Snowsports

With the conclusion of the 2022 Snowsports season, it is paramount that the efforts of both the teachers and the squad be acknowledged when reflecting on the successes of the season. After doubting whether the sport could make a return from the severely detrimental pandemic, the Camberwell Grammar staff worked extremely hard in order to make sure that the students would have a smooth and triumphant season.

A highlight that kicked off the highlights to come was Falls Family Week, which is held every year in the last week of the Term 2 holidays at Falls Creek. Family Week was an opportunity for not only students to come together and learn from each other, but also provided the Snowsports community a chance to come together and share their passion for the sport. It certainly helped that the weather was phenomenal, resulting in many feeling like they were obliged to wear t-shirts. The Friends of Snowsports need to be thanked for this wonderful week, for organising the many events, and for their continuous efforts to revive the Snowsports community post-Covid-19.

Nonetheless, it is the Victorian Interschools Snowsports Championships that presented the students with an opportunity to excel in their respective events and to show both their fellow Grammarians, and other mates, who is ‘boss’. With exceptional efforts from every single student who gave it their all, honorable mentions must go to Alec McDougall, who competed in two events in which he had never competed before – snowboarding and cross country. Logan Taplin, Ryan Humphries, Michael Chen, and Tobias Phillips all showed perfect attendance and encouraging spirits at all training sessions. It is a combination of the efforts of these students, the motivation and expertise of Adam Earnshaw and Paul Sartori in the gym, the Strength and Conditioning coaches (if you couldn’t tell by their colossal muscles), and the assistance of Ms Massey, Mrs de Paiva and Mr Thomson during Interschools Week, who supported all the kids, even through some dreadful days, that shaped an appreciable season for all students to remember.

Furthermore, the results of the Victorian Interschool Championships are reflected in the effort put into the sport, with two consistent and outstanding runs from Lachlan Charlesworth, placing him in 39th position against older competitors. Despite Year 2 Junior School student, Arvin Aminazad’s inability to compete in the first two years of his schooling life, he was able to channel his determination toward the 2022 races. He channeled his determination toward the Alpine Giant Slalom race and it is with great pleasure to announce that this proved to be victorious, acquiring Camberwell Grammar’s first-ever victory in Victoria, by almost 5 seconds!

Inspired by his brother’s success, Year 12 student Arya Aminazad raced for Gold in the Alpine Giant Slalom, coming in second place. He turned his skis towards the Skier Cross, setting the fastest time ever recorded on the course, and happily stepping on the podium to bring home a second Gold for Camberwell Grammar.

Having said that, none of this would have been possible without the coordination and constant support of Mr Thomson, who ran the show at short notice. Many thanks to him and I hope that Camberwell Grammar can continue its streak of victory in 2023.