Community, Development and Alumni Old Boys represent Australia At the recent Commonwealth Games, two former Newington students, Mr Morgan McDonald (ON 2013) and Mr Josh Ralph (ON 2009) represented the Australian track and field team, Morgan in the 5000m and Josh in the 800m and 4x400m relay team. Morgan and Josh are great role models of what “opportunity” can create. Both started at Newington in Year 7 and immediately took a liking to Athletics, both boys were selected in the Junior, Intermediate and Senior teams across their six years. When reviewing the Newington Athletics records, you would expect to see the boys’ names littered through the age groups with record after record. That’s not what you’ll find. It is only when you get to the U17 and Opens age groups that their names appear, Josh in the Mr Josh Ralph (ON 2009) individual 400m and Morgan in the 1500m and 3000m. So how did they get to represent reveals character, it builds it.” It is not helped them pursue their dreams will Australia at World Championships and that good character and integrity are hopefully make them sought-after the recent Commonwealth Games in automatically developed by participating candidates. April 2018? in sports, but rather through The nature of sport gives Year 7–12 boys When you speak with the boys, it circumstances that normally arise on like Morgan and Josh the opportunity to becomes apparent they are men of the fields, courts, water or, in their develop in many areas, not just physical character. There is a phrase in the case, the Athletics track. prowess or skill acquisition. Mindfulness sporting world: “Playing a sport not only Both boys say being introduced to attributes such as thankfulness, Athletics at an early age provided the positivity and perspective have all played environment that unintentionally a role in their success. introduced them to commitment, “Regardless of whether you succeed or discipline, sacrifice, goal setting, inner fail, you understand it is part of a will and determination—all of which are process, and that there will be another necessary for success in competitive opportunity soon,” Josh said. “The more Athletics and life. I enjoy what I do, the more relaxed I am. Pursuing Athletics was a path like none No one performs well under pressure, other for Morgan and Josh. It gave them but when you find enjoyment and the opportunity to travel the world, interact satisfaction in what you do regardless of with different cultures, develop time the result, it removes the pressure and management skills, create strategies for allows you to perform at your best.” improving their race tactics, build a sense of focus and determination, skills to handle pressure, learning the know- Commonwealth gold how of when to take calculated risks Congratulations to Mr Nick Kay and taking responsibility for their own (ON 2010) on winning a gold medal success or failure on the track. as part of the Australian Basketball When asked how Athletics had team at the 2018 Gold Coast developed their skills to give them Commonwealth Games. Nick scored successful post-Athletics careers, there 10 points in the final against were common themes: teamwork, Canada. It was the Boomers’ communication skills, leadership, time seventeenth consecutive win in management, training/competing under international games. Nick currently pressure, and the ability to proactively plays professional basketball for the seek a solution to potential problems Perth Wildcats in the Australian such as injury or loss of form. The time, National Basketball League. Mr Morgan McDonald (ON 2013) effort, hard work and dedication that OPPORTUNITY| NEWS AUTUMN 2018| 55