Torquay teen chasing Australian honours

A Torquay teenager will hit the field in Darwin on Friday as he takes another step towards his dream of representing Australia.

Ashton Schram fell in love with hockey the first time he picked up a stick at the Torquay Tornadoes.

Following in his brother’s footsteps, the 18-year-old is preparing for his second national championships this year.

No stranger to the representative pathway, Schram said earning selection in Victorian teams over several years had been a source of pride and an important stepping stone towards his long-term ambitions.

“[Hockey is] pretty small in Australia compared to other sports,” Schram said.

“I’d love to go over and play in Europe; it’s pretty big over there. I’d love to play for Australia and go to the Olympics one day.”

After competing in the under-21 national championships earlier this year as the youngest player in the Victorian side, Schram is looking forward to returning to the under-18 championships, where he hopes to put those experiences to good use.

“I’m a very competitive person, so I love that aspect of it but I’ve also met heaps of really good people and found an opportunity to hang out with them and do something I love,” Schram said.

Following the championships, Schram will return to his club season with Footscray Hockey Club and aims to play at the national indoor championships later this year.

Despite the travel demands, he said he would not change a thing about his hockey journey.

Not even a 90-minute drive each way, four times a week, has deterred him.

“Most people look at us and say we’re crazy but when you like something that much, I feel like it’s worth it,” Schram said.

“It’s not too bad once you get used to it, but it is a very big commitment.”