From 1988 to 2017, the Water Polo team at The Scots College has proven itself a cut above the rest. Having won the first Premiership in the Combined Associated Schools/Great Public Schools (CAS/GPS) competition 29 years ago, on Saturday 4 March, the 1sts Water Polo team further cemented their place as the leading school for Water Polo, taking out the Premiership title for the second year running in the Athletic Association of the Great Public Schools (AAGPS) competition.
The team, consisting of Thomas Bedingfield (15), Joshua Bousie (15), Charles Hoffman (13), James Kolenda (17), Joe Kospetas (16), Edward Lennox (15), Henry Lennox (17), Hamish McDonald (15), Hugh O’Neill (15), Harry Petch (17), Hugo Podgornik (16), James Underhill (14) and Nathan Zylstra (16) displayed the result of numerous strength and conditioning sessions, swim sets and additional skill sessions. Even more impressive was the average age of the team was quite young compared to their competitors.
“Scots is considered as one of the strongest and most competitive schools in all grades. We have earned this reputation because Scots boys train hard and play hard, and their coaching program is second to none.” Said Master in Charge of Water Polo at the College, Mr Val Zele.
“Our students train before, during and after College and with this commitment, we have been the most successful school.”
The team was led by Year 12 student, James Kolenda, who last year represented Australia in the Australian Born 1999 team that played in the Pan Pacific Youth Water Polo Festival, New Zealand.
“I’ve been at the College since the age of four, and since then I have learnt how to persevere and work in a team to achieve excellence,” commented James. “The staff and coaches have been extremely supportive and help set our team apart.”
Mr Vedran Cirkovic, Men’s Born ’97 National Australian Assistant Coach, member of the Cronulla Sharks Water Polo squad and Coach for the NSW Combined Independent Schools (CIS) team, coaches the 1sts Water Polo team. The College also boasts Mr Thomas Whalan, an Old Boy who graduated in 1998, as part of its alumni. Thomas has represented Australia more than 330 times including four Olympic Games and five World Championships.
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