Alumni return to present basketball jerseys

Ahead of the first home games of the season, select alumni returned to present the next generation of basketball champs their team jerseys.

Old Boys James Hunter (2009), Patrick Sim (2003), Michael Tyrrell (2000), Simon Deall (2001), Ben Reid (1997) and recent 2018 graduate Max Cooper returned to present to the Boys Firsts team, while Old Girls Julie Fill (nee Bailey – 1989), Kate Cranney (2011), Tilly Wilson (2013), Anna-Clare McAtamney (2013) and recent 2018 graduates Elena Khoury, Evie Nicol and current 2017/18 Head Prefect Indigo Neville presented to the Girls Firsts team.

The presentation of jerseys from alumni to the Firsts teams is a newly established tradition at CCGS that sees previous basketball greats return to pass on their wisdom and advice to the new teams and share their own fond memories of playing basketball for the school.  

The importance of playing basketball

There is no doubt that sport, whether it be for fun, fitness or the thrill of competition, plays a vital role in providing students with a balanced education. Our alumni shared their reflections of what playing basketball at CCGS meant to them.

“Sport in general helped provide me with a sense of identity, it broke down so many barriers and opened up new friendships, not just within my year, but all the way from Year 7 to Year 12. I'd regularly play basketball and compete with the Year 12 students while only being a Year 7 kid. Competing for the school and supporting other teams helped build connections and was a great outlet for energy and passion,” reflected Mike Tyrrell (2000).

Alumni James Hunter (2009) and Anna Clare McAtamney (2013) spoke of role basketball had in building lasting friendships. “I still cherish the many years I spent playing basketball with CCGS. Representing my school with my close friends was very important to me - it was such a great atmosphere and everyone always put in 100% commitment,” said Anna. James explained that “the friendships forged through basketball have been lifelong - I am still in contact today with many of my teammates from CCGS.”

Coming back

The connection with Central Coast Grammar School by no means ends when a student graduates from school. We encourage alumni to return as coaches, guest presenters, to catch up at reunions and to stay in touch sharing memories and friendship.

“It was a real honour to be invited back to present the jerseys to the First V team. I was excited to see the growth of basketball. Seeing the team play on Saturday was really amazing, the facilities and opportunities that these boys have is truly exceptional” said Mike.

James commented, “it was sensational to return. I loved my time at CCGS and to see the strong basketball traditions continue is great”. Anna said, “I felt very privileged to be able to present a jersey to the future CCGS basketball champs. It was very nostalgic seeing the girls so well presented standing together as a team, it bought back some very fond memories”.

The current season

The basketball season is now underway, with James Pennington leading the charge as captain of the Boys Firsts team, while Jack and Oliver Cooper are captains of basketball. The Boys Firsts are currently sitting in first place of division one after beating St. Augustine's last week for the first time in the history of the program.

For the girls, Grace Reed has taken up position as captain of Firsts and Xanthe Fitzgerald has been named captain of basketball.

If you’re a past student or a past parent of CCGS and you’d like to come along and see our teams in action, please get in touch.