2021 Handball Tournament

Not even the Delta variant could stop the 2021 SJPC Annual Handball Tournament from being run and won. As well as being a good ‘circuit breaker’ for the students who’ve experienced many extra curricular activities being cancelled this year, the tournament also helped to raise a few dollars for the great work that the St Vincent de Paul Society here in Coffs Harbour.

The atmosphere was palpable as sign ons flooded in with students and staff desperate to compete for the prestige that comes with winning their respective titles. For students, they're aware that nothing looks better on a resume than the title “SJPC Year Level Handball Champion!” And for staff, the title of “Handball Champion” commands utmost kudos in the yard,...and a chance to take those wretched masks off for 10 mins to breathe while running around the court!

For some, this was their first time competing in this prestigious tournament, while for others redemption and the hope of erasing the demons of early round losses in previous years was foremost on their minds. For the reigning champions, they were under no illusion, there was ‘a target on their backs’ and complacency would almost certainly mean an early exit from this year's competition.

The scene was set! 

After  a week of minor rounds and preliminary finals the big day rolled around, but unfortunately there could only be one winner in each division. The cream had definitely risen to the top and the respective grand finals did not disappoint with close games being fought across the yard.

Amongst the female staff, Caroline ‘Kingy’ King ,shook off a tenacious  Siobhan ‘All Business’ McCosker to ‘take the chocolates’ and claim her maiden Female Staff SJPC handball title, a real win for the ages.

And the male staff final was also a ‘humdinger’ with Bryce ‘Silk’ Sully overcoming a big challenge from ‘the giant killer’ Andrew ‘All’ Heart who had methodically made his way through the draw like a stealth lion picking off its prey. 

After 12 years of perfecting his handball trade at school, Bryce was the short odds favourite but the school counselor definitely got ‘inside Bryce’s head’. At 9-8 Andrew served for the title but unfortunately ‘The Giant Killer’ failed to capitalise, going down narrowly to the ‘Silky’ Sully. 

No doubt the counselor will self annalyse, employ some positive self talk and be back for redemption next year.

The spirit in which all games were played was a highlight. The tournament created a positive atmosphere around the school during lunch and recess generating plenty of interest among students and opportunities for some good spirited banter.

Thanks must go to all participants who supported this initiative, this event doesn’t go ahead without staff and students signing on to play. Thanks also to those generous staff who assisted in many ways to make the tournament run smoothly.

We look forward to the tournament continuing to grow next year and become ‘a lock’ on the SJPC calendar. So until then,.. practice your power shots!

Tim Davis
Teacher - (Tournament Director, Chief Ball Boy and resident DJ)