By Declan Donahue
St Aloysius College Cronulla has enjoyed remarkable success in swimming and water sports over the past six months, establishing itself as a powerhouse in aquatic competitions.
According to College Principal Stephen Mahoney, several key factors have contributed to this dominance, including the strong student work ethic and unwavering family support.
“We are very lucky to have an environment where students can excel in both academics and representative sports. Their dedication and hard work are a testament to the school’s commitment to their holistic development” he said.
The invaluable mentorship of former elite Ironman competitor Nathan Smith, who serves as the college’s sports coordinator, is also a key advantage for the students at the college.
Smith, a six-time NSW Open Ironman champion, brings a wealth of experience to his role.
Having represented Australia on the world stage, Nathan played a pivotal role in securing victory at the 2004 World Championships in Italy, where he won three gold and one silver medal.
His success continued at the 2005 World Games in Germany, where he claimed three gold and one silver, and at the 2006 World Championships in Lorne, where he secured five gold, two silver, and one bronze.
His expertise has been instrumental in guiding students to excel both in and out of the water.
Among the standout athletes under Smith’s mentorship are Year 12 students Dane Sutton and Otis Jessop, who recently competed in the Under-17 Short Course Coolangatta Gold against the top surf club competitors from across Australia.
After months of rigorous training while balancing their academic commitments, Dane and Otis made history, finishing first and second, respectively.
The gruelling event included a 10.5km ski paddle, 2km ocean swim, 3km board paddle, and 5.5km soft sand run.
Completing the race in just over two hours and ten minutes, their achievements highlight both their resilience and the school’s exceptional sporting program.
Otis Jessop believes Smith’s support is invaluable.
“Mr Smith is a great role model for us at St Aloysius as his lived experience shows us you can be successful at sport and at school. It is also great having a teacher who understands elite sport and the commitments outside of school hours.”
Another rising star from St Aloysius is Solomon Freeman, also in Year 12, who won the Under-17 200-metre freestyle title at the NSW Swimming Championships with an impressive time of 1:53.17.
Solomon now holds more than 12 records across freestyle, butterfly, and backstroke at the Sydney Catholic Schools Conference 3 Swimming Championships.
His dominance in the pool earned him the title of 17 Years and Over Boys Individual Age Champion, after securing first place in over eight events at the recent Conference Three carnival.
Adding to the College’s accolades, Otis, Dane, Solomon, and fellow student Beau Griggs teamed up to win the Sydney Catholic Schools Conference 3 Boys 17 & Over 200 LC Metre Freestyle Relay, smashing the previous record by nearly six seconds with a time of 1:43.51.
Their outstanding performances continue to solidify St Aloysius Catholic College as a dominant force in swimming and surf sports.
“We would like to thank Mr Smith for all the support he offers us and all the other athletes at our College,” said Solomon.
With a culture of excellence, dedicated coaching, and unwavering support, the college looks set to produce even more elite athletes in the years to come.
