General News
19 September, 2025
WSC students take top spot
Warracknabeal Secondary College's (WSC) Year seven and eight boys netball team has walked away with a state championship win under their belt in Melbourne earlier this week at the School Sport Victoria state final.
The team consisted of students Butla Beney, Tyler Templeton, Tobias Arnel, Lachie Clyne, Will McCurdy, Issac Credlin, Harry Lomax, Evan George and Campbell Mansfield, with Harmoni Bell coaching the team.
In the first game, they lost to Catherine McAuley C 12-14, which was followed by a win over Wodonga MYC 21-12 in their next match.
WSC defeated Whittlesea SC 26-5 in their final game.
Taking on Sunbury C in the semi-final, WSC walked away with a 25-14 win, making their way to the grand final, where they defeated Catherine McAuley C in a close 19-18 match.
Leading up to the tournament, the boys competed and won the Black Rangers event in Horsham and the Regionals event in Colac over the past four months.
College teacher Rikki Nitschke said all players had an impact in all three tournaments played, both on and off the court.
"The skill set and increased knowledge of the game's rules and strategies are something the boys worked hard to achieve, and their appreciation and respect for the game were key contributors to their success," he said.
"From a small rural town of footballers and basketballers to State Champions, the entire school is super proud of you all."
This is the first time WSC has had a state representation team win a championship.
"Last year we had three teams represent us at the state level for boys' netball, but to go the extra step this year was amazing," Mr Nitschke said.
"A massive thank you goes out to all of the participants' parents/families/guardians who took the boys to Melbourne for the competition.
"In particular, to Lynley Clyne, who took on the support staff role, ensuring all equipment was taken care of and documentation was completed."
To top off the day, the team also won the Spirit of Sport award for the tournament.
"It's a great reflection on the coach and students who were there," Mr Nitschke said.