St Brendan’s College successfully conducted its Interhouse Swimming Carnival (Competitive Only) on Monday, 17 March, following several postponements due to exceptionally challenging weather conditions experienced across the region.
In the weeks leading up to the event, the Capricorn Coast and surrounding areas recorded some of the heaviest rainfall typically seen at this time of year, resulting in widespread flooding and significant disruption to school and community activities. With safety as the highest priority, the College decided to delay the carnival until conditions allowed the event to proceed safely.
Once held, the carnival offered students an important opportunity to compete in a structured, focused environment, with the afternoon dedicated solely to racing. Students contested events across all four swimming strokes, delivering strong performances and demonstrating determination, sportsmanship and house pride throughout the program.
One of the highlights of the carnival was the annual Fastest 5 Race, which brought together the five fastest freestyle swimmers from across the afternoon to compete over a 50‑metre sprint. In a closely fought and exciting race, Sam Clements claimed fastest swimmer honours, finishing ahead of Nicholas Eaton, Oliver King, Oram McGilvray and Sonny Eyles.
The College extends its thanks to all students who participated and approached the carnival with commitment and resilience, particularly given the disruptions experienced earlier in the term. Appreciation is also extended to staff for their flexibility and organisation in ensuring the event ran smoothly once conditions permitted.
Jarrod Bolton, Patrick Driscoll, Nash Tipene, Nate Shelley
AGE CHAMPION RESULTS
12 Years
1st – Jonathan Butler (D)
2nd – Patrick Driscoll (T)
3rd – Harry Geiger (G)
12 Years Age Champions - 2nd Patrick Driscoll, 1st Jonathan Butler, 3rd Harry Geiger
13 Years
1st – Chase Gribble (G)
2nd – Taj Swift (D)
3rd – Jarrod Bolton (G)
13 Years Age Champions - 2nd Taj Swift, 1st Chase Gribble, 3rd Jarrod Bolton
14 Years
1st – Ace Ballentyne (D)
2nd – Campbell Duncan (D)
3rd – Nate Laverty (D)
14 Years Age Champions - 2nd Campbell Duncan, 1st Ace Ballentyne, 3rd Nate Laverty
15 Years
1st – Henry McGilvray (G)
2nd – Bronx Smith (D)
3rd – Preston Wolff (D)
15 Years Age Champions - 2nd Bronx Smith, 1st Henry McGilvray, 3rd Preston Wolff
16 Years
1st – Sonny Eyles (H)
2nd – Shion Kageyama (H)
3rd – Matt Travers (G)
16 Years Age Champions - 2nd Shion Kageyama, 1st Sonny Eyles, 3rd Matthew Travers
Open
1st – Sam Clements (D)
2nd – Nicholas Eaton (D)
3rd – Oliver King (H)
Open Age Champions - 2nd Nicholas Eaton, 1st Sam Clements, 3rd Oliver King
Champion House Results
1st Duhig House – 1042 points
2nd Gettons House – 768 points
3rd Hayes House – 431 points
4th Tynan House – 368 points
Winning House DUHIG - Mr Matt Cullen, Steele Howard
Congratulations to Duhig House on being crowned Champion House for the 2026 Interhouse Swimming Carnival, and to all competitors for their efforts in bringing this important College event to a successful conclusion.