Wesley College students given special Kookas insight

Students from Wesley College’s hockey program have had a morning to remember after being special guests at a Kookaburras training session.

The group of Year 11 and 12 students watched on as the Kookaburras went through their paces before having the opportunity to meet and speak with the players.

Part of the reason for the visit centred around a 20 student contingent from Wesley College preparing to travel to Japan in July for a hockey tour which is also set to incorporate being in Tokyo during the 2020 Olympics and going to one of the Kookaburras’ matches.

The Wesley boys were all smiles at the end of the training session and made the most of the opportunity to hear and learn from members of the Kookas squad.

“I couldn’t believe the access we got. It was so good to see their training drills and pick up some skills and tips,” said Year 11 student Ben Fowler.

“They were more than happy to chat with us and gave us so much of their time. It was a great morning.”

“I try to watch every Kookaburras game either LIVE or on TV, but to see them train up close and get to watch their focus and intensity is just awesome,” said Year 11 student Jesse Bright-Kerr.

“It makes you realise how much work they have to do to be the best in the world.”

Kookaburras forward Nathan Ephraums presented Wesley College’s Brennan Doak with a signed Kookaburras playing shirt on behalf of the squad for the group to help with their fundraising for the trip.

“It was amazing to be representing our Wesley hockey group on the day and to receive the signed Kookaburras shirt from Nathan (Ephraums),” said Year 12 student Brennan Doak.

“We were pretty much blown away by the players’ welcome and their willingness to allow us into one of their training sessions.”

The Kookaburras have a strong connection with Wesley College. Jake Harvie and Jake Whetton have run a host of training sessions for the College’s hockey program, while Trent Mitton also has strong family connections with the school.