Torquay College students bound for state titles

TORQUAY College is eagerly anticipating the School Sport Victoria state championships in cross country running and soccer.

At last week’s regional cross country championships, four of the school’s seven athletes qualified for the state titles at Yarra Valley Racing Club on July 24.

Principal Louise Kahle praised the students’ determination and preparation.

“We’re incredibly proud of our students – not just for their sporting success, but for the way they represent our school and community with respect and determination,” she said.

The school gave special mention to local running coach Jo King, who has mentored the athletes.

King is a former world champion triathlete and record-holding middle-distance runner.

“Through her weekly training sessions in the Surf Coast community, she has helped nurture strength, resilience, and race-day confidence in the students, several of whom now head to the State Cross Country Championships thanks in part to her ongoing support,” the school stated.

 

 

Meanwhile, one of the girls’ soccer teams, which features Grade 5 and 6 students, progressed through to the state finals in Taylors Hill on August 7 after a nail-biting regional final that came down to a dramatic penalty shootout.

The school credited the influence of Coerver Coaching’s Adrian Leijer, a former Melbourne Victory captain and Socceroo.

“Adrian’s focus on technical skill development, confidence, and teamwork has played an important role in nurturing many of the region’s rising soccer stars,” Torquay College stated.

Assistant principal Amy Snow reflected on the broader impact of sport.

“Opportunities like these are about more than coming first place. They help build confidence, friendships, and a lifelong love of movement and healthy competition,” she said.

“We are so fortunate to be able to access sporting opportunities for our children within our local community. I love that my own children are able to live and learn by the sea and to have young people like these as their role models within our community.”