Len Cannell, State Academy and National Academy Strength and Conditioning Coach, and Pablo Eguiguren, Talent Development Manager WA, took a group of 9 athletes to Queensland for the Rod Laver Lead In and Junior Championships over the July school holidays.
The athletes who took part were: Lexie Weir, Will Hann, Matthew De Groot, Jake Dodd, Catherine Rae, Ella Hunt, Lauren Nikoloski, Ryan McConkey and Zachary Viiala.
The purpose of the trip was to expose the athletes to a national level competition giving them all an opportunity to compete and therefore compare their playing level with the best in the nation. It was also purposeful as the athletes gained valuable experiences off court having to learn how to travel across to the east coast and deal with jet lag and being tired after long flights, to look after themselves completely from shopping for their groceries to maintaining their rooms and managing their financial daily budget.
Athletes were kept busy daily having to warm up at 7am and finish somedays as late as 9:30pm. There were very few days to rest as players were playing up to 4 matches per day but they did make the most of the rest and they certainly enjoyed the short time they had.
The most eaten food on tour were the toasties and subway, hard to say which one wins that contest.
The tournament was very well run and although there were some rain delays all the events were competed on time. Thanks to the Travis and the organisers for a job well done!
Thanks to the athletes parents for their support and to the athletes for a great trip and experience together.
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