The
Catholic Weekly
Online
Sydney
18 January 2004
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College put George in volleyball’s courta
College put George in volleyball’s court
IMPOSING George Atrache
By Damir Govorcin
“I just fell in love with the game.” George Atrache, 16, is discussing volleyball where, at 187cm tall, he cuts an imposing figure on the court.
He became involved three years ago when schoolteacher Andrew Simos invited him to a training session.
“
I was fairly tall for my age so Mr Simos thought I might make a good player,” says
George. “I attended the training session and just fell in love with the
game.
“
I wouldn’t have discovered my aptitude for volleyball had it not been
for the development and opportunities at LaSalle (Catholic College, Bankstown).”
George, who was in Year 11 at LaSalle last year, has already captained the NSW under-16 volleyball team and been selected to join the Australian junior volleyball train-on squad.
Naturally strong, George also does one to two weight sessions a week to increase his strength.
LaSalle volleyball coach Kerryn Blanch says George has the ability to play for Australia in future Olympic Games.
“
George is a key player and a team leader,” said Kerryn.
“
At times, his emotions and frustrations can throw his game off. But he has
the talent to have a big future in the game.”
George spearheaded the college’s campaign at the national schools volleyball championships in Melbourne recently.
But, after taking silver in 2002, LaSalle missed out on a medal this time.
George says 2002 was “an incredible experience considering we beat teams from schