CO-CURRICULAR 180 ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE STRATHFIELD LUMEN 2024 After several weeks of trials, the team was selected to represent the college as the First XI for 2024. Newly appointed coach Mr Bottalico immediately put us to the test as training and conditioning commenced. The team, a mix of Year 11 and Year 12 students, featured many new faces but quickly formed a strong brotherhood — a force ready to take on the Independent Sporting Association (ISA). The first challenge came in the NSW Independent Schools Cup. After comfortably beating Redeemer Baptist School in the first round, we faced Barker College, which pushed our newly formed squad to its limits, resulting in a 3-1 loss. Nonetheless, we regrouped and turned our focus to the ISA season. Unfortunately, a series of injuries plagued us throughout the season, and the squad struggled to maintain its connection. Players and positions were constantly shifting to accommodate the injuries. Despite this, the brotherhood and bond between the squad helped us push through the fixtures. Our only other loss came against a strong Oakhill side, which led to our first defeat and ended up being one of our only two losses of the season. Nevertheless, our consistent efforts saw us finish in second place. Finishing in second place gave us the opportunity to host a semi-final against our rivals, St Pius. Earlier in the season, we had beaten them 4-2 and played to a tight 0-0 draw. This semi-final was a monumental challenge, especially with a squad full of injured players. Mr. Bottalico made some tactical adjustments, calling on players from the Second XI, 15 As, and 16 As to fill out the lineup. With both teams receiving red cards early in the match, we had to dig deep with a limited bench due to the numerous injuries and unavailable players. Alex Piccin gave us hope, scoring with just five minutes left to make it 3-2. Unfortunately, our season came to a heartbreaking end as St Pius held on to win 3-2 in a tight, nail-biting semi-final. This game meant so much to all of us, especially the Year 12 boys, as it was our last chance to retire as grand final winners and, for FOOTBALL CAPTAIN Matteo Vaccaro Football Captain many of us, to secure back-to-back ISA championships. For the Year 12 boys, who had played and supported each other since Year 5, it was the final time we would hear the final whistle together in the black jersey. A huge thank you to the football fraternity—Mr Falzon, Mr Youssef, and Mr Calavassy—for their efforts throughout the year, guiding the boys to a positive season and laying the groundwork for Year 11 to continue the legacy. Of course, a special thanks goes to Mr Bottalico for leading the First XI through the highs and lows of the season. His dedication—whether it was early morning sessions or late afternoons— was instrumental in maximising the squad’s development. Without his guidance, we would not have achieved what we did. The significance of sport in shaping our physical, emotional, and social development cannot be overstated. I strongly encourage all students to take full advantage of the wide range of co-curricular activities offered by the school, as the memories and friendships formed are worth every early wake-up call or extra session. First XI Jersey Presentation First XI 2024 Football Captain, Matteo Vaccaro
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