Once again Mallacoota P-12 College had a number of students qualify for the Gippsland Cross Country. The event was held again at Lardner Park (outside Warragul) and the weather was pretty good (e.g. NOT raining/snowing, but still freezing) for once. The dedicated athletes: Brodie Scott, Harry Preston, Jordie Halley, Josh Corton, and Koini Corton along with Karen Corten and Simon Berry left after school on Wednesday the 18th of June. The students were in good spirits in the bus ride up and agreed to Carbo load at Noodle Box in Bairnsdale. The troop arrived at Simon’s parents farm at 9.30pm with Jordie, Josh and Harry claiming they were getting up at 2am for the Australia world cup game…apparently the alarms didn’t go off.
The students woke at various times (some as late as 8am) and were inspired by watching some world cup games. The team arrived at Lardner Park at 10.15am ready for Kioni’s race. Boy did the young ones start quick…at a sprint. Kioni came in a very respectable 21st with a time of 9.35.29 over 2 kms. Josh and Jordie were up next, and the start was a little more reasonable for a 3km race. Josh came in 46th with 12.37.37 and Jordie came in 26th with 11.07.97. Next was Harry who placed only 2 positions outside State qualification coming in 14th with 10.25.39 over 3 kms. Our last team member was Brodie Scott. Having qualified for states last year (with a 6th) she was quite nervous before the race. Brodie came in 3rd with 11.35.25. A fantastic run.
All of these students did fantastically, especially considering that there are thousands of students in their age groups in Gippsland. Great work all. Big thanks to Karen Corton who supported the team and Simon. For full colour photos see below!