The championship event showcased the enormous talent of cross country athletes from across NSW from combined Catholic colleges, independent schools and public schools.

It was a great achievement to gain selection for this event and all individual efforts were commendable.

The stand-out performance from the Nowra Athletics Club perspective was Jye Edwards in the 16 years boys 6000m.

Jye finished second overall from a field of 90 athletes in a time of 21.11 and was the first competitor across the line from all government schools.

In the same event Jed Frank finished eighth overall and fifth in the government schools in 22.21 with Harry McGill just behind him in ninth position overall in a time of 22.23.

What a fantastic achievement to have three local athletes finish in top nine from such an elite field.

In the 14 years 4000m Jye’s sister Shenay proved her capabilities when she placed seventh in the government schools with an overall placing of 23rd from 97 athletes in a time of 17.17.

Breeana O’Donnell ran well to finish 69th in the same event.

Local athletes with a disability competitors also excelled and earned podium finishes.

Karlee Symonds finished second in the 2000m in a time of 12.36 and Zac Jones also finished second in the 3000m in a time of 13.18.

Nowra had a strong showing in the girls 13 years 3000m event with four local athletes participating.

Jade Mustapic was the first Nowra athlete home in 10th position overall from a field of 94 and finished 4th in the government school section.

Victoria Kennedy finished 55th, Emily Michell finished 68th and Mikayla Check was 75th.

Nowra also featured strongly in the girls 12 years 3000m with Lily Murdoch finishing in 24th position overall from 95 competitors earning herself 10th in government schools with a time of 14.42.

She was followed by Tara McInally in 28th position (14th in Government schools) and Takesa Frank was 61st.

Jason Huntsman ran 8000m in the 18 years event and finished with a second place for the Government schools and seventh overall.

James Godwin finished 35th from this field of 86.

In the girls 18 years Rose Vucic placed 32 from 77 over 6000m.

In the 17 years event Gus Frank recovered well after a fall early in the race to place 17th overall from a competitive field of 90, and placed 6th in the government schools.

Mitchell Cunningham also ran a solid 6000m to finish 31 from 90. The girls 17 years representative was Brielle Musgrove who finished in 50th position from a field of 80 in the 4000m.

In the Primary Schools events Nowra also had some committed competitors.

Young Stirling Norwood had the whole family there to support him in his 2000m event.

He showed his enthusiasm for cross country running as he posed for the camera on his way to the finish line, placing 44th from a field of 72.  

In the 11 years 3000m event Emma Moore finished 42 from 79 and in the 12/13 years Jessica O’Donnell finished in 52nd position from a field of 75.

Well done to all runners who participated; competing in such an event is a great achievement in itself.

Nowra Athletics Club is proud of you all.