A string of fresh faces across both campuses descended upon the very warm Ryde Aquatic Centre venue for the 2014 InterHouse Swimming Carnival. Emotions were high as the young brigade looked to step up and fill the shoes left by the very impressive team of 2013.

And it didn’t take long to see the first of them as young Thomas Oates left all before him as he coasted to victory in the Junior 200m Individual Medley, almost 15 seconds faster than his nearest rival Sebastian Parhash. Oates would then go on to complete the rare and impressive feat of winning every individual event on offer for a 10 year old. A fantastic effort from a brilliant young swimmer!

His nearest rival in the I.M. Parhash, whose last name would send shivers down a lot of spines of competitors past, showed similar class to his older brother Miles. After his second placing in the I.M., Sebastian went on to win every 9 year event from then on, proving that lightning really can strike twice.

And just when you thought Williams couldn’t get any better the 8 years events started! Daniel Johnson and Callan Rixom showed Williams are in good hands for many a year as they finished first and second in both the 50m freestyle and 25m breaststroke events. This is how it ended in the age champion stakes with little Cameron Davey-Webb coming in third which was a great effort for one of the youngest in the field.

The 9 years was dominated by Parhash, but Nicholas Venetoulis showed great discipline and experience as he finished second overall and in almost every other event. Eric Carney finished second in the Butterfly event and was third or thereabouts in each of the other events to finish third overall.

Without doubt, however, the most hotly contested age group was the 10 years events. Thomas Oates may have dominated at the top, but it was the minor places that pushed every boy to the limit, with Flynn Gannon placing in enough events to outstay the challengers. In the mix was Lachlan Hull who again continued his good form from the trials finishing third in the I.M. and Butterfly events. It was then William Gray, Tom Kennedy and James Whiteing mixing it up in the minor placings in each of the other events, exciting all who were there.

The 11 years event was thrown wide open when Jarrah Ronan declared himself fit for just the freestyle and breaststroke, where he finished first and second just quietly. Christopher Mina was then able to step into the limelight with a great display of powerhouse swimming. He and Jonty Carr fought it out strongly in each event, with only the breaststroke event not featuring the pair in the placings. The well rounded Tom Alscher finished third overall and was just rewards for a very enthusiastic competitor.

In the premier event of the day it was Eden Horne who blitzed the pool, not troubled in any event he took part in. His nearest competitor Alexander Rumi was also brilliant, finishing second to Horne in all events apart from the Butterfly. Young Jackson Sumich showed his versatility with a stellar performance in finishing 3rd overall.

In terms of the House shields it was a race in two with the two red houses fighting it out all day in a toing and froing affair. Eventually though (and the amount of boys on the podium didn’t lie) it was Williams who reigned supreme over Kingswood, doing one better than last year. A fantastic day had by all and it all finished ahead of time!!!! A big thank you to all the boys who participated so strongly on the day, to all the parents who supported, and to Mr Joel Wilson and Mr Neil Brunton for all their magnificent organisation as well as the staff who made it all happen. Stay tuned for all the action from the Invitationals as well as IPSHA to come!!

House Championship

Age Champions

[Show as slideshow]