SCHOOL SPORT VICTORIA - STATE FINAL

CROSS COUNTRY

On Thursday 16 July, 14 students from Catherine McAuley College Bendigo travelled to the Yarra Valley Racing Club to compete in the School Sport Victoria State Cross Country Finals. Students represented the College against the strongest runners from across Victoria after progressing through the divisional and regional stages of competition.

The course was revised for 2026, with competitors running on the trotting track down the finishing straight rather than on the grass to provide a firmer surface underfoot.

Congratulations to Lyla Edwards, who achieved a podium finish in the 13 Year Girls event, placing 3rd with a time of 11:27.110. Lyla was closely followed by Milanke Haasbroek, who finished 4th in 11:34.610. Their strong performances have earned both girls selection in the School Sport Victoria State Team.

Flynn Todd also produced an outstanding result, placing 10th in the 14 Year Boys event with a time of 10:52.953, while Poppy Carter finished 18th in the 14 Year Girls competition.

All students should be congratulated on reaching the State Final level and representing the College. Competing against Victoria's best school-aged runners is a significant achievement.

RESULTS:

13 Year Girls

• Lyla Edwards 3rd - 11:27.110
• Milanke Haasbroek 4th - 11:34.610
• Darcy Rodda 62nd - 13:44.103
• Emerson Arundell 78th - 14:17.923

13 Year Boys

• Wilbur Ferguson 89th -13:53.347

14 Year Girls

• Poppy Carter 18th - 12:36.740
• Macaila Bannan 49th - 13:31.793
• Emily Harris 74th - 14:20.513

14 Year Boys

• Flynn Todd 10th - 10:52.953

15 Year Boys

• Jensen McDonnell 50th - 11:15.207
• Byron Martin 53rd - 11:15.707

16 Year Girls

• Alexis Arundell 23rd - 13:25.723
• Erin Bradshaw 71st - 15:27.097

16 Year Boys – 5Km Course

• Quinlan Cody 74th - 20:40.780

Thank you to the parents and extended family members who attended the event and supported our team throughout the day. The students greatly appreciated your encouragement. It has been wonderful to watch these athletes progress through each stage of competition and represent Catherine McAuley College Bendigo so positively. We congratulate all students on their achievements and wish Lyla and Milanke every success as they prepare to represent the School Sports Victoria State Team.