Hills Independent #80 February 2022 | Page 34

SPORT

WITH PATRICK STAVELEY

Justine has a deep passion for the sport

If anyone can demonstrate how to resiliently recover from a major setback in sport , it ’ s Justine Wallis , who ’ s done so while showing maturity beyond her years .
Nineteen year-old Justine was a member of Cherrybrook Little Athletics from U6 to U17 while she managed to reach state level . While in Year 11 and training for the goal of reaching nationals in the 800m and 1500m , she began experiencing symptoms of a serious heart condition .
Unfortunately , the heart condition became too concerning during high levels of physical activity that she had to stop competing . She took up volunteer roles with Cherrybrook Little Athletics where she still fulfils her passion of being involved in sport .
“ It was difficult getting that news ,” Wallis reflects .
“ I was lucky enough one day to get a call from Nicky Jenneke asking if I would like to be part of the Cherrybrook Athletics Committee and was so grateful for this opportunity . It really helped me to stay involved with the club and see many of our athletes experience PBs and qualify for carnivals , which I love to go to , watching and supporting them .
“ At the beginning it was so disappointing but it helped me mature a lot . It has been a blessing in disguise because I wouldn ’ t have had the committee experience if I was still competing .”
There have been a plethora of
roles that Justine has undertaken with the Little Athletics which include but are not limited to ; helping out the U6 groups Age Managers and joining the committee as Club Competition Coordinator and Age Manager Coordinator .
Justine organises special events and fundraisers for the club while also studying a double degree of Bachelor of Education ( Primary ) and Bachelor Psychology with the goal to become a primary school teacher . She also works on a casual basis at before and after school and vacation care .
While Justine doesn ’ t compete anymore , she still occasionally trains with Cherrybrook coaching coordinator , Valme Kruger , to keep her fitness up . Wallis ’ hard work volunteering with Cherrybrook Little Athletics hasn ’ t gone unnoticed as she picked up Little Athletics NSW Young Volunteer of the Year award late last year .
Cherrybrook Athletics Club president , Martin Lubrano , speaks glowingly of Justine .
“ Justine ’ s commitment to the club and the young athletes goes beyond what
you might expect of someone her age , especially someone who is also studying a double degree and working ,” he said .
“ She has a passion for inspiring and encouraging young children in their pursuit of personal bests and she willingly shares her love of athletics . Her selfless and dedicated nature makes her a valuable member of any team , particularly our Athletics Club Committee . She is one
of the loveliest people you will ever meet – she is adored by our athletes and their parents .”
Justine reflects on how enjoyable her volunteer work has been ,
“ I love the sport so much I wanted to see other kids enjoy it . I love organising events and seeing how excited kids get just to participate and especially when they get their Personal Bests .”

Hills ’ boy Starc shines in Ashes victory

While the domestic and local cricket competitions took their regular Christmas and New Year break , it was time for cricket fans across the country to turn their attention to the Ashes series between Australia and England .
Hills ’ boy Mitchell Starc has been one of the stars of the series as Australia retained the urn after winning the first three tests comprehensively over a hapless England squad . Starc ranked 2nd in Australia ’ s wicket-taking with 15 wickets taken at an average of 26.60 behind offspinner Nathan Lyon with 16 .
It ’ s been an Ashes series filled with many positive stories despite the ongoing COVID-19 crisis threatening to derail everything with cases mounting daily . Although Tim Paine ’ s scandal made headlines , it allowed Alex Carey a chance with the gloves for the first time at Test level .
The second test in Adelaide saw the return of Jhye Richardson to the Test side for the first time since 2019 as a result of Josh Hazlewood ’ s injury and he picked up a 5 wicket haul in the second innings .
Pat Cummins was ruled out as a result of being a close contact to a positive COVID case which allowed Michael Neser to make his Test debut finally , picking up a wicket in each innings .
Scott Boland outshone his seasoned teammates in his first foray into the Test arena , picking up 14 wickets in his first two tests including a famous haul of 6 / 7 which helped Australia roll England all out for 68 in the second innings of the third test .
Usman Khawaja was called up again to the Test XI for the first time since 2019 after incumbent no . 5 Travis Head returned a positive COVID-19 test . He grabbed his opportunity with both hands , as he produced a century in each innings in the fourth test at the SCG .
Following this performance Khawaja couldn ’ t be dropped and he was chosen to replace out of form Marcus Harris as David Warner ’ s opening batsmen partner .
Mitchell Starc had drawn some unfair criticism from the likes of Shane Warne ahead of the Ashes series , and he answered his critics in stunning fashion , knocking over Rory Burns in the opening ball of the first test .
With Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood both out of the second test , Starc was the last senior and experienced pace bowler left . He led the bowling attack with his usual aggression , picking up 6 wickets at an impressive average of 13.33 . Starc also reached some impressive numbers with the bat himself , hitting 151 runs at an average of 75.50 .
Mitchell Starc celebrates the opening wicket of the Ashes series .

Starc ranked 2nd in Australia ’ s wicket-taking with 15 wickets taken at an average of 26.60 behind offspinner Nathan Lyon with 16 .

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