The High Performance Training Program was an initiative launched at Emmanuel College in 2018. The program is designed to cater for our high performing athletes at the College and introduce them to advanced training methods and knowledge to assist them with their development.
This specialised strength and conditioning program has a focus on improving core strength, flexibility, speed, agility and nutrition and is facilitated by experienced Emmanuel College staff over two weekly sessions. The program provides exposure to more advanced training practices that may not be practical in a regular class setting. The sessions are held before and after school, with the early morning session including the provision of a healthy breakfast.
In 2018 there were around 20 students from Years 8 to 12 who took part in the program. These students came from a wide variety of sporting backgrounds including netball, basketball, dancing, athletics, football, surf lifesaving, swimming, cycling, soccer and cricket. The program involved two weekly training sessions throughout the year, with a specific focus on improving core strength, flexibility, speed, agility and power.
The program currently has its maximum number enrolled with sessions taking place every Monday after school and Wednesday mornings before school. With the training sessions running outside normal school hours, the participants are required to demonstrate a high level of commitment, discipline and time management to succeed in the program.
To work with a dedicated, passionate group of students is a privilege. It is an ever-changing landscape which means we are constantly finding new things to do with the young athletes.Teacher | Michael Clements
Program facilitators Mr Michael Clements and Mr Shane Smith say they couldn’t be prouder of the way the students have brought into the program and developed both physically and mentally throughout the year. “It is a program,” says Michael, “that brings Shane and myself much joy. To work with a dedicated, passionate group of students is a privilege. It is an ever-changing landscape which means we are constantly finding new things to do with the young athletes.”
Michael explains, “Not everyone enrolled in the course is involved in traditional sports. We’ve had a few dancers, plenty of swimmers, and one participant, Bree Fox, competes in spearfishing at an international level.”
“Quite a few of our HPTP students are going on to achieve in their pursuits. Eddie Worrall is currently competing at a national level in cycling - he competed in the Santos Tour Down Under recently. Eloise Swarbrick is currently in America on a full scholarship following her tennis dream and Archie Stevens is planning to complete a pre-season with Carlton this year with the hope of getting onto an AFL list in the future.”
“Over the years the program has evolved”, says Michael, “We have changed the way Wednesday morning sessions are run and students are now offered three different programs to follow - a power session, speed session or agility session and they select the one that will benefit them the most for their sport. Emmanuel’s Psychologist, Dr Jodie Fleming is also helping us out with a range of psychological skills, from moving on from disappointment during games to mental preparation and sleep.”
On top of the weekly physical training sessions, the students are also exposed to a range of professionals from the region to gain further insight into areas such as nutrition, osteopathy, podiatry and hear from elite level athletes. Many Emmanuel alumni give up their time to interact with our students, including Nutritionist, Alex Mackay (Class of 2014), National Basketballer, Nathan Sobey (Class of 2008) and AFL Footballer, Willem Drew (Class of 2016). Students are encouraged to do two years of the program, says Michael, “Some would benefit from more but most have mastered or are close to mastering what we teach after two years. Some do one, some do three - George Stevens has signed on for a fourth year this year. Students already in the program can nominate to continue the following year if they wish.”
An all round sports person, George always knew he wanted to join the High Performance Training Program. He watched as his older brother Archie enjoyed it, so when applications opened, he was quick to apply. 2022 is George’s fourth year in the program, where he is still loving the training and working with students of all year levels.
During 2021 George’s hard work and natural sporting talent was turning heads. He had been selected for the NAB League AFL team Greater Western Victoria Rebels as well as the Vic Country AFL Academy. He was playing state basketball for Vic Country and was invited to attend a basketball camp at the Australian Institute of Sport. Unfortunately, in November last year George hyper-extended his knee playing in a pre-season football match. The injury required an immediate knee reconstruction.
George has proved himself to be a remarkably resilient young man with his approach and commitment to recovery. Taking the advice of his Melbourne based surgeon and his local Physiotherapist, George has been able to use the High Performance Training Program as an important part of his rehabilitation. His individualised program has been tailored to suit his recovery, seeing his workouts in the gym include weights and exercises to build up his quads, glutes and hamstring muscles.
George has been swimming, riding and rowing to maintain his cardiovascular fitness and is really looking forward to being able to commence running again soon. His commitment to a full recovery is such that he will only do so at his surgeon’s recommendation - a very mature approach.
Identifying his older brother Archie (Class of 2021) as his main sporting idol, George admits he has followed Archie around since he was little. Archie has modelled to him how to train, how to have fun, how to achieve goals and how to develop discipline and training habits. Archie, recently signed to Carlton’s VFL side, continues to be George’s inspiration. Both boys are ultra competitive and George believes if Archie can make it, then he can too.
George plans to continue pursuing playing at the highest levels of football and basketball if he can. However he accepts that at some point he will need to make a difficult choice between the two sports, to better balance his training and his studies.
George Stevens is a wonderful ambassador and role model to other students in the program. We wish him well in his recovery and look forward to seeing him achieve his goals.
