Loss is just a ‘learning opportunity’ and ‘motivation’ to improve
Wesley College has played interschool table tennis since the 1970s, but the diversity of the 2023 team has made everyone stand up and take notice!
It’s a unique team – Wesley has one of the few co-ed Firsts teams in the APS competition, with multi-generational players aged from 11 through to 17 years, playing alongside each other. And the team is really good.
The Wesley Firsts play at the highest level of the APS interschool sport competition and have a blitzing score sheet, including two 30 to nil wins this season against Melbourne Grammar and Xavier College. With a few rounds of the season to go, the team had already accrued enough wins to be in contention for the premiership title. The only obstacle: reigning premiers Haileybury College, who have dominated the sport for decades.
‘People underestimate table tennis as a sport,’ said Year 6 student, Ollie. And that’s kind of what he likes most about it! ‘It’s very high intensity and when people see you play, they are amazed at how complex it is.’
On Saturday 25 February, the Wesley Firsts met the Haileybury Firsts in a tightly contested day of play. Just one more win would have seen Wesley crowned co-premiers. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be, with the team falling short by the smallest of margins: 14-16. A disappointing result, but the team have taken the loss in their stride.
As Captain Gabby told her team, the narrow (and heartbreaking) loss was a ‘learning opportunity, and motivation to train harder for next time.’
Gabby and Yazeed, Captain and Vice-Captain of table tennis
Gabby Osvath
Gabby and Serena - a Year 12/Year 6 doubles pairing
Principal Nick Evans and Head of St Kilda Road Campus Kim Bence show their support
Ollie Xia, Year 6
Ollie and coach Matt
Serena Zhang in action
Ollie and Andy celebrate a point
The group has continued the final few rounds of the season, enjoying the game and supporting one another. Bringing such a diverse group together is a source of pride for Head Coach, Luke Bertucci, Captain Gabby and Vice-Captain, Yazeed.
‘The thing I enjoyed most about coaching this team was seeing the camaraderie develop between a collection of students with such a wide range of ages. They have been able to build such a unique sporting culture together,’ said Luke.
Gabby agrees that it’s an incredibly cohesive team. ‘It’s fantastic to have a team that has supported each other so much throughout the season,’ she said. According to Year 6 player, Serena, it was Gabby and Yazeed’s baked goods that united the team, as well as their shared passion for table tennis!
When Gabby joined the Firsts, she was one of the only girls on the team. Now, female members, selected on merit, make up half the team most weekends, and more than hold their own in terms of ranking. ‘It’s been incredible to see such an increase in the number of girls playing in the team,’ Gabby said. ‘I feel very proud to be leading such a diverse group of people!’
The female captain has also inspired some of the younger players. ‘It feels good to have a female Captain,’ said Serena, ‘because whenever we play other schools, they are either an all boys’ school, or they have a male Captain.’
Having a co-ed team makes perfect sense to Ollie. ‘I think it is great to be a co-ed team because girls are as good as the boys, so why shouldn't they be in the team?’ Perhaps it’s that positive, inclusive mindset that has made this team as strong as it is.
Peter Osvath, President of Wesley Parents St Kilda Road and father of team Captain Gabby certainly believes so. ‘There is a great spirit amongst this team, and I am constantly impressed by the absolute positivity of the coaches and managers. The post-match debrief after their narrow loss to Haileybury was truly impressive and helped frame the feelings they took away. Disappointment is natural, but it can also be the catalyst for growth, to redouble their efforts and strive for future success.’
‘It’s truly a privilege to be a supporter and spectator of a sports team with such an incredibly healthy attitude, although I shouldn’t be surprised as they’re Wesley through and through,’ said Peter. We couldn’t agree more!
