Varsity's Rising Sport's Stars

By Kayla de Candia, Bond University Journalism Student

The Varsity College Basketball Excellence program is giving students the opportunity to play their favourite sport and have it count towards their grades.

Head of Department for Physical Education (PE) and teacher Steve Harriott said he and Adam Darragh worked together to create the program for students in Years 10,11 and 12.

"It was decided to offer basketball as an authority registered recreation study area specification subject, which means it counts towards students' Queensland Certificate in Education," he said.
"Adam and I designed the theory and practical elements and the subject was subsequently approved.
"I oversee the program, but the day to day running is done by Adam."

Mr Harriott said the program also required students to examine and involve themselves in the organisational and health aspects of sport.  "Part of the requirements is that students organise and run tournament nights and also mentor and coach younger students," he said.  "They also have to research, write and follow nutrition and conditioning programs."

The program began in 2008 after the school’s Executive Principal Jeff Davis was able to persuade ex-Brisbane Bullets player and PE teacher Adam Darragh to transfer from Coombabah State High School to Varsity College.

Mr Darragh said he received a call from Mr Davis about organising a basketball program who asked if he would like to get involved.  "Well Jeff gave me a call one morning and said they were very interested in getting together a sporting program," he said.  "And because the Gold Coast Blaze were the newest professional franchise they figured that Basketball would be a really good sport to get into.
"With my background as a professional player and [being a] PE teacher at the time he just thought he’d give me a buzz and get me involved and I jumped at the chance."

An experienced coach combined with the program's competitive side has helped encourage the participation of more students said Mr Harriott.  "Not only is Adam a fantastic player, but also an outstanding coach," Mr Harriott said.  "The Basketball program has been immensely successful and we now have about 30 Year 10, 11 and 12's involved, doing the course after school on Mondays and Wednesdays.  "We have played teams from Southport State High School, Helensvale State High School, Hillcrest College and TSS to name a few in competition this year."

Mr Harriott said the community's involvement so far was great and hoped more people would come and watch.