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Students take on the World
during International
Basketball Experience
A group of enthusiastic young basketballers from the South
East got to live a dream, travelling to the mecca of
basketball, the United States of America during the summer
holidays.
Representing the Limestone Coast, the contingent of students
from Tenison Woods College departed Australia in late
November, visiting the United States to play against
American high school basketball teams
as part of the 28 day tour.
Tenison Woods College Sports & Basketball Academy
Coordinator Daniel Stratford said the tour was a great
success from both a Basketball and educational perspective.
“The
Basketball tour provided students with
a great experience of American culture and an insight into
the American schools system whilst
developing their awareness,
skills and understanding of the game.” Mr Stratford said.
The
international Basketball experience was the third trip to
America that the College has conducted as part of its
Basketball Academy over the past 6 years.
Growing
in popularity the specialised sports program focuses on
developing skills in Basketball for students from Year 8-12.
The whirlwind trip
included
seven days in Washington State, ten days in Oregon, seven
days in California and then four days in Hawaii.
Whilst in
the US, the two Tenison Woods College teams played a range
of matches against schools within Washington State and
Oregon.
Overall
the boy’s team won six games and lost five, while the girl’s
team had outstanding success winning eight games and losing
only three.
“With the
profile of basketball in the US, these were great results
with both teams being very competitive in all 22 games
played.” Mr Stratford said.
Of all matches played the highlight
included a final tour game win by the Tenison Woods College
girl’s team against one of
America's best performing
basketball Colleges, Eagle
Point High.
“Some of the basketball the girls played within this game
was exceptional” he said
For the boy’s team some of their best basketball was played
against Cascade Christian High school who were last year
crowned the Oregon State Champions. Whilst the
boy’s
lost this game, they were down by just 5 points with 3
minutes to play.
As part
of the cultural experience students were hosted by families
for 13 days. Year 12 student Ben Braithwaite said it was one
of the best experiences of his life.
“Overall,
the tour was one amazing experience after another.”
“The
friendships made through our homestay situations and school
visits is a big part of why the tour was so successful”
“Our
hosts were extremely welcoming, generous and hospitable
towards us.”
“Taking
in their culture, sharing with them parts of our way of life
and being part of their family was an experience we will
never forget.” Ben said.
During
the tour the group visited the massive headquarters for Nike
where all research and product development and design work
occurs on all the brands footwear, apparel and other
products for the biggest sportswear company in the world.
The
students also participated in tours of Portland University
and Oregon University, which both have Australians on their
teams. Students gained great insight into what life would be
like given the opportunity to attend a college in the US.
 Mr
Stratford said another
highlight
of the tour was the interest from college scouts that a
number of our players received.
“Over the
years we have seen many of our current and old scholars in
representative teams at both State and National levels in
many sports” he said
Old
Scholars and 2005 Basketball Academy USA tour participants
Ashleigh Gallio and Brad Reid both obtained scholarships to
play for US Colleges.
“The
exposure and opportunity that this tour provides is
invaluable in opening doors for our students.”
“Hopefully the 2009 tour interest will translate into more
students taking their basketball and education to another
level,” he said
With the
basketball and business side of the tour behind them, this
left the fun side of the tour which included visits to
California, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Santa Monica.
Just
prior to their return to Australia the group was fortunate
to travel to Hawaii for a few days in the sun and surf of
Waikiki beach.
“This was
a great way to finish the tour. With the busy movement from
activity to activity behind us, it was fantastic to soak up
the laid back lifestyle of Hawaii.” Mr Stratford said.
Plans are
in place for the next tour with a number of students already
expressing an interest in securing places in the Academy for
2010 and on the tour in 2011.
Mr
Stratford commended the community support of Limestone Coast
businesses and families for all the help and generosity
through sponsorship and donations for all fundraising which
occurred leading up to the tour.
“Without
the community support this tour would not be possible.”
“All in
all this was a highly successful tour and was a huge
pleasure to share such a wonderful journey with the
students” he said.
“They are
a real credit to their families, their school and community,
both on and off the court.”
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