Australian Junior National Championships

This year, the National Junior Championships were held in Adeliade, far from where you wanted to be in the middle of winter. And the courts were not ideal either, with the roof of one court being just above a good high ball set's height.

Renegades Volleyball Club was represented well at the Championships. Michael Cirillo and Ben Hughes were both setting for the U21s. Tom Hodges and myself were playing in the U19 team. Alex Ielo and Joey Yigit were in the U17 Blue team; while Tony Williams, Mark Sampson and Daniel Allison were in the U17 East team (despite all coming from the West). Also, special mentions to Zach Bye, who trained with the U19 as an emergency, and Eliza Smith, who was the closest thing we had to a girl in the team (unable to play because she's moved to Chigago for college).

When the competition started, I don't think too many people rated our mens' teams. The U17s team had come from an unsuccessful 2010, while the U19 and U21 teams had fallen short of stronger teams the previous year.

However, as the competition started, the teams looked stronger. My team (U19s) went through the rounds undefeated, only dropping 2 sets. Even coming back from 12-22 down against QLD to win 25-23. The U17s boys didn't get through as easily, but beat QLD the day before the final to secure a spot in the final. The U21s boys were unlucky to miss out on the final, having to settle for a bronze medal playoff. Of the girls teams, the U17 and U21 women went into the final as favourites.

On the final day, the overall standings between Vic and QLD looked close. The U17 boys took down a much favoured QLD team to win gold, while the U21 men finished off NSW in 5 to finish with a bronze medal. My team played well against ACT to win in four, with about 15 renegades kills in the last set to win 25-6!

Unfortunately, the girls weren't as successful. The U17 girls somehow lost, and the U21 girls lost in 5 to QLD (must have been missing Eliza Smith!). Unfortunately, this cost Victoria the President's Cup (overall competition).

Following the tournament, Renegades made an appearance twice in the All-Star 7s (Michael Cirillo in the U21 and myself in the U19). We also received three MVPs at the presentation night, with Tony Williams picking up MVP of the his U17 east team, while Daniel Allison received the player's award for that team. Michael Cirillo received the overall MVP for the mens side, and I was given the MVP of the U19 team.

Overall, it was a fairly successful tournament for the Club, coming away with 2 Golds, a bronze, and three MVPs. Hopefully more people can get involved next year, especially those from the girls side.

Tom Swallow