Term 2 2012 - Maribyrnong Sports Academy @ Maribyrnong College

SPORTS ACADEMY NEWS
IBBY BALLA - OUR FIRST OLYMPIAN!
Term 2 2012
( Photo courtesy Herald Sun)
Further to the “stop press” in our Term 1 Newsletter, we’re excited to announce that we have our rst Olympian! Ibraham ‘Ibby’ Balla
will represent Australia as a member of the Australian Boxing Team, at the London Olympics. Ibby and his two brothers attended
Maribyrnong College - Ibby graduated in 2008. He recently visited the Sports Academy, where he commented on the high quality
facilities and training environment available to our athletes. He was also thrilled to learn that he will be the rst Olympian on our
Honour Wall.
We hope you enjoy reading the following article, which featured in the Herald Sun recently. We wish Ibby every success in London and
look forward to seeing him on his return to Australia.
London bound Ibrahim Balla was just nine when his potential was noticed by his boxing champion dad.
"It was as soon as I put some gloves on him, I could tell (his talent)," said Nuri Balla, a former Victorian amateur champion.
"I was already training his older brother (Qamil), and Ibby kept saying 'give me a go, Dad, give me a go'. So I did."
Ibrahim, now 21, gave it such "a go" in that shed at Rockbank, he is headed to the Olympics.
He will represent Australia in the 56kg bantamweight division,
"I'm very excited, but Dad was probably even more excited than me," joked Ibrahim.
Nuri reveals the steely resolve that has turned this young Maribyrnong College graduate into a potential world-beater. "Ibby's always
had this real dedication," he said.
Ibrahim will go to London with his father, uncle Mitat (a former national boxing champion) and brothers Qamil and Nasuf, but his mum,
Ajser, will stay home.
"I reckon she will denitely watch me on the television, but it would probably be a bit much for her (in person)," he said.

AFL DARWIN CAMP
Maribyrnong Sports Academy AFL students competing against Northern Territory Thunder
In Term 2 our AFL players were oered the opportunity to travel to Darwin to participate in a number of matches against Northern Territory
Thunder.
This exchange oered our students the opportunity to experience life in the Northern Territory through cultural exchange and
sportsmanship. Our students recorded their experiences and here are excerpts from their travels:
“The trip to Darwin was a smasher; it was full of laughs and jokes when we wanted to, but when it was serious we were all focussed. Going
through crocodile infested waters, in a two-story boat with fty other people, must be a dream, especially when there are 5 meter crocodiles
jumping for meat on a rod unexpectedly and watching the instructor feed the ying whistling kites just top it o.” Tyron Bennett
“The trip to Darwin was an amazing experience for all of us. Probably the biggest highlight of the trip was going to Litcheld National park.
Swimming under the waterfalls and jumping o the overhanging trees and rocks into the rock pools was heaps of fun. I thank the sta a lot
for taking us up there”. Cooper Bond
“At the end of the school holidays the Maribyrnong football Academy went on a trip to Darwin. From the beginning to the end it was a
great adventure! Besides all the great fun we had, we came to play football. We had four games: two junior matches and two senior. They
were good games and even though in one we played boys up to four years older, and lost all matches, we enjoyed them and learnt a lot
about how we can improve.” Max Maynard
“I enjoyed the Maluk primary school clinic, it was fun teaching some exciting drills to them. Also thought the matches against NT Thunder
were a great experience even though we lost. We learnt many things during our games and the NT boys are a great bunch of talented kids.
Overall it was an unforgettable experience to see the culture and I’m keen to go back there in the future.” Kyle Grin
“Darwin was the best trip I’ve been on ever! It was educational, character building, but most of all enjoyable! Darwin was a magnicent
experience that I will never forget. It was a great place to have a footy Academy tour and I strongly encourage it to take place in the future.”
Ben Caluzzi
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT & SPORTING EXCELLENCE
Maribyrnong Sports Academy

