Sport

Securing two GPS Premierships this week was the penultimate way to end our basketball and chess seasons. We invite everyone to view the round eight results summary via myChurchie – GPS Sports and Activities.

2025 GPS Sports and Activities selections – changes window

We would like to provide all families with a final opportunity to submit, check and amend boys’ 2025 GPS Sports and Activities selections.

The portal link will be reopened for the final time from Monday 2 September at 6 am to Thursday 12 September at 6 pm.

After 12 September, further changes will be processed via the Sports Selection Amendment Request Form through the Sports Office (for amendment form instructions visit myChurchie – Cocurricular programmes).

Please note:

• Only parents have access to the portal link and students’ GPS Sports and Activities selections must be submitted by parents.
• This is the final opportunity to amend any previous selections before 2025 selections are finalised. Please log back into the system now to make any changes.
• Service and cadets preferences are administered through the subject selection process.
• Music and the creative and performing arts selection process follows the same process as GPS Sports and Activities selections

Please click on the relevant links below for access: myChurchie – 2025 GPS Sport and Activities Selections

Trent Goodrick
Head of Cocurricular

Basketball

Churchie Basketball concluded the GPS season with a round eight match-up against TSS. This saw 28 teams still in line to win their respective GPS divisions, as well as the First V seeking to secure an outright GPS Premiership for the first time since 2020.

Churchie now has all 28 of those teams as GPS first-place finishers, and the weekend’s results saw another nine teams secure a second or third-place finish. Thirty-seven top-three finishes, a programme record, can be attributed to many factors, with parent support at the top of the list. The boys have much to thank their parents for, and the staff were proud to hear the boys thank their parents across the day during post-game talks. Another pillar of the programme is the coaching and programme staff. They are simply second to none, with the time, energy and attention to detail underpinning each team’s success. Last, but certainly not least, the boys of Churchie Basketball have made great strides forward across Terms 2 and 3. Well done to each boy who has dived on loose basketballs, taken charges, worked on their offensive and defensive game and bought into the Churchie Basketball style of play.

This Saturday is the culmination of the programme with the Churchie Basketball Awards Dinner at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. This awards and recognition evening will see the perpetual awards, in addition to team-based awards, recognised as well as impressive video footage of the programme in 2024. All staff are looking forward to this event and to joining the wider community from Years 7 to 12 in a great setting. The Reception to Year 6 basketball players will celebrate their two terms involved in basketball, including Vikings Club Basketball, along with the Years 7 to 12 Vikings Club Basketball-only teams. This is hosted in the Sir John Pidgeon Sports Complex on Sunday morning with a barbeque, awards and some time on the Dr Dish machines afterwards.

First V report

Saturday was a historic day for the men of the First V. Last year’s national champion TSS was all that stood in the way of an undefeated First V season for Churchie. This was a chance for the team to achieve their individual and team goals by implementing the style of play that will transition to the Champion Basketball Schools of Queensland Tournament to end the term.

The First V not only won the contest at TSS last Saturday; they did so in a way that showed the boys have grown as players and young men. The team-before-self attitude, the willingness to rebound, run and defend the three-point line, as well as make the extra pass that led to great shots, was evident all game. The boys opened up an 8-point lead at quarter time, stretched the score to 15 and headed into half-time with a strong lead. The scoreline was 50 – 35. That certainly was not as comfortable as the boys would have liked; however, the third quarter was truly one of the best of the Churchie premiership season. TSS came out of halftime focused, and the First V had their most balanced attack this season. Jake Miles-Wrency, who was perfect from the field for the game, had seven crucial points to go with seven timely points by Captain of Basketball Oskar Olechnowicz and a key late three-pointer from Noah Kirk, who was critical to the victory. The fourth quarter saw another winning quarter for Churchie, and the boys were able to finish the game with a convincing 95 – 69 victory in by far the best defensive performance of the season.

Congratulations to Coach Drew Summerfield, his staff and the boys on what has simply been a season for the ages. The undefeated season is captured in another amazing set of photographs from Amy Storen, who the programme cannot thank enough for her time, attention to detail and effort this season.

