Agency spokesman confirmed numerous triple-zero calls were made about the fire which had been deemed suspicious and was now under investigation by ACT Policing.
The grass fire had been among four in the area attended by firefighter units on Wednesday.
A number of suspicious fires are under review by ACT Policing including four grass fires near Haydon Drive and Ginninderra Drive in Kaleen and another on Kambah Pool Road in Tuggeranong, both on Tuesday, and four small grass fires in Campbell behind the Ainslie Village last Saturday.
Firefighters and contractors with heavy machinery on Friday were also continuing to attend a large rubbish pile fire at Pialligo, first reported on Thursday. The ESA spokesman said the cause of that fire had not yet been determined so it had not been referred to police.
Andrew's actions, meanwhile, came to public attention when a listener rang in to 666 ABC to praise the efforts of the then unnamed DHL driver.
The Canberra Times was able to track down the civic-minded young dad who remembers well the pain experienced by his grandparents, Margaret and Johnny Reardon, who lost their home at Pierces Creek in the 2003 bushfires.
The late Mr Reardon was a forester who was trained to put out fires in the Canberra fringes. Andrew spent many a happy day out at Pierces Creek before the 2003 fires devastated the settlement.
Andrew, a former Erindale College student, also credited training at work for his reaction.
"We do fire training at work and WH and S stuff so they sort of train you to be quite a proactive kind of person," he said.
And it's not the first time he has come to the rescue.
A few years ago he was on his way to see his then partner in Nicholls when he spotted a fire on the local golf course which appeared to have been started by the sun burning through broken glass.
"I didn't have a fire extinguisher then so I had to take my shirt off and smack it out," he said.
So should he start wearing a cape?
"I've got friends who are volunteer firefighters and they do it day-in and day-out, and those people deserve more credit than me," he said.
But good things come to good people. Andrew and his wife, Lauren, and their seven-month-old son, Leo, coincidentally moved into their own home, their first, in Dunlop, on Friday.
For the original article please click here
STUDENTS REPRESENT THEIR CLUBS AT WOMENS RUGBY LEAGUE LAUNCH
Pictured Erindale College Students left to right: Tayla Crocker from Valley Dragons, Tegan Gaughran from Belconnen Sharks and Zoe Podmore from Valley Dragons
The Canberra Region Rugby League has announced it will run three separate women’s rugby league competitions in 2016, including the introduction of a women’s league tag competition with teams from the Austbrokers Canberra Raiders Cup competition.
For the first time in the competitions history, five out of the nine teams from the senior Canberra competition will feature league tag teams, with the Woden Valley Rams, Tuggeranong Bushrangers, Yass Magpies, Goulburn Workers Bulldogs and Belconnen United Sharks competing on the same day and at the same venue as their clubs senior sides.
General Manager, Canberra Region & Community Rugby League Mark Vergano said the increase in female participation is essential for the sport in the region and expected the game to trend upwards in participation over the coming years.
“The sport of rugby league is undergoing a transformation where we are expanding, we have doubled the size of the league tag competitions between the regional and Canberra areas and also our under 18’s women’s tackle competition will increase to 6 teams,” Mr Vergano said. “We are very excited and it shows the changing face of Rugby League with the increased support of the Canberra Raiders and CRRL to Women’s Rugby League.”
The first matches of both the Women’s Canberra Raiders Cup League Tag and Under 18’s Women’s rugby league are set to kick-off this weekend. The George Tooke League Tag competition commenced on April 9.
AFL FOR GIRLS
Currently we have 2 girls in our TSP for AFL. They are Jess Stramadinoli and Jill Shea. Both are members of the Giants Academy and involved in a variety of Representative Teams. On Thursday 28th April they were joined by other TSP girls, from League, Netball, Touch Football and Union. Though initially lacking some understanding of the rules the team performed very well. They had wins against Mackillop College and St Clare’s College before losing the Final v Daramalan in a hard fought game (20-13). Other than Jess and Jill, our strong performers included Chilanda Chilaika, Sheona Pollard, Jordan Bardsley and Soso Feaunati.
World Championships X-Country - Josh Torley
Next week Josh flies out to Hungary as a member of the Australian X-Country team. He will represent Australia at the World Championships on April 22 in the U17/18 category.
UPDATE: In the individual 4.8 km he placed 5th in a time of 14:21.
