Amateur Boxing
In what can only be described as a major success, the annual Sunshine Coast Regional Boxing Championships, hosted by Impact Boxing and Fitness Centre Cooroy, were held in the major hall of the Noosa District State High School on Saturday 22 March.
Such was the response to the tournament, that two rings had to be set up to handle the 200 fighters, wishing to participate: thus making 100 bouts for the tournament a reality. The 600 attendees were satisfied.
Under the control of Impacts owner and Head Coach Mark Evans, totally supported in management by wife Kylie, this tournament was quote, “The biggest in the clubs 20th anniversary year. It has officially set a Boxing Queensland record, as the largest one -day tournament ever held.
I am extremely grateful to the Cooroy community for their ongoing support. Seeing the positive impact this event had on local business – many of whom have reached out to express their thanks for the influx of visitors, makes me proud to call this place home.” All involved have welcomed, not only fighters but also families and supporters from all over Australia, New Zealand and Nauru: thus, showing the true spirit of international competition here in Cooroy.
“It feels like just yesterday that we held our very first event at the Cooroy Town Hall (2005) where we witnessed 16 bouts. Back then we thought that it was a huge success,” said Coach Evans with a laugh. “Look at where are now, I couldn’t be prouder of how our club has grown,and how the Impact family and supporters have expanded alongside it.
Our local boxers put on some fantastic performance, securing wins and taking home some valuable lessons, enough to make any coach proud.”
A highlight of the day was the high standard of some of the of boxing displayed by the youth: and to think some were just 10,11 and12 yrs of age. Properly supervised, off the streets and starting a new career in sport. Well done to Team Impact. Next year could be bigger and better.
Noosa Outriggers.
A flyer from Colin Jones, spokesperson for Noosa Outriggers, tells us that the club is still going strong. Their competitive teams are still very active: and holding their own against some of the finest on Australian waters.
However, a major factor of this club is that they continue to uphold traditions and customs: passed down from the people of the Pacific Islands. By continuing to do so, they can only make their club stronger: a strength that will serve to make their competitive team one to be respected on the waters of our nation.
Recently the members witnessed the blessing of their newest canoe. Named Te Apori, which is Tahitian for – “Hull of the first canoe,” it was then taken into the water for the first time, by a man of Tahitian heritage, named Yau Stephane Hoani, and his crew. The floral display wreaths and neck wreaths for the paddling crew, were sorted and arranged by Chae Parker, Nicola Cameron, Cecily Ridderhof and Val Phillips: and these were greatly appreciated.
Regarding the competition, Colin Jones informed us that last weekend was a busy time. “We had racing for the Battle of the Bays which was the racing for the small craft. The racing was from Raby Bay, Clevland to Scarborough Beach, a marathon distance.
Paddlers to do well were Dave Andrews and Marco Rocco who won the Golden Masters Men’s change over race. In the Golden Masters Men’s Ironman Bodo Lenitschek finished in second place. Well done to the men.”
Surf lifesaving.
From the Noosa Heads SLSC comes the good news regarding their surf boat crews. From Stuart Cooper (boat sweep /coach) comes the news that the newly formed Noosa Birdz have taken flight in spectacular fashion, making a bold statement at the ASRLQ (Australian Surf Rowers League Queensland) Championships at Burleigh Heads over the weekend.
“Despite being a fresh crew with only six weeks of training under their belts-plus one brand new rower, the Birdz showed that they are a force to be reckoned with, delivering an incredible performance across five rounds of racing.’’
Dominating the field, the Noosa Birdz stormed to four convincing first place finishers: proving their strength, skill and teamwork in the surf. “In the final race of the day, they performed well but in an agonizing finish, crossed the line in a close second place. However, this result has made them full of fire for the next challenge”
Their results have shown them as serious contenders for the Australian Championships. Their rapid improvement and undeniable grit make them a crew to watch and if this weekend’s performance is anything to go by, they will be flying high when they hit the sand at the Aussies.
In the words of coach /sweep Stu Cooper, “Just watch this space- these Birdz are only getting started.” From the swim team keep an eye on the Carrell brothers,Kilian aged 21 and Nolan19: open water endurance swimmers.
Noosa Little Athletics.
For the Noosa Club last weekend was all stations go with twenty-nine athletes competing at the McDonalds State Championships, held at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) in Brisbane. This was the final major competition for this season Calander.
Clubs Public Relation Officer, Tanya Mattila, tells us, that athletes from seventy- eight centres from around the State took part in this annual event: hoping to become a state champion in their chosen field. Proud to say that our athletes finished with a haul of top three places, plus personal best achievements.
The first race saw U10s athlete Clara Hermus, finish in second place in the 1100m race walk. This was followed by U9s athlete Tayla Penglase finishing third in the 700m race walk, whilst also achieving a personal best time. Noosa success continued in the race walk, with talented U15s Eli Melinz, winning the bronze in the 1500m event. Under 12’s athlete Harvey Zegers, confirmed his place on the podium in the U12s triple jump, winning silver, with a jump of 10.17m. In the last event of the day U15s sprinter Marlon Andrews claimed silver in the 200m.
Day two started early with sprints, hurdles, high jump and long jump. Under 11’s athlete Lilah Madden and U15s male and female athletes, Linden Hermus and Taya Clayton, paved their way in the heats to qualify for the State finals to be held later in the day. By days end Noosa had claimed another five medals, with Marlon Andrews the 100 and 400m and Linden Hermus in the 100m hurdles. Taya Clayton showcased her speed and agility by winning bronze in both the 90m hurdle and the 100m sprint finals.
Day three included numerous personal best performances, including a bronze medal in the triple jump for U14s athlete Marcus Kalaitzoglou, jumping 11.45m. After three days of spirited friendly competition, the Noosa Little Athletes community agreed the event was a huge success, with families enjoying three days of fun, family and fitness.
Head Coach Mick Hooper said, “The achievements at the State Championships, reflected the dedication of athletes, their families and support offered by team managers, over the three days: congratulations one and all. Something for us to be proud of.”
Rugby League.
The Mighty Pirates Rugby League Club launched their 2025 season with a social function at the premises of the 4 Pines Brewing Company Tewantin. Speaking on behalf of the club, Secretary Tim Burger was very happy.
“It was a great turnout with new, returning players, sponsors and support groups in attendance: all eagerly looking forward to the season ahead. For us, our first Senior game of the season, will be a home game at Pirate Park this Saturday afternoon March 29th kicking off at 5.30pm. The Open Women’s will start the day against Caloundra at 2.30pm, followed by Reserve Grade at 4.00pm.
New A grade coach Tom Murphy is excited about the upcoming season, hoping to carry on from last seasons and get one game further which would be the Grand Final. Next week we look at just what the Pirates are doing in their international junior teams and their goals for the year ahead.