VISIT FROM ELIZABETH COLLEGE - TASMANIA
We recently hosted 44 students and sta from Elizabeth College Hobart on their annual four day "Science of Sport"
excursion to Melbourne. This is the third time we have hosted this tour but the schools have been collaborating with
each other for seven years through sta exchanges and curriculum sharing, especially in relation to sports academy
development. The partnership with Maribyrnong is highly regarded by the Tasmanian senior school - this year, one of
the EC Assistant Principals attended while last year the College Principal accompanied the tour to see the "sister school"
relationship rst hand.
Elizabeth College run an extensive Athlete Development Program and specialise in volleyball, netball, taekwondo,
hockey and water polo. While they were in Melbourne the Tasmanian students visited the Institute of Sport, Exercise
and Active Living (ISEAL) at Victoria University, the Western Bulldogs and the Victorian Institute of Sport. They also
completed excursions to the MCG and the National Gallery of Sport and attended ADP classes, netball training and a
water polo session where the state sporting organisations were also involved. During their stay they "camped out"
overnight in the stadium and slept on the yoga mats. Thank you to all sta who contributed to the success of the tour
and much appreciation to Bocca Foods who catered for the visitors during their stay. Elizabeth College will reciprocate
for our students and sta when they host our second Outdoor Education excursion to Tasmania's Freycinyt Peninsula in
Term 4 to participate in bushwalking, sea kayaking and rock climbing. Interested students from Years 9 and 10 should
see Ms Bramley to register their name for this interstate camp.
VISIT FROM BUKIT JALIL SPORTS SCHOOL - KUALA LUMPUR
A report from Olympic Staff member : Mr Andrew Smith - Australian ‘Kookaburra’
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT & SPORTING EXCELLENCE
On 29th May, the Bukit Jalil Sports School hockey team arrived in
Melbourne, all rugged up and well prepared for the cold weather that
Melbourne had to oer them. Virtually straight from the airport and out
to the State Netball and Hockey Centre, the team loosened up with a late
morning training session. The boys, aged 14 or 15 years old, were put
through their paces with a welcome and warm up training session. This was
used as preparation for the game against a School Sport Victorian team in
the evening. This proved to be a very entertaining match, with the Bukit
Jalil boys showing excellent pace and skill. Bukit Jalil scored twice in the
rst half, to take a two goal margin into half time. Tiredness seemed to
set in after the break, and the School Sport Victoria team gained some
momentum to make the most of their opportunities and tie the game at
2-2. This is where the game nished, and a very appropriate score line for
an evenly contested and entertaining match.
Game 2 saw Bukit Jalil boys take on a Hockey Victoria Under 15 boys team in another
very entertaining and evenly matched performance. Both teams showed excellent skill
and teamwork, scoring two goals a piece and taking the game to another 2-2 result
The third and nal game saw the Maribyrnong Sports Academy Hockey team take on
the Bukit Jalil boys out at Altona Hockey Centre. This was an opportunity for the boys
and girls who hosted the visiting students to take them on, out on the pitch. This was
another entertaining game with Maribyrnong eventually coming out on top 2-1 in a
friendly, skilful and hard fought game. Following the match, all the boys and their host
families enjoyed a meal together in a relaxed setting in the Clubrooms.
Maribyrnong Sports Academy

COACHING SUCCESS TO ARTHUR PAPAS
We pleased to announce that head of our Soccer program, Arthur Papas has been oered a very exciting opportunity as Head
Coach of the Indian U22/23 team. Arthur, who has been involved in our program for many years as Head Coach and Technical
Director, he has enjoyed many coaching opportunities in Australia and this oer is a tremendous vote of condence in Arthur’s
professionalism and commitment to the game.
Though just 32, Arthur has been highly regarded for his tactical acumen and no-nonsense attitude. After a couple of training
sessions with India’s U22 squad, Arthur spoke to the media in India, about his coaching philosophy and India’s Chances at the U-22
Asian Cup Qualiers. Here is an excerpt from this interview:
How has your Indian experience been so far?
I must say it has been pleasant experience so far. All the people I have been in contact with have been very warm towards me and
this has helped me in settling down fast. I’m trying to embrace the culture as much as possible in all areas. It is very important for
me to adjust to the Indian culture. It gives me the best opportunity to deliver my level of expertise to Indian football.
SOCCER & HOCKEY FIELDS
The much anticipated opening of our new $6M synthetic elds for football, hockey and athletics is very close and is
creating quite a buzz amongst students, sta and the community. The rst stage to be released for school use will
be the FIFA approved football pitch which will be available to student athletes from week one of Term 3 for Technical
training, followed by wider use for PE and lunchtimes as building activity winds down and the site is fully handed back
to the school. It was exciting to see the installation of the goals and nets recently which really brings the pitch to life.
The pitch is one of the most technologically advanced in Australia and has shock pads installed beneath the synthetic
surface as well as the granulated rubber inll between the grass bres to reduce impact on players. The hockey pitch
uses the new EVOPRO technology for the surface and is the rst of its kind in Australia. The hockey pitch will be
surrounded by a synthetic athletics warm up track and jumps pits. It should be ready for use in August this year.
The lighting system is also very advanced with six
30m towers illuminating each pitch. The lighting
systems are capable of dual settings - one for
training and one for competition. The soccer pitch
can be illuminated to 350 lux while the lighting
for hockey is 500 lux at competition levels.
Facilities for Beach Volleyball, Shot Putt, High Jump
and Cricket have also been commenced and the area
surrounding the pitches will be fully landscaped
with synthetic grass as well.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT & SPORTING EXCELLENCE
In terms of football we have much work to do. It's about introducing a new style of
football and to do this you need have a view of long term development plan that ts in
with such a change in philosophy.
In the short term we will work diligently, with high levels of enthusiasm and an aim in
the long term to improve the standings of India in the World Rankings. It requires
patience from all involved.
We wish Arthur every success and look forward to hearing of his experiences, on his
return to Australia. He will stay on as the Technical Director of our football program and
will continue to work with our student athletes and coaching sta each term.
Maribyrnong Sports Academy

