NSW Combined High Schools Athletics Championships

The 2009 NSWCHS Championships were held at the Sydney Athletic Centre (Olympic Park Homebush) on Thursday to Saturday (3-5 September).  Nine students represented Coonabarabran High School in the North West team in both track and field over the 3-day carnival.  Aaron Percival (17 yrs) and Laura McLean (16 yrs) were the only two athletes to have experienced the atmosphere and pressures of the championship in previous years. In most events there are up to 22 athletics competing from the 11 regions within the state.

Aaron displayed once again his natural athleticism and performed well in both the open boy’s triple jump (11th place) and Javelin (13th place).  Laura McLean, who achieved a Bronze Medal, two years ago, resumed training this year following an injury.  Laura just missed out on a medal achieving an excellent result of 5th placement in the state. 

Dyllon Tighe (16 yrs), who has just recently commenced training with the squad, contested the 800m and 1500m.  With continued commitment, Dyllon will improve upon his commendable 15th and 17th placing.  Elise Baker (16 yrs) has proven this year to be a good all-round athlete who enjoys participation in both team and individual sports.  Elise does not know how to give in and gives her best to the finish.  This was Elise's first visit to CHS Athletics and her 9th position in both the 800 and 1500m are excellent results.

Jake McDonald (16 yrs), who just missed out on representing the North West in both the 100 and 200m sprints, achieved a promising outcome in the Long Jump of 11th place.  Unfortunately, he did not jump a PB on the day, however with future training and ongoing support from Chris Jackson (formerly a Binnaway and Coonabarabran student who still holds the 1977 Long Jump records at Coona High), Jake will continue to improve in both sprint and jump events.  It was great to see Chris Jackson attend the Combined High Schools carnival, where he was introduced to the capacity crowd and involved in formal medal presentations.  The CHS presenter informed the audience Chris' records as the second longest standing (1977) and this was acknowledged with generous applause.

Katie Lee (15 yrs) and Laura Enks (15 yrs) achieved personal bests and benefited from their first experience at CHS.  Katie achieved 17th place in the Triple Jump and Laura 15th in the 1500m and a commendable effort of 13th in the Open girls 3000m.

Nathan Verrender (13 yrs) competed in the 15 years 3000m and gained valuable experience for future long distance running with 17th place.  Ricky Fowke (13 yrs), who broke the Javelin record at the school carnival this year, was very close to achieving the Bronze Medal.  An excellent result of 5th in the state has provided Ricky with the platform and motivation to return next year. 

Finally, all the athletes represented their school and North West Region with distinction, giving their best and displayed sportsmanship on all occasions.  "Modest in success and generous in defeat"

Mr Graham Enks

Team Manager