28 Jul 2017
West Wyalong High School entered two teams into the State Schoolaerobics competition this year. The girls began their campaign with tryouts early on in the year and due to the large number interested, it was quite difficult to select teams. However, Miss Astley, Mrs Milsom and Mrs Sherrie Clemson made some tough decisions to select two groups. Those girls then started to learn choreography for the first round of competition in May.
The school made a decision to become involved in the Somewhere Down Under competition three years ago, which means we only compete against schools in regional areas. This makes it a little easier on the girls and their families, as it means we do not have to travel to Sydney to compete. This saves time and money. Instead, we use Technology to submit our entry, where the girls perform their routines whilst being filmed. That video gets uploaded to drop box, where it is accessed and judged in exactly the same way as those competing in Sydney.
After the first round of filming, both teams were successful in securing a place in the State finals. This meant more hard work for both teams who utilised the feedback given to them by the judges. We then filmed their revamped routines and submitted them with fingers crossed for a good result. The CEO of TFT sports and event management, Roxanne Thew, called them personally to let them know that both teams had received gold medals in the State finals. She then went on to say that both teams had been invited to compete on the National stage in Queensland. This is a tremendous honour and not something to be taken lightly.
The Stage 1 team consists of Jade Connors, Kasey Mullins, Lydia Wells, Sarah Blackwood, Ratidzo Nyangu, Erica Davis, Emma Huebner, Tiarne Lloyd, Makayla Cooper, Jayda Stanton and Renee Burgers, and is an all-new team and so decided to take an extra year to train and build on their skills. The stage 2 team consists of Jess Butcher, Katie Clemson, Britney Troy, Tiarna O'Meley, Alana Donaldson, Jess Payne, and Kimberley Wright. They decided to accept the invitation and will leave for the Gold Coast on Thursday 3rd August with competition day being Sunday 6th August. Competition is always very strong on the national stage and so the girls are now working tirelessly to enhance their skill set and routines.
There will be a performance at the S & C Club on Tuesday 1st August. It will include both the Stage 1 and Stage 2 teams and will only cost a gold coin per person or small note per family. The girls will also be holding a raffle with the prize being a 4.5kg Toblerone. All proceeds will go towards their trip to the Gold Coast.
We would like to congratulate both Teams on their State Gold Medals and wish the Stage 2 team all the very best of luck at the National Championships.