Oxley College looks to improve in a run on the EISM Cross Country Championship

The Oxley College Senior School recently ran their Inter House Cross Country Competition which launched the cross country season for the Senior School.  Following this, a training squad of 122 students has now been named in preparation for the EISM Cross Country Championship.

“Inclusion in this team is an excellent achievement and the inter-school team provides students with the experience of competing against teams from 21 other schools,” said Mr Gavin Fox, Head of Senior School Sport.  “Potentially, there could be up to 220 runners in every age group race!”  Schools receive points according to the places gained by their runners in each age group, and so every runner on the team has an important role to play in placing the school in the events.

On the boy’s side, Head Coach Mr Michael Bond will look to guide his team to a first place victory. “I expect anyone who is wearing the uniform to perform their best,” said Mr Bond.  The team will have a good twelve weeks of training to prepare for this race. Oxley College’s boy’s cross country team took second place last year with Travis Bail winning his individual race and leading the Under 15 Boys to an age group section victory.

“We are excited about getting in uniform and trying our best. Any competition is big, but the chance to perform well at the EISM Championship is great,” said Mr Bond.

Also leading in the boys this year is Sam Womersley, who last year was just a fraction away from taking the top spot in the Boys Under 16 4 km event. Along with Travis and Sam, Oxley College will return Ryan Pryor and Sami Walczac who all won their individual races at the Oxley College Inter House Competition.

On the girl’s front, Kelsey Bail will take the leadership role, taking first place during the past two years in her age group at the Oxley College Inter House Competition. Oxley  will look to their other stand out runners to finish in the top three this year including Taneka Hailes, who won the Girls Under 13 EISM Championship last year and inter house winners Renee Robinson and Erin Vandenberg who have both improved significantly since last year.

“This is an opportunity for the team to get back together and not just run the race, but also set team goals,” said Mr Bond.  “As a team, we want to win the EISM Championship. We were close last year and really want to take the next step this year.”

Students at Oxley College will have an opportunity to train on Mondays after school with the Oxley College Running Group.  The purpose of the Running Group is to help individuals who enjoy running to improve their fitness.  Members of the Running Group aim to represent the school and local area in a positive light.  The final purpose of this group is to reach out to individuals that are new to running/jogging and work with these individuals to improve both their running ability and their overall fitness and health. There are no requirements for eligibility; the group is open any Oxley College student in Years 4-12 who feels that they are physically fit enough to jog.   Students are encouraged to speak to Mr. Bond if you have any questions.

The EISM Championship will be held on September 9th at Ruffey Lake.