Commonwealth Games hockey bronze medallist Tammy Cole is special guest at Open Day celebrations this Saturday, 12 March, at WestMAC, a four-time Champion TAS Hockey school.
Cole, a favourite Ipswich sporting daughter, played 80 hockey international matches, representing Australia at three Champions Trophy tournaments, the 2002 World Cup and the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, where a highlight was meeting the Queen.
“My first test match representing Australia was everything I dreamed about as a young player from Ipswich, especially standing there in my Australian uniform and listening to the Australian anthem, it was an adrenalin rush,’’ Cole said.
The Brisbane Fire and Emergency Services officer did not hesitate to support WestMAC’s big day, especially knowing the College’s Karrabin campus was only a few kilometres from where her Australian representative dream was born, at Amberley hockey fields.
Cole, recently recognised in Queensland Hockey’s Hall of Fame, was “taught the foundation of hard work, basic skills and resilience’’ while growing up in Ipswich.
Now she devotes her time to helping and coaching young athletes achieve their dreams and goals, including a current Queensland under-18 hockey representative.
“It’s always good to come back to your home roots…you want to pass on your knowledge and skills to help young athletes find that extra one percent, which can make the difference to someone making it to the 2032 Olympics or not,’’ Cole said.
“WestMAC aligns with my passion of helping to instil a foundation of hockey skills, a drive to fulfil individual excellence, as well as a love for hockey. It’s impressive what WestMAC is achieving with its WestMAC hockey program.’’
WestMAC’s Director of Hockey Neil Shearer, who mentored 2004 Olympic gold medallists Jamie Dwyer and Mark Knowles, and who has led WestMAC to four consecutive TAS (The Associated Schools) championships, will also be at Open Day.
Cole is one of several champion sports stars hosted by West Moreton Anglican College on Open Day. Brisbane Roar attacking star and Western Pride captain Megan McElligott and Western Pride star Alex Hastings will also be at Open Day, along with a special football activity centre, while Queensland Heat are bringing their activity nets.
There will be special meet and greet sessions with Principal Mr Geoff McLay and Deputy Principal Janelle Lecinski, who will talk about why WestMAC is the College of Opportunities, offering 16-plus sports, 34 Extra-Curricular programs, 19 musical ensembles and 277 Subjects.
WestMAC’s award-winning choirs, musical ensembles and soloists will be performing live throughout Open Day, from 11am to 3pm.
Cole also played indoor cricket for Australia in 1988 and 1989 and made the national rugby league squad.
To experience the College of Opportunities for yourself, please come on Saturday, 12 March, 11am to 3pm, by registering here.
For more information:
West Moreton Anglican College Senior Communications and Events Officer
Fiona Purdon
P:07 3813 4518 and M: 0429 491 335