In true cross-country conditions, the ACC Cross Country Carnival took place under some wet weather at Alderbury Reserve on Thursday 30th May. However, the rain did not dampen the spirits of a committed Emmanuel seventy-strong team who were in peak condition and ready to compete. With an array of intervals, threshold and long run sessions, under their belts, our coaches Mrs Winfield, Mr Cordingley and Mr Herrmann had our team well-prepared to conquer the 3km and 4km Perry Lakes Course.
The day began uniquely with the Under 19 runners kicking off the event. Led by Cross-Country Captains, Imogen Stanners and Nathan Long, our Seniors set an outstanding tone for the day. For some this was their final Cross Country Carnival in which the group delivered some fantastic performances. The Under 19 Boys came in firing, securing an impressive overall 11th Position for their Age Group out of 82 schools – an incredible start with Captain Nathan Long placing 9th.
Emmanuel students cheered our team along the finish chute, offering runners the final burst of encouragement they needed to cross the finish line. The team’s sportsmanship, resilience and determination throughout the event is a credit to our students. The Under 16s and 15s took on the 4km course next, achieving some remarkable results. Within these age groups the Girls were especially strong with the Under 16 Girls placing 2nd Overall, and the Under 15 Girls placing 3rd. To finish off the day, the Under 14s and Under 13s battled it out on the 3km track with the U14s Boys giving us another top 5 age group finish placing 4th Overall.
With over 350 students running each race, it is an incredible feat to place in the Top 50. Congratulations to the following Top 50 Emmanuel Runners below. I extend my congratulations to Olivia McCay (Year 10 Lisieux), Shea Correia (Year 9 Frassati), Imogen Winfield (Year 9 Teresa), and Nathan Long (Year 11 Siena) on their outstanding efforts in finishing in the Top 10.
The ACC “All Stars” recognises outstanding individual achievement, acknowledging the best performing athletes across the ACC. Special recognition must go to Olivia McCay, Shea Correia and Imogen Winfield for being named in the ACC All Stars Cross Country Team after their Top 5 Finisher results. We look forward to celebrating their performance with the presentation of ACC “All Stars” Commemorative Badges and Certificates later in the year.
After incredible performances in 2022 and 2023 at the ACC Cross Country, our team was keen to see how their training efforts reflected on the scoreboard. The Emmanuel Team placed 7th Place overall, out of 82 schools, a testament to their commitment and dedication to training. This is another outstanding result for our Team solidifying the strong foundations our team continues to build. Our students are to be commended upon their perseverance and outstanding efforts throughout training, and at the Carnival. It is fantastic to see their efforts being rewarded with an array of incredible results across all age groups.
We extend our gratitude to our dedicated coaches: Mrs Winfield, Mr Cordingley and Mr Herrmann for their commitment and innovative training sessions. A special thankyou also to Mr Henley and Miss Plunkett for their support across the day.
Official results and final results can be accessed at: https://www.accsport.asn.au/carnivals/cross-country/results/2024
Celina Dormer
Head of Sport