Harrison Smith makes cut for state team
Chairo Christian School student Harrison Smith has been selected in the School Sports Victoria under 12 boy’s hockey team to compete in Adelaide later this year.
The championships will be held in December at the Sate Hockey Centre in Adelaide, where Harrison will compete against students from other states and territories.
Harrison’s selection followed trial days held in various locations across the state, where the squad was cut by half each time.
Starting amongst 125 other hopefuls, Harrison was fortunate enough to be selected in the final squad of 14 players to head to Adelaide in December following a selection process that began in April.
The students participated in a series of trial sessions and games to be selected to represent the School Sport Victoria state team.
It comes as the first opportunity at state level for Harrison, with the midfielder to compete against some of the best players from across the country at the week-long national championships.
One of few country players in a state squad dominated by metropolitan players, Harrison will travel for up to 10 training sessions with his teammates in the lead up to the championships.
Quality game time will come while lining up for the Gippsland Bulls, who travel to take on various teams from metropolitan Melbourne.
Harrison will also continue to support grassroots hockey, lining up for the Gulls each Saturday at Drouin’s Bellbird Park.
Harrison’s School Sports Victoria selection comes during a patch of strong form, having helped West Gippsland Hockey Association to the under 13 boy’s final at the junior country championships, held at the Essendon Hockey Centre.
Other good results for West Gippsland included the under 13 girls finishing runners up, while the undr 15 boy’s finished third in junior country championships action at the Footscray Hockey Centre.
Harrison’s recent selection in the Victorian State Academy has also assisted with up-skilling.
Harrison will be hoping for positive news as an under age player with the under 13 state squad set to be announced soon.
Harrison will have a rite of passage to the Academy next year, having participated as a bottom age player this year.
Many past School Sport Victoria team members have gone onto compete at national and international competitions including Olympic Games, World Championships and Commonwealth Games.