NSATIS SWIMMING SUCCESS

Scotch Oakburn College swimmers delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 NSATIS Swimming Carnival held at the Launceston Aquatic Centre, securing the coveted Co-Ed Aggregate Shield and claiming five out of the seven shields and four pennant flags across the day.

The College finished as overall champions. A remarkable result built on success across all age groups and genders.

Scotch Oakburn’s girls were particularly impressive, winning the Girls Junior Shield, Girls Senior Shield, and Girls Aggregate Shield. The boys also enjoyed a strong carnival, taking out the Boys Senior Shield and finishing second overall in the Boys Aggregate competition by a narrow margin.

It is important to note that we had a number of injuries and illnesses on the day. I would like to highlight the courage and commitment of the following students that allowed our team to fill every event. Some of these students were called upon during the morning of the event, with others competing in age group well above their own: Billy McFadzean, Edwina Thirkell-Johnson, James van der Aa, Michaela Kriz, Charlie McLeod, Ellie Wilson and Clementine Gee. Congratulations to these students.

In age group pennant flags, Scotch Oakburn claimed first place in the Girls Under 13, Under 14 and Under 15 and the Boys Open, while also recording several second-place finishes across other age groups.

Several swimmers produced exceptional individual performances. Among the highlights were Steve Hanson who set a new NSATIS record in the Boys Open 50m Freestyle 23.91 seconds, 50m Butterfly 27.02 seconds and 100m Freestyle 53.45 seconds. Doug Hyde dominated the Boys Under 16 age group, winning the 50m Freestyle, 100m Freestyle and 50m Breaststroke events. Sophia Vincour was outstanding in the Girls Under 15 division, winning the 50m Freestyle, 50m Butterfly and 50m Backstroke, while helping her relay team to victory. Mila Huegill produced a sensational swim to win the Girls Under 14 50m Freestyle in a time faster than the existing NSATIS record, posting 28.17 seconds against the listed record of 28.96 seconds, and Xavier Wang enjoyed an exceptional carnival, winning the Boys Under 14 50m Breaststroke in an NSATIS record of 34.03 seconds and recording multiple podium finishes across freestyle, butterfly and backstroke events.

Our relay teams were a major contributor to the overall victory, winning the Girls Under 14 and Under 16 Medley Relays, Girls Under 13, Under 14 and Under 15 Freestyle Relays, and Boys Open Freestyle and Medley Relays.  The Boys Open Freestyle Relay team of Steve Hanson, Samuel Fischer, Jed Routley and Brock Seton delivered one of the performances of the day, stopping the clock at 1:43.68, comfortably ahead of the field in a new record. The Girls Under 15 Relay team of Sophie Vincour, Sienna Nesbit, Jorja Geale and Chloe Hassell also broke the NSATIS record convincingly in a time of 2:01.66. Beating the previous record by over 5 seconds.

Congratulations to all swimmers and Mrs Jane Gregg whose commitment and preparation contributed to this outstanding team success. The results reflect the depth of talent, teamwork and school spirit within the College.  Our next event is the SATIS swimming held in Hobart on Friday 18 September. The team for SATIS swimming will be announced in the coming weeks. We wish our swimmers all the best of luck in this event.

Ali Foot
Head of Sport