GIRLS CAMP - PHILLIP ISLAND
2XU OFFER
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT & SPORTING EXCELLENCE
Whilst some of the AFL boys enjoyed the sun in Darwin, it was the girls chance to soak up
the sun at Phillip Island.
Girls from year 7 through to year 11 were invited to attend this camp run by three-time
Olympic medalist Natalie Titcume. The focus was on specic issues girls face in sport
including body image, perception, relationships and teamwork.
But it wasn’t all hard work with a visit to the Penguin Parade, The Nobbies, team building
activities and a refreshing swim at the beach. The camp was well received by the girls,
having made lots of new friends across all year levels. It is anticipated that this camp will
be oered again in 2013.
Special thanks to Natalie Titcume, Brooke Thompson, Amy Scattolin and Erin Carroll for their assistance and expertise.
We’re pleased to announce that from Term 3, the highly regarded sporting apparel company 2XU, will be oering a range of
compression garments to our student athletes. Founded and based in Melbourne, 2XU create products which assist athlete
performance, through the specialised fabric and construction technology used in their garments. 2XU is fast becoming one of the
most technical performance sports brands, endorsed by sports institutes and professional athletes.
Parents and athletes will soon be able to view samples and catalogues at Sports Academy reception. Detailed information
regarding the payment and ordering process will be sent home when available.
IMPORTANT DATES
MONDAY 16 JULY Term 3 Commences
WEDNESDAY 18 JULY Whole School Assembly - Including a performance from "Mana and the Jungle Boys"
MONDAY 23 JULY Deadline for Applications for Year 8-12 2013 Entry
TUESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER Parent Teacher Interviews
FRIDAY 21 SEPTEMBER Term 3 Concludes
FRIDAY 12 OCTOBER 'MARBY CUP' - Flemington Racecourse
23 - 30 NOVEMBER Bukit Jalil Sports School Combined International Event - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
28 NOVEMBER - 18 DECEMBER USA Basketball Tour
WEDNESDAY 5 DECEMBER Sports Academy Awards Night
9 - 14 DECEMBER National Schools Volleyball Cup
Maribyrnong Sports Academy

VICTORIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS
It was a gorgeous day at Metropolitan Golf Course for the nals of the Victorian Secondary School Teams
Championships.
Our team, accompanied by Assistant Sport Director , Mr Marty Cusack had a fantastic day, playing on this very tough
course. We're pleased to report that the Maribyrnong College 2 team who won the day with a total of 74 stableford
points. Our team have now earned a place at the Australian School Teams
Championships which will be played at Peninsula Country
Golf Club in December.
Closely following our team were Haileybury College
with 72 points and third place, on a countback, went to Rowville
Secondary College 2.
It was a fabulous day for our players, who all have been oered the
chance to apply for one of 15 scholarships oered by Metropolitan
Golf Club. Congratulations to our team and we wish them every
success competing in December!
“THIS SCHOOL’S ON A WINNER WITH OLYMPIANS AT EVERY TURN”
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ‘THE HERALD SUN’
The odds of becoming an Olympic athlete are said to be more than 600,000/1. But no bookie would take money on the
chances of running into one at Maribyrnong College. With eight former Olympians on sta, they are almost impossible
to avoid. "The kids probably have a skewed view about how easy it is to become an Olympian," joked four-timer Natalie
Titcume. "With eight of us ... they probably think we're everywhere."
Along with basketball superstar Chris Anstey, Softball champion Titcume is a student mentor at the western suburbs public
school. And then there are the four other Olympians working as sta members at the Academy: Andrew Smith (Hockey),
Erin Carroll (Badminton), Pam Ryan (Kilborn) (Hurdler) and Tony Benson (middle-distance runner). Together they embody
the dramatic transformation of Maribyrnong College.
Maribyrnong College is Victoria's only public school that is designated as a "sports academy" and they currently have
about 75 athletes competing at state or national level. The school has transformed from a struggling high school seven
years ago to a breeding ground for sporting champions.
Maribyrnong Sports Academy Director Rob Carroll said $20 million had been spent on rst-class sports facilities in the past
six years. Enrolments have soared from 325 to 1150, including 480 "student-athletes" who get expert training across 27
sports. This year, the school has notched up its rst Olympian in boxer Ibrahim Balla, who has qualied for London.
And many more are expected to follow - 75 students are competing at state or national levels. "A school deemed to
be closed is now a school of choice with long waiting lists, " Mr Carroll said. "To get kids into Olympic teams, that's the
ultimate, but we are also seeing big gains in academic performance."
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT & SPORTING EXCELLENCE
Maribyrnong Sports Academy