October 11, 2013
During the recent school holidays, 10 students from St Mary’s Catholic College in Kingaroy travelled to Penrith in NSW to take part in the 2013 National School Titles – and one came back as an “All Star”.
Bao Truong earned selection as an All Star and an automatic invitation to tour overseas.
The National Titles attracted teams from all over Queensland, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania.
The St Mary’s students represented South West Queensland and were selected during the various futsal competitions St Mary’s entered during the year.
Bao Truong, Ben Brookes, Pacey Clegg, Chris Janz, Robbie Veivers and Campbell Depper were members of the U13 boys squad.
The team began on a high with a 9-1 win over North Queensland.
That afternoon they lost 6-2 against South West Queensland City. On the second day, the boys began well getting out to a two-goal lead against Northern New South Wales Hunter. In the closing stages, defensive lapses allowed two goals to get past the keeper. The final score was 5-4 in favour of NSW.
That afternoon they faced an experienced Qld City side and lost 7-0.
On the third day of competition they lost to the second of two Qld City teams 10-2.
In their final game, the boys were playing for pride and put in their all only to narrowly lose 7-5 to NSW Central Coast.
Clare Adcock and Tessa Buzzo competed with the U13 girls, winning three of seven games. Both girls managed to score goals for their team.
Ben Cullen-Barber played for the U14 boys which challenged other teams towards the end of the titles.
Steph Mumford was a member of the Open girls team that had mixed results.
St Mary’s futsal co-ordinator Wade Toms said Steph played her characteristically tough style but unfortunately came away with an injury.
At the end of the tournament each coach in each age group nominated five players.
The five most nominated from each age group won the title of “All Stars” and were presented with a special jersey.
St Mary’s player Bao Truong received enough votes to be selected after his hard work during the three days.
“This is a strong indication of future Australian selection and automatic invitation to attend a tour of Spain and Barcelona,” Mr Toms said.
“A special congratulation to Bao on this amazing achievement at the National titles.
“I want to congratulate the members of these teams for matching it with the best futsal players from across the country. I would also like to acknowledge the players who were selected but declined attending for various reasons.”
UPDATE November 1, 2013: It was announced at last night’s St Mary’s Awards night that Pacey Clegg and Clare Adcock have also been invited to tour overseas.
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Clare Adcock also did very well at the Wide Bay Athletics Carnival held in September.
The Year 8 student won the 800m and 1500m for U13 girls and came second in the u15s 3000m.
