Home Hill State High School enjoyed good weather for its cross country carnival on Monday, April 28, 2025, with a challenging course winding through the school’s surrounding farmland.
Students tackled a range of terrains around the school, testing their endurance and spirit across grass, dirt tracks, and rugged paddocks. The event brought together competitors from across the school’s houses — Upstart, Inkerman, and Beachmount — all vying for age champion honours and a spot on the school’s representative team.
In the Open division, Sonny O’Rourke (Upstart) and Mary Hinde (Inkerman) took out the top honours for the boys and girls respectively. The 16 years age group saw Rowen Peterson (Upstart) and Indianna Macdonald (Beachmount) finish first.
Luke Potter-Geitz (Upstart) and Jemma Olditch (Inkerman) led the 15 years division, while Allow Brown (Inkerman) and Ashley Oats (Beachmount) were victorious among the 14-year-olds.
The 13 years titles went to Alex Cullen (Inkerman) and McKenna Trail (Upstart), while in the 12 years division, Braxton Bowen and Chloe Oats, both from Beachmount, claimed the wins.
The school congratulated all students for their participation, sportsmanship, and house spirit, with staff praising the competitive but friendly atmosphere throughout the day.
Winners from each age group will now represent Home Hill State High School at the Burdekin State School trials, to be held on May 12 at the same Home Hill course.
At last year’s BSS trials, HHSHS had four students qualify for the Burdekin team to compete at the North Queensland trials, and with a strong group of runners this year, Home Hill looks well positioned for another big result at district level.
Captain Cruz Torkington and Captian Blaze Palmer
Age Champion Open Boy Sonny O'Rourke
Age Champion Open Girl Mary Hinde