Aaron Harding
Director of Basketball

Chess

The final round of the 2024 GPS Season for Churchie saw us travel to Southport for the TSS round. Overall, we won eleven teams and lost two for a successful close to our season. This victory means that the Premier Team officially secured their fifth consecutive GPS Premiership, winning eight rounds out of eight. This is a feat that has only been matched once before by the successful ACGS team of 1997–2002, who won six consecutive GPS Premierships. Congratulations to all of the boys who have played a part in this team’s success this year, notably the following players:

• Sravan Renjith
• Jayden Ooi
• Ryan Liaw
• Nicholas Bond
• Zerui Xing
• Alex Renwick

Special congratulations must also go to the boys in the Open B, C and J teams, who all won their games.

As this week is our GPS bye round, we will be conducting training a little differently. Thursday and Friday afternoons will be our Best of Viking Tournament for students in Years 5 to 12. This is a 5|0 Blitz tournament from 3:30 to 4:45 pm in The Centenary Library lecture theatre, which shall begin on Thursday and continue on Friday. Students will attend the lecture theatre as usual (from the Prep School Office or otherwise) and participate in this tournament, which will crown a ‘Best of Viking’ for each year level.

After the Best of Viking Tournament concludes on Friday, there will be pizzas for the participating boys, which will lead into our Endgame event. This whole-of-programme event serves as our end-of-season function and awards night. Attendance at this event is only for boys in Years 7 to 12, and parents are encouraged to attend. This will be held in The Centenary Library lecture theatre from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Awards for boys in Years 5 and 6 will be distributed at Prep Assemblies next term.

We thank everyone for their participation and continued support of our programme.

Max Condon
Director of Chess

Rugby

Round eight of the GPS Rugby competition saw Churchie play TSS in our final game of the season. With fantastic conditions, a cool breeze and large crowds, the stage was set for a cracking day of rugby. Both schools played the game the way it should be played, with enterprising attacking rugby and powerful ball runners on display.

It was a close tussle between the two schools right throughout the day, and the overall result came down to the First XV fixture. Despite a brave defensive effort from the Churchie First XV against probably the biggest side in the competition, TSS was able to come away winners with 11 victories to Churchie’s 10.

This Saturday, we will host our End of Season Function in Morris Hall. Please join us as we conclude the season.

Andrew Moloney
Director of Rugby

First XV report

In the final round of the GPS season, Churchie and TSS clashed on a splendid day for rugby, with the perfect weather setting the stage for an exciting encounter. Churchie drew first blood with some impressive attacking play. Kasper Tammela showcased his agility and speed, breaking through TSS’s defence and making significant ground. Following his break, Bailen Noy was in close support and almost crossed the line, but it was Sio Kite who managed to power through the defence and score the opening try for Churchie.

TSS quickly retaliated, breaking through Churchie’s defensive line with a well-coordinated attack. Will Bloxham made a stunning solo effort, dodging several defenders and capitalising on a turnover created by Churchie’s defence, which was led by Max Blanch and George Ward. TSS continued to build on their momentum with a series of effective pick-and-go phases, their persistence paying off as they managed to score again, closing the first half with a slim lead of 19 – 12.

The second half began with TSS coming out strong, quickly adding a few more tries to their tally and extending their lead. Despite the early setback, Churchie began to rally. Harry Solofa, known for his explosive line breaks, started to make an impact, slicing through TSS’s defensive line and creating opportunities for his teammates. Max Blanch, Churchie’s captain, converted a crucial try, demonstrating leadership and composure under pressure.

Sam Williams also played a pivotal role in Churchie’s resurgence, making several crucial line breaks and putting immense pressure on the TSS defence. His relentless efforts, combined with the effective support play from his teammates, started to shift the momentum.

Despite Churchie’s determined comeback and spirited effort in the latter part of the match, TSS maintained their lead. The final score was 44 – 26 in favour of TSS, reflecting a game filled with dynamic play and competitive spirit from both sides.