Congratulations Josh
ERINDALE STUDENTS IN THE NATIONAL FINAL FOR THE BRUMBIES
Earlier in March the Junior Gold Cup U15 Brumbies took out the semi-final in Orange to become the Southern Conference Champions. They headed to Perth on Saturday 26th March to play the finals for the National title, which sadly they lost 24-14. Current Year 10 students Chris Dennis and Wez Alexander are both in the team. Well done..
EMERGING TALENT IN DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKING - ZAC INGRAM
In Early March at the Australian Interschools , Zac Ingram Year 10, representing Erindale College finished 3rd place ,missing second by .25 of second and 1st by 4 seconds (approx. 5.30min course) against 98 riders. A great result given that Zac is in his 2nd year of competition.
In Mid-March at the National Downhill MTB Championships on the steepest, wildest and loosest track on the Australian Circuit where a result (or even finishing in one piece) is unpredictable, Zac cemented in the top 5 position in Australia with only .9 of a second separating 3rd 4th and 5th. This was against the top 41 Downhill racers in the country.
Well done Zac.
Photo by Nick Waygood
ERINDALE COLLEGE RUGBY 7’S
On Saturday 19th March the Erindale Rugby 7’s team entered a team into the inaugural Grammar 7’s competition held at Greenway. Continuing on from their success at the ACT Brumbies 7’s the team went through this competition undefeated and were crowned champions. A big thank you to all the boys who gave up their Saturday to play they were excellently behaved and played some terrific running rugby.
Riley Hughes of Yr12 was named player of the tournament.
ERINDALE DOMINATES PENRITH REGIONAL FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Recently Erindale White and Erindale Red girls soccer teams both played at the Penrith Regional Futsal Championship and after a long and exhausting day Erindale White made it to the finals and this now gains us entry into the NSW STATE TITLES in July.
It was impressive to see the girls step up and come out firing in the final. Glenmore girls didn’t know how to stop us. Sophie Bui was amazing picking up 4 goals and Niki Krajacic scored a hat trick.
Overall a great day for both teams!!
ERINDALE COLLEGE AFL TEAM
On March 16 Erindale played Hallam Secondary College from Melbourne in an AFL match. The game was held at Allinsure Park in Queanbeyan. This is the third consecutive year the 2 teams played each other. For the first time Erindale won the match, 8.15. (63) to 3.5. (23). Best on ground was Tyler Van Luin. Other notable performers were Matt Vardanega, Bailey Greenwood, Kodi Stevens, Cliff Taylor and Brad Stevens. Thanks to the Queanbeyan Tigers for allowing access to the ground. Both teams enjoyed a lunch and short presentation at the Tigers Club. Thanks also to AFL Canberra for providing 2 very competent umpires.
ERINDALE COLLEGE SOFTBALL TEAM
Congratulations to the Erindale Girls Softball team who finished Runners Up in Wednesday’s ACT College carnival.
The girls went down to Lake Ginninderra College 3-2 in the Grand Final. A strong, elite pitcher from Lake G meant that getting on base was a tough ask, however a great start gave us this opportunity and we led going into the 3rd innings. Unfortunately a big hit that would have required a spectacular catch was narrowly missed and it gave Lake G the chance to steal the win.
Thanks also to the boys who came out and assisted with some coaching and umpiring throughout the day.
US SCHOLARSHIPS
Ever thought of taking your sport overseas? Combine sport with Uni? A US scholarship maybe?
Below are two Erindale graduates that are doing that right now.
Please see Mark Armstrong in the Erindale Sports Academy for more information
DANIEL LINSTEAD (2014 GRADUATE)
In 2014, Erindale student Daniel Linstead and his family had worked with Australian based US college sports recruiters Upper 90 College APAC, to help pave a way for Daniel to fulfil his dream of playing collegiate soccer in the USA.
Over the course of a few months, Daniel, and the Upper 90 APAC team worked diligently with the college soccer coaches who were interested in Daniel, fielding conference calls with these coaches alongside Daniels parents. After weighing up all the options, Daniel make a commitment to Hastings College in Nebraska, a 4 year, liberal arts university, with a history in collegiate athletics in the USA.
Daniel appeared in 21 matches in the 2015 season scoring a goal against Doane College, which was a phenomenal start for an international Freshman, hailing from Australia at a very competitive college soccer program such as Hasting’s College. We look forward in hearing more of Daniel’s successes as he continues his college soccer career in the USA.
