The Weekly Wrap

Basketball

Terrace Basketball is excited to return to play this season after our fantastic success last year. Season 2020 will obviously be quite different to other years as we adapt to training and playing in a COVIDSafe environment; however, we are determined to deliver a great experience to every student through our quality coaching and promotion of enjoyment through learning. Basketball participation at Terrace this year is the highest of any GPS school with 345 players making up 37 teams, indicating the popularity and prominence of Basketball at the College. We hope that, despite the new challenges this season, our sense of community at training and on game days remains strong with the players, families and supporters of the Basketball program. 

Last weekend was an opportunity for some of our teams to engage in trial games with fixtures against Nudgee College, Ambrose Treacy College and St Laurence’s College, along with some internal matches. It was a positive return to Basketball for the program and we thank our Basketball families for making their sons available over the holiday period to best prepare for the 2020 season. 

The 1st V Squad began their preseason training last month, and despite the shortened preparation period, all players have readily invested time and energy in improving their skills. The team boasts 12 players returning from the 2019 Premiership side; however, the group is acutely aware that their success last year won’t guarantee any easy wins this season – only their teamwork and dedication on court will decide whether they can go one better in 2020. Consistency will be key in this year’s highly competitive championship. The program would like to thank Mr Matthew Hamilton-Smith, Mr Sam McKinnon, Mr Rodger Smith and Mr Josh Kersevani for their efforts in preparing the 1st V this season. Many thanks also to Mr Henry Mahoney and Mr Patrick McInerney for their work with the wider program. 

Round 1 | Ipswich Grammar School

This weekend marks the start of the GPS Basketball season, and Terrace will take on Ipswich Grammar School (IGS) for their first fixture. IGS are a formidable opponent to face first up and a good result on Saturday will require all players to be at their best. To win a championship, teams must play like champions, so all players are encouraged to actively compete on every play this weekend. Proactive and engaged play will define the results each Saturday this season. Whether chasing down the play to try and block a certain layup, or simply diving on a loose ball to gain possession, competing up to the final whistle is critical regardless of the score.  We wish all Basketballers representing the College this weekend the best of luck.

Rugby

The 2020 Terrace Rugby Program is well underway, with large numbers of boys attending the annual Rugby Readiness Clinics held at Tennyson. The work over the holidays will lay a solid foundation for the program to build on as we head into Term 3 Rugby.

Thanks to all staff, Old Boys and Rugby families for their generous support over the holiday period. A special thanks to the Mr Alan Kennedy and the Tennyson grounds staff who had the facility in perfect condition for the clinics.

Player Readiness Clinics

The purpose of the clinics was to prepare the boys for the upcoming GPS Rugby season. All elements of the Smart Rugby and “Confidence in Contact” program were delivered during the clinics by experienced coaches.

By their nature, body contact sports like rugby have the potential to cause injury. In order to develop the next generation of rugby players, we must give them the skills to approach body contact with confidence and minimise the chance of injury. The focus around the tackle and tackle contest is a key area of our weekly training, which will ensure that techniques are progressively developed by our boys.

Boys who did not attend the Holiday Rugby Clinic are required to complete “Confidence in Contact” training during the first two weeks of Term 3 training prior to being eligible to play in Round 2 against TGS.

Internal training day and practice games | Saturday 18 July

Building on from the good work at the Rugby Readiness Clinics the boys will train at Tennyson this Saturday and will participate in internal practice games – schedule TBC, please check the College App.

Training

A reminder that the Term 3 Training Schedule is available on the College App. Buses will depart the College at 3.15pm sharp and return at approximately 6.15pm. Boys may be collected from Tennyson at 5.30pm, but parents and caregivers must stay inside their cars during collection according to COVIDSafe guidelines.