Andrew Brownhill
First XV Coach

Rowing

While some of us enjoyed a leisurely Father’s Day on Sunday, our 2025 rowing coaches were hard at work participating in a full-day development programme. The day was facilitated by Michael Brake, dual Olympian and winner of the Olympic gold medal in the New Zealand Men’s Eight at Tokyo 2020.

The focus of the day was building a winning culture, setting our values for the boat club and executing at a pinnacle event. Thank you to the Rowing Support Group for funding this initiative aimed at improving the technical competency and broader development of our rowers.

Year 7 Coxes

Churchie Rowing invites Year 7 boys to join our programme as coxes for the 2025 season. Coxes play an important role in training and racing, perhaps the most important part. Boys will be mentored by their coaches and a dedicated coxing coach. It is a fantastic way to get a taste of rowing before taking it up in Year 8.

Please email Director of Rowing Tyson Sholl, to register interest at tyson.sholl@churchie.com.au.

Tyson Sholl
Director of Rowing

Track and Field

We are looking for donations of spikes for boys. If you have any that you have outgrown or no longer use, please consider donating. You can drop them off at the Sports Office upstairs in the Sir John Pidgeon Sports Complex between 8 am and 4 pm, Monday to Friday.

Sporting achievements

Congratulations to the following students who achieved representative success in their sporting pursuits.

Track and Field

Twenty-one Churchie athletes competed in the Metropolitan East Regional Track and Field Championships on 22 and 23 August.

All boys competed very well, with the following boys being selected in the Metropolitan East team to contest the state championships from 10 to 13 October:

• Jayden Ah Boo, 16 Years, 100 m and 200 m
• Adam Beiers, 17 Years, 400 m
• Mac Chandler, 14 Years, 3000 m
• Cruz Collins, 14 Years, Long Jump and Triple Jump
• Josh Kwan, 14 Years, 100 m, 200 m and Long Jump
• Freddie McDonnell, 15 Years, 1500 m
• Campbell McIntyre, 18 Years, 400 m and 800 m
• Zac Moore, 15 Years, 3000 m
• Lachlan Moore, 16 Years, 1500 m and 3000 m
• Andrew McConnel, 14 Years, 1500 m and 3000 m
• Hamish Russell, 15 Years, Javelin
• Caleb Watson, 14 Years, 400 m and 800 m
• Will Forrest, 13 Years, Discus and Shot Put
• Jack Love, 18 Years, 400 m Hurdles

Congratulations to these boys, and we wish them well at the state championships next term.

Cross Country

Last weekend, five Churchie boys competed in the Athletics Australia Australian Cross Country Championships in Launceston, Tasmania.

All boys ran very well:

• George Chandler, U12, 9th
• Daniel Lane, U13, 38th
• Andrew McConnel, U15, 19th
• Freddie McDonnell, U16, 31st
• Lachlan Moore, U17, 11th

Congratulations on these wonderful results to conclude an outstanding 2024 cross country season. All boys now focus on preparing for the track and field season.

Lachlan Moore (Year 10) competed at the School Sport Australia (SSA) National Cross Country Championships over the weekend of 24 to 25 August in Yarra Glen, Victoria.

In addition to last week’s celebrated achievements, Lachlan’s Queensland team also won gold in the team event and silver in their relay.

Basketball

This week, Year 9A and First V player Andrew Watene added a national selection to his impressive year of basketball achievements. Andrew was selected by Basketball Australia in the U15 Oceania Selection Camp, which preludes the first chance for junior basketballers to represent their country at the highest level. Andrew will attend the selection camp later this year for a chance to represent Australia and qualify the country for the World Junior Championships. Well done Andrew, for adding this to his All-Australian Schoolboys selection and representing Queensland at the national championships back in July.

Table Tennis

Owen Jin (Year 9) recently competed in the Table Tennis Australia Tour – Brisbane where he placed second in the U15 Boys’ Singles. This tournament, one of four major tours held annually, attracted top players from across various states and New Zealand.

Trent Goodrick
Head of Cocurricular