KRISTY HELMERS ERINDALE COLLEGE (2014 GRADUATE)
Kristy Helmers, a 5'6'' forward from Greenway, Australia will join the Colonels for the upcoming season. Helmers was named her team's MVP in both 2013 and 2014. She was also a shadow player for the under 19s Australian school girls team in 2013 and 2014. Additionally, Helmers won the All Rounder award and had the highest academic scores on her team in 2014. She was a member of the Tuggeranong United club soccer squad.
"We are excited to have another Aussie join our program," Harrison said. "In the time we have spent with Kristy so far this semester we can already tell she is a smart, mature and dedicated student-athlete. Kristy is a true number nine and we will look for her to play that role all spring. The extra time she will spend in the classroom, weight room and on the field this spring will allow her to be ready to compete immediately in the fall."
Kristy is attending Nicholls State University in LA
JACKSON FREW
Jackson, elite Mountain Biker is a member of the Individual Squad for our TSP.
You may have seen Monday night’s story on WIN news….. Jackson won the National Series event in Toowoomba for Junior Men. This win wrapped up the National Series where he will be crowned as National Champion.
Jackson is a member of the GT Factory Team and will travel the Globe throughout 2016 on the World Cup circuit.
ERINDALE COLLEGE STUDENTS EXCEL IN BMX
Last week Nik Rose (Year 12, above) and Felicia Thomas (Year 10) both competed at the BMX National Championships in Bathurst, while Mikayla Rose (Year 10) was unable to ride due to recent surgery (broken collar bone).
Nik rode in the 17-24 year age class and made his way through the heats winning convincingly, progressing to his first ever National Championships Final. He placed 5th in Australia.
Felicia Thomas raced in the 15 yr. girl’s class and made it through to the semi-final.
Mikayla (above) was unable to contest the National Title or race in the final double points round of the National Series, however based on her results in previous rounds she managed to come away with 3rd Place in the National Series. Felicia finished 4th in the National Series.
Well done Nik, Felicia and Mikayla.
2016 COLOR RUN
On Sunday 28th of February enthusiastic staff members from Erindale College participated in the 2016 Colour Run. Advertised as the happiest 5 kilometres on the planet, teachers walked, ran and ducked through liquid, foam and coloured powder! In an effort to promote the importance of a happy and healthy lifestyle, The Colour Run was the first of many events to be undertaken by staff this year.
Canberra pitcher Brad Inglis signs with MLB club Boston Red Sox
Canberra pitcher Brad Inglis was a promising Australian footballer before his softball-playing mum lured him along to the diamond, now the 18-year-old is preparing to join the famous Boston Red Sox organisation.
Inglis had offers from the New York Yankees and the Cincinnati Reds, but opted to sign with the Red Sox because he is mates with Jon Deeble, who doubles as the Australian baseball coach and a Boston scout.
When his visa comes through, Inglis will fly to Fort Myers in Florida next month for spring training and expects to be stationed in the Gulf Coast League (rookie class).
Inglis said he had heard about why professional baseball was called "the grind" and was prepared for the hard work involved in making it to Major League Baseball.
"I'm prepared for it. They've said it's going to be hot and hard, so I'm looking forward to it, it's a new experience," he said.
"I don't care what I have to go through as long as I'm playing professional ball I'll give it my all."
If baseball can get a recall as a sport for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo then Inglis wants to be there.
Having started out with the Weston Creek Indians, he wants to work his way up to the pinnacle of the sport.
"Looking forward to 2020 to see if I can make that Olympic side, so that's a future goal, and then just work my way up to the Major Leagues," Inglis said.
Canberra Baseball player pathway manager Jeremy Barnes said Inglis has been impressive at the Australian nationals over the last few years with his ability to strikeout hitters.
Barnes said Inglis was a "big kid", roughly 1.93 metres tall, who threw about 138-141 kilometres per hour.
"He's a big kid with a lot of upside. I don't think he's reached his full potential yet by any means," Barnes said.
"He's known as a strikeout guy here in Australia ... it's a good opportunity for him to go over and develop, play baseball every day.
"I think with that body you just don't know what's in there until you get over there and give it a go."
For the original story please go to Canberra Times