Old school ties: Where our top sporting talent went to school
They spent their careers putting on masterclasses in their chosen code. But who schooled these SA sporting stars? We asked these local sporting greats about their fondest school memories.
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Succeeding academically was not a strong suit for most of these college sport stars, but there is no doubt they had some fun at school along the way.
It should come as no surprise that their fondest memories mainly took place out in the schoolyard rather than in the classroom.
Former test cricketer Greg Blewett said he was an average student during his time at Prince Alfred College.
“I wasn’t overly academic. I always just wanted a bat or a ball in my hand,” he said.
If the staff at Sacred Heart College were wondering why sport equipment used to go missing in the mid 2000s, they should probably ask former Port Adelaide footballer Hamish Hartlett.
“I threw an aerobie from the middle of the oval and my mates all watched in disbelief as it travelled about 150m, over the shade sail and onto the road at the back of the oval,” he said.
For Jessica Stenson (Trengove), her early days at school served as a stepping stone to fulfil her Olympic dreams.
It was a small piece of encouragement from the canteen lady that stopped her from pulling out of a cross-country race in Year 5.
“She said, ‘I think you should have a go. There’s no pressure and you might find that you enjoy it’. With a bit of extra encouragement I toed the line with the other students in my age group that afternoon and I ran my heart out,” she said.
GREG BLEWETT
Former Australian test cricketer
Where did you go to school?
Angaston Primary, Marden High and Prince Alfred College
Were you a good student (why/why not)?
I think it depends who you ask! I would say that I was an average student, but I wasn’t overly academic. I always just wanted a bat or a ball in my hand.
Who was your most memorable teacher and why?
I really liked my head of house teacher and First XVIII football coach Mr Peter Thomas. He was as tough as nails but I could always knock on his office door for a chat about anything at any time.
What’s the best anecdote/fun story from your school days?
The friendships with other students will probably always stand out. I always enjoyed the rivalries with other schools throughout Year’s 10, 11 and 12 as well.
KRISTALLE BLUM
Golfer
Where did you go to school?
Henley High School
Were you a good student (why/why not)?
I did well at school so I guess in that way a good student but I didn’t go to school very often so maybe a bad student! Also wasn’t great at meeting deadlines … golf!
Who was your most memorable teacher and why?
My most memorable teacher would probably be Mr. Winstanley (Winnie). Always loved to have banter and if he was teaching it generally meant sport so always a win for me!
What’s the best anecdote/fun story from your school days?
Something I will never forget is coming back from five weeks in Europe in Year 12 and needing to complete an assignment for the Specialist Sport Program. I didn’t rock up for the morning class and Winnie (the teacher) sees me later in the day and asks me about it, I just say yeah we need to reschedule, I haven’t finished it and not ready to complete it yet! He just looked at me, half smiled, and continued walking … I was quite good at getting out of things. And yes I passed every subject!!
ERIN PHILLIPS
Adelaide Crows AFLW player
Where did you go to school?
West Lakes Shore Primary School and then Seaton High School.
Were you a good student (why/why not)?
Yeah, I was good. I think I kept mainly out of trouble. I probably missed a little bit too much school with sporting commitments and probably put academics a little bit second to sport, but I had a great time and it was a fantastic school. My sisters also went there. My brother in law, Shaun Burgoyne went there as well. So did my other brother in law, so it’s kind of a family school.
Who was your most memorable teacher and why?
I had very, very supportive teachers and the principal, Mr Tonkin, back then was wonderful. But I’d have to say, Mrs McGuire, my English teacher, because I think she was the most lenient when I was a bit late getting schoolwork back.
What’s the best anecdote/fun story from your school days?
Yeah, as a Year 8 I played in the baseball program, my teacher and baseball coach put me at bat first game and I hit a ball into the outfield and it landed in a flock of seagulls and killed one. And I don’t think I wanted to play again. I felt awful.
TOM JONAS
Port Adelaide Football Club captain
Where did you go to school?
Rostrevor College. I graduated from there in 2008.
Were you a good student (why/why not)?
I like to think so.
Who was your most memorable teacher and why?
Mr Hart because he made history lesson quite interesting.
What’s the best anecdote/fun story from your school days?
A few of the boys getting bucked off a sheep that they weren’t meant to be riding in our agriculture class.
HAMISH HARTLETT
Former Port Adelaide Football Club defender
Where did you go to school?
I went to Sacred Heart College from 2003 and graduated in 2007.
Were you a good student (why/why not)?
I was a pretty good student. I was always respectful of my teachers and got decent grades but in hindsight would have tried a little harder with my studies if I had my time again.
Who was your most memorable teacher and why?
My favourite teacher was Mr Anthony Goodrich because he taught me for my ‘football’ class and he was also my First XVIII football coach at the same time so we developed a great relationship.
What’s the best anecdote/fun story from your school days?
I had lots of great memories out on the school oval with my mates at lunch time. One that comes to mind was the time I threw an aerobie from the middle of the oval and my mates all watched in disbelief as it travelled about 150m, over the shade sail and onto the road at the back of the oval.
WAYNE PHILLIPS
Former Australian test cricketer
Where did you go to school?
I completed primary school at Westbourne Park and then my first three years of high school at Daws Road High, before my final years at Scotch College.
Were you a good student (why/why not)?
Not a brilliant student, got enough pass marks though without dominating. I was far too busy with other interests.
Who was your most memorable teacher and why?
My favourite teacher was Ken Webb who taught at Scotch College. He was my leaving year chemistry teacher.
What’s the best anecdote/fun story from your school days?
Mr Webb is probably the anecdote as well to be honest. At the end of the year you could take your books back to school and move them on to advancing students for the next year. I went to Mr Webb and asked where I need to take the chemistry book. He said “used books go over on the table by the door’. I responded ‘used books? I didn’t open this one all year’.
The photo of me in front of the pavilion brings back good memories too. House cricket days at Scotch with great mates, having terrific fun, but not taking it too seriously, which might be pretty obvious.
DARCY FOGARTY
Adelaide Crows forward
Where did you go to school?
I went to Rostrevor College and graduated from there in 2017.
Were you a good student (why/why not)?
I don’t think I was too bad. You will probably have to ask my teachers that though!
Who was your most memorable teacher and why?
Matthew Footner. He taught physical education and outdoor education. He was relaxed, easygoing – you could really connect with him – and he was just a good down-to-earth fella.
What’s the best anecdote/fun story from your school days?
Being a boy from Lucindale, it probably had to be the boarding house. We had a really good year level and a cruisy bunch of blokes. To be able to play college footy with them was great as well.
JESSICA STENSON (TRENGOVE)
Olympic long-distance runner
Where did you go to school?
I attended Naracoorte North Primary for my junior school years and then Naracoorte High for Years 8 and 9. My final three years of school were completed as a boarder at Annesley College in Adelaide.
Were you a good student (why/why not)?
As a student I always worked very hard to get the best marks I could. My favourite subjects were art, sport and all the sciences.
Who was your most memorable teacher and why?
Two of my favourite teachers were Mrs Cherylie McConnell (grade 3/4) and Mrs Anna Sands (grade 6). They both shared so many fascinating stories about their travels and life experiences that have stuck with me. Their approaches to teaching were so engaging that I always loved learning when I was in their classes, regardless of the subject.
What’s the best anecdote/fun story from your school days?
I have lots of anecdotal stories from my primary school days but one that is interesting to look back on is from about Year 5. Our school was due to host the South East (regional) cross country day and I had reluctantly entered. My younger sister had made it onto the podium a year earlier in the event and I was very keen to win a medal like she had. Cross-country day arrived and my nerves were escalating. I recall telling Mrs Russell (our canteen lady) a few hours before my race that I was thinking about pulling out. She said, “I think you should have a go. There’s no pressure and you might find that you enjoy it”. With a bit of extra encouragement I toed the line with the other students in my age group that afternoon and I ran my heart out. My legs and lungs had to work very hard on the infamous sandy pine forest trails that bordered our school, but the satisfaction and opportunity to stand on the podium made the discomfort worthwhile. I think back to moments like this one whenever I’m feeling nervous about racing!
ALEX HILL
Olympic Gold medallist in rowing
Where did you go to school?
I went to a few different schools from St Alberts Catholic School for primary to Loxton High School and then Year 10 to 12 where I boarded at Prince Alfred College.
Were you a good student (why/why not)?
I quite enjoyed my time at school and believe I was a fairly good student.
Who was your most memorable teacher and why?
My favourite teachers would have to be one of my PE teachers or my tech teachers. I definitely enjoyed these subjects the most.
What’s the best anecdote/fun story from your school days?
My favourite memories from school would have to be enjoying time with friends and starting rowing.
LUKE DARCY
Former Western Bulldogs Football Club ruckman
Where did you go to school?
I went to Rostrevor College and graduated back in 1992.
Were you a good student (why/why not)?
Good student might be a stretch I think. I was probably lucky to be a boarder surrounded by mates who were good students.
Who was your most memorable teacher and why?
Peter ‘Muddy’ Waters sticks out for me. He played the guitar, loved his sport and had a really positive impact on all of us at school.
What’s the best anecdote/fun story from your school days?
It has to be all the great friendships I made, some that have lasted a lifetime.
WHERE SOME OF SA’S OTHER SPORTS STARS WENT TO SCHOOL
BEN RUTTEN
Former Adelaide Crows defender
Attended Blackwood High School until 2000.
Alex Carey
Australian Test cricketer
Graduated from Brighton Secondary School in 2009.
Kyle Chalmers
Olympic swimmer
Attended Immanuel College
Laura Hodges
Former Olympic basketballer
Attended Urrbrae High School from 1997-99
Darren Lehmann
Former Australian cricketer and coach
Attended Gawler District College until 1987
Peta Scholz
Former Australian netballer
Graduated from Reynella East College in 1992
Michael Marrone
Former A-League soccer star
Attended Modbury High School from 1999-2004
Neil Craig
Former Adelaide Crows coach
Attended Norwood Morialta High School
Brett Maher
Former basketball for the Adelaide 36ers
Graduated from Reynella East College in 1990
OLD SCHOOL TIES
■ WHERE SA’S POWERBROKERS WENT TO SCHOOL
■ WHERE OUR ARTS, FOOD IDENTITIES WENT TO SCHOOL
■ COMING MONDAY: WHERE OUR POLITICIANS WENT TO SCHOOL
Originally published as Old school ties: Where our top sporting talent went to school
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