Seventh heaven for Concordia
WATER POLO: Concordia Lutheran College will play a strong hand in the pool in the 2019 Queensland School State Water Polo Championships.
Seven students were chosen across the boys and girls Darling Downs teams to represent the region against the best in the state.
It marks Mason Lindenmayer’s second stint for the Downs after a stroke of fortune saw him make the rise from a shadow role in the 2018 state titles.
He hoped that experience at the higher level would put him in good stead for the Sunshine Coast next March.
“I was first selected as a shadow but there was a few injuries so I was called up,” Lindenmayer said.
“You learn how much more difficult it is at a higher standard but I think when you go to an opens tournament it’s going to be harder.
“There was only 12 players (trialling) so there wasn’t a lot of pressure in terms of numbers wise but I thought this would be another good experience to go away, represent my area again and develop some new skills.”
While some players feel the pressure to perform in front of state selectors and against tougher opponents, Lindenmayer said he was relishing the opportunity.
“When there’s selectors for Queensland and other players from Brisbane schools, you want to do better for your team and for yourself,” he said.
“I like that they’re there. It gives me an excuse and opportunity to motivate myself to do better.
“But at the end of the day it’s for your team there and then in that moment.”
Growing up in a country town, water polo wasn’t quite on Kiara Anderson’s radar a few years back.
However since attending Concordia, the Year 11 student has taken to the sport with aplomb as she continues to develop her skills in the pool.
“My mum suggested it. She played it but didn’t like it,” Anderson said.
“I thought I’d give it a crack because I wanted to play a sport and hadn’t played any others.
“I like getting in the pool and being a bit rough and tough. It’s exciting seeing the development over the years (in the team) because teams have changed at the college, but its good to see how far we’ve grown.”
Her four years of playing the sport have been rewarded with selection for the Downs, and Anderson said she was looking forward to giving it her all at the state titles.
“I’ll go out there and give it my best crack.
“It would be nice to come away with something but if we don’t it would just be cool to be a part of the team wearing the DD colours.
“Next year is my last year (at school) and I’m going to work on a cattle station so this is my last chance to get in and give it my best.”