Unstoppable! Wesley claims ninth straight APS Cross Country Premiership
Wesley College is celebrating a remarkable sporting milestone with our Boys’ Cross Country team securing their ninth consecutive APS Premiership. In a thrilling final round at Yarra Bend, the boys edged out Scotch College to finish the season undefeated, cheered on by a passionate crowd of purple and gold.
Boys’ Captain Max (Year 12) credits the team’s success to its culture of trust and mutual support, describing the moment the result was announced as both ‘pure joy and relief.' He said: 'The secret to our success is the strong culture the entire squad has built over the past decade - we know we can rely on each other and trust everyone will give their all.'
Head Coach Tim O’Shaughnessy praised the group’s unity and resilience. ‘Nine wins in a row is phenomenal and is no accident. It’s the result of years of hard work, discipline and a team culture built on pushing each other to be better every single week. I am so immensely proud of this group who have carried the legacy with pride and have now carved out their own place in Wesley history.’
The Girls’ Cross Country team also had an impressive season, finishing third overall in a fiercely competitive field behind Caulfield Grammar and Haileybury. Their season was highlighted by victories in all six meets, including a rare 1-2-3 finish at Albert Park by Khushi (Year 12), Chloe (Year 8) and Sienna (Year 12).
‘Being in a coeducational school and training as one Wesley team - not as boys and girls separately, has been central to my growth as an athlete,’ said girls’ Co-Captain Khushi. ‘The boys challenge me in training and constantly push me to be faster. On competition days, the girls stay to cheer on the boys who race after us, as we know that our support matters.’
Co-Captain Sienna agrees that the bond between the boys’ and girls’ squads was key to the success of both teams. ‘Training together creates a community where everyone wants to work harder. We celebrate each other’s wins, share strategies and learn from one another. It’s this team spirit that Wesley has built over the years that makes us unique, laying the foundation for our success.’
‘Training alongside the girls has helped to create a stronger bond within our team,’ said boys’ Vice-Captain Ben (Year 12). ‘Collaborating with Khushi and Sienna has been invaluable in motivating our younger runners to strive for success and remind them they’re running for the team, not just themselves.’
Khushi adds, ‘At Wesley, we’re fortunate that our captains have always shared close friendships. The bond between the boys’ and girls’ captains flows through to the younger students, building a team that supports one another in sport, in personal achievements and through challenges. That connection makes us stronger both on and off the course.’
When the team captains were asked who has had the greatest impact on their running, their response was unanimous - Head Coach, Tim O’Shaughnessy. ‘Tim has been an incredible mentor, turning my running into a daily passion and helping me grow as a leader and understand the value of true team effort,’ said Max. ‘His guidance has helped each of us become the best version of ourselves, and winning this premiership felt like the perfect reward for months of hard work from the whole team.’
Khushi agrees. ‘I have consistently relied on the expertise and wisdom that Tim brings to the Wesley team. As a former runner and a coach of numerous elite athletes - including members of the 2021 Tokyo Olympic team, his advice is invaluable. But what makes Tim unique is his long-term perspective: keeping us healthy, supported and motivated to pursue bigger goals. He wants us to leave school still loving the sport, not burned out by chasing short-term success.
‘Knowing former Wesley athletes like Adam Spencer (OW2019), Sophie O'Sullivan (OW2019) and Jemima Montag (OW2016) have competed at the Olympics inspires everyone in our team. Tim has helped open my eyes to the opportunities available after I finish school and I would love to travel overseas with my sport to represent my country and compete against athletes from all over the world.’
Go Lions!
