TSP: ATHLETICS

What is the Hunter Sports High School Athletics Program?

The program has been operating since 1998 and provides a unique opportunity for talented athletes (boys and girls aged 12 to 18) within the Hunter Region to combine effectively academic and sporting excellence. The program includes:

• 2 x 1.5 hour training sessions per week for 40 weeks.
• CHS Competitions at Zone, Regional and State levels for Athletics and Cross Country.
• Australian All Schools Knockout Carnivals.
• Multi-skilling in track and field events.
• Specialised skills development.
• Individual programs if required and liaison with external coaches
• Goal setting and self-monitoring skills.
• Annual Live in Development Camp at Myuna Bay
• Fitness Assessment twice a year at Balance Health Club

In 2009 Hunter Sports Centre generously gave us the opportunity to conduct all training sessions at Glendale. This gives the athletes the opportunity to train at the premier athletics facility in the Hunter.

How does the Program work?

• The HSHS Athletics program aims to build a platform of skills in track and field in junior students and foster specialised skills development in senior students.
• The program has a heavy emphasis on individual development and goal setting.
• Students complete one conditioning and one event specific skills session per week. Students have the opportunity to specialise in a range of events with highly qualified coaches.

What has the Program Achieved?

• Hunter Sports High School achieved Zone status in 2007
• Regional Age Champions 2005-20010
• Cross Country NSWCHS 2008 1 Independent and 3 team medals
• 16 NSWCHS Representatives since 2005
• NSWCHS Athletics 2009 2 Independent and 3 teams medals
• 2008 competed at the International Children’s Games in San Francisco – Guy Walters a finalist in the 800m and Eliza Bell semi finalist in the 400m

2009

• Ben Fitzgerald, Caitlin Delaney, Guy Walters and Byron Cavender – Australian All Schools Athletics Representatives
• 13 NSW Representatives
• 5 All Schools Representatives
• Caitlin Delaney smashing the 3000m at Regional by 25 seconds
• Ben Fitzgerald – 1st at State in Discuss and Shot Put and 2nd in both at Australian All Schools

How does the Program link to Little Athletics and community running events?

All students are expected to be registered with Athletics NSW, undertaking 2 regular training sessions outside school hours. The program complements these training programs and recognises the individual circumstances of each athlete, particularly those already undertaking specialised technical coaching.

Who are the Athletics Coaches?

Our coaches are highly qualified and respected in the Athletics community. They bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to the Program.

• Paul Smith – Program Coordinator
• Tony Fairweather – Sprint Coach, ATFACA Level 4, and is also a Platinum Level Coach with he Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Jump Start to London 2012 Program. He has also been coach of Olympic, World champions and Commonwealth Games representatives including Josh Ross, Laura Whaler and Trisha Greaves. Also a national masters champion and winner of Stawell Gift 400m.
• Mark Taylor – Jumps ATFACA Level 2, currently ranked 10 th all time Australia High Jump and works with the Academy of Sport
• Ken Harradine – Level 3 ATFCA coach and is the father and coach of local Olympian Ben Harradine. Ken is also linked to the Australian Sports Commission’s Jumpstart to London 2012 Program. Ken also has his strength and Conditioning accreditation with ASCA and is also involved in the National Talent Identification Program.
• Scott Westcott– Distance Coach. Competed in the World Championships 2005 and 2009, 27 th in the Marathon, Australian Championships in 2005, 3 rd in the 10000m. Scott was a leading junior distance runner in Australia finishing 4 th in the marathon at the Melbourne Commonwealth games and has competed in many marathons around the world.

What does the Program provide?

• Individual skills development.
• Skills development and testing.
• Organisational and time management skills.
• Varied training program
• CHS Zone, Regional and State competitions in Athletics and Cross Country.
• Australian All Schools Knockout competition.
• Annual Camp.
• Interactive and positive learning environment.
• Fitness Assessment twice a year

What do the athletes say about the program?

“Being part of Hunter Sports High’s Athletic Program has allowed me to develop my skills with professional coaching as well as being able to pursue my academic goals”

Testimonial from Guy Waters ( CHS State Cross Country Gold Medalist and 5 th All Schools Placing)

How do I apply?

To be part of this program prospective students need to obtain an application package from our web page. Students must participate in regular athletics competitions and undertake a trial, and provide supporting documentation as detailed in the application package. Note that students may be in any year, and acceptance and ongoing placement in the program is based on continued academic effort, acceptable attendance levels and an excellent behaviour record.

Students are supported by a school environment which caters for the academic and welfare needs of the talented athlete, allowing students to gain a quality education whilst still pursuing their sporting dreams.