2026 SA Schools Cross Country Championships
Westminster School took one of its largest Senior School teams in recent years, with 34 athletes travelling to Oakbank Racecourse to compete in the 2026 SA Schools Cross Country Championships. With representatives across every age division, the day showcased both outstanding individual performances and impressive team success.
Athletes faced challenging conditions throughout the event, competing not only against strong opposition but also a cold, wet and muddy course. Despite these conditions, Westminster students demonstrated remarkable determination and School spirit.
Among the standout individual performances were Will McManus, who finished an outstanding 3rd overall in the 13 Year Old Boys race, and Ashton Warren, who placed 9th. Together with Jacob Chatterton (11th), Charlie Bode (64th) and Alfie Wyness (123rd), they helped Westminster claim 1st place in the 13 Year Old Boys team competition.
Another excellent individual result came from Lily Ritson, who recorded a top-ten finish in the 15 Year Old Girls race, placing 7th overall.
The 15 Year Old Boys team also delivered an exceptional performance, with Caleb Dyer (12th), Alex Bradley (18th), Jimmy Guthrie (21st) and Eric Tie (22nd) combining to secure 1st place in their team competition. Having all four runners finish inside the top 25 was a remarkable achievement.
One of the highlights of the day was the strong participation from our senior students. Despite balancing significant academic and sporting commitments, they proudly represented Westminster and demonstrated outstanding commitment to their teammates and the School.
The Preparatory School was also proudly represented at the 2026 SA Schools Cross Country Championships, with four students competing against some of the best young distance runners in South Australia.
Leading the way was Maria Kowalczyk, who produced a remarkable performance to be crowned State Champion in the 11 Year Old Girls event. Hugh Chivers also delivered an outstanding run, finishing third in the 12 Year Old Boys race and earning a place on the podium.
As a result of their exceptional performances, both Maria and Hugh have been selected to represent South Australia at the upcoming National Cross Country Championships, a wonderful achievement and recognition of their dedication, training and commitment to the sport.
Clara Oberdan also competed strongly in the highly competitive 11 Year Old Girls race, finishing in 27th place, while Matilda Roberts showed great determination to finish 57th in the 10 Year Old Girls event.
We congratulate all four students on their efforts and wish Maria and Hugh every success as they prepare to represent South Australia at the National Championships.
The continued growth of running at Westminster is reflected in these results. Through the commitment of students and staff attending Running Club on Monday and Friday mornings before School, we are seeing steady improvement across all age groups. It is rewarding to see that dedication translate into such strong individual and team performances.
A special thank you to our Running Club coaches, Adam Thompson, Kate Stewart and Jon Dyer and Prep Head of Sport Nick Warren whose dedication and support played a significant role in preparing our athletes for the Championships. Through their organisation, encouragement and coaching, they continue to foster a strong running culture at Westminster and help our students achieve their best both individually and as part of a team.
Results
10 Year Old Girls
Matilda Roberts (57th) - 3rd Southwest Team
11 Year Old Girls
Maria Kowalczyk (1st), Clara Oberda (27th) - 1st Southwest Team
12 Year Old Boys
Hugh Chivers (3rd) - 1st Southwest Team
13 Year Old Girls
Bella McLean (16th), Bridie Casey (24th), Charlotte Headlam (56th), Charlotte Thomas (87th) – 7th Team
13 Year Old Boys
Will McManus (3rd), Ashton Warren (9th), Jacob Chatterton (11th), Charlie Bode (64th), Alfie Wyness (123rd) – 1st Team
14 Year Old Girls
Alanna Rowe (38th), Harper Ritchie (44th), Alexandra Heneker (56th) – Team did not place
14 Year Old Boys
Cruz Murphy (16th), Cody Woodlands (57th), William Gordon (60th), Lucas Thomas (62nd) – 6th Team
15 Year Old Girls
Lily Ritson (7th), Zoya Thomas (48th) – Team did not place
15 Year Old Boys
Caleb Dyer (12th), Alex Bradley (18th), Jimmy Guthrie (21st), Eric Tie (22nd) – 1st Team
16 Year Old Girls
Jolie Latta (22nd), Maddy Gill (36th), Elise Hammerstein (39th) – 6th Team
16 Year Old Boys
Ben Adams (50th), Evan Francis (63rd) – Team did not place
Open Girls
Lara Scutchings (14th), Anna Goad (25th) – Team did not place
Open Boys
Open Boys; Joey Ottoson-Crossling (22), Lando Montgomerie (23), Gilbert Cox (24), Callum Hockey (25) Jack Parkinson (58) - 6th Team