Sport stars put Ballina Coast High School on the map

THREE Ballina Coast High School students have claimed national titles and international honours, putting the school in the spotlight for elite junior sport.

Connor Legzdins won gold in the boys’ long jump at the All-Schools National Athletics Championships in Melbourne.

He secured the title with a personal best jump of 6.77m and also placed fifth in the high jump while representing NSW.

Fellow student Maverick Gordon has been competing in Malaysia at the International Junior All-Stars Ten Pin Bowling Championships.

A school spokesperson said Gordon was selected in the under-22 Australian team and is competing this week.

Adding to the school’s success, Ashton Crowley returned home from Wollongong after winning the under-16 boys’ event at the Australian Junior Surfing Titles.

Crowley secured the title with a combined heat total of 15.83 out of 20.

“We are very proud of Connor for his hard work and commitment to his sport,” the spokesperson said.

“Ashton has now secured himself a spot on the Australian national surfing team that will contest the World Junior Surfing Championships in 2026.”

The young surfer, who previously represented South Australia before moving to Lennox Head, said the win was overwhelming.

“I can’t even think, I’m just so stoked. It’s a dream come true. I’m shaking,” he said.

“My plan was to take off and get as deep as possible, then come around the section and go as vertical as I could.”

“I managed to get five great waves in that heat and I’m so pumped.”

“It feels pretty special to have two states cheering for me.”