This year’s whip-cracking team from St John’s: Mattea Kersnovski, Harry Johnstone, Pita Tidmarsh, Laura Tessmann (behind) Mr Jon Kotzur (St John’s staff member), Harry Tessmann, Henry Bowler and Noah Woodhead (Photo: St John’s Lutheran School)

August 13, 2014

Youngsters from two Kingaroy schools set a cracking pace at the Ekka on Saturday.

Whip cracking teams from St John’s Lutheran School and St Mary’s Catholic College entertained the crowds with their fancy skills and antics.

Team cracking events proved a popular crowd pleaser, as well as the individual competitions and accuracy races.

The noise of the whips drew in huge crowds to watch the students, and children and families alike had a wonderful day watching the competition and mingling with many of the Ekka visitors.

St John’s school won the overall competition trophy with students Mattea Kersnovski and Laura Tessmann taking first and third places in the individual competition; and Harry Tessmann winning the accuracy event.

Steph Arrell from St Mary’s came second.

The St John’s team had practiced together over many morning teas and lunch times, and put in a great effort.

For the week before the Ekka performance, the students practiced after school as a combined team with St Mary’s to get their team work and timing honed to perfection.

Mr Jon Kotzur introduced whip cracking to St John’s school many years ago and some of the students have been mastering this sport under his direction since they started in Year 2.

“I am proud of each member of the team,” Mr Kotzur said.

“It is a great sport for students to not only learn the skill of whip cracking, but also how to work together as a team.”

Mr Kotzur said he loved seeing the students’ faces when they were just starting out to master the initial cracks.

“I can then go on to teach the older children more complex cracks, then how to be able to combine them into routines. which takes a lot of dedication.

“I know there are quite a few upcoming younger students who now want to join in at morning tea times to start learning this skill.”

St John’s also passed on their thanks to Paul Sims and Adrian Landherr for hosting the event at the Ekka.

Both men have assisted at both schools to encourage the students from time to time.

From Ekka TV:

St Mary’s team in action:

Post by Saint Mary’s Catholic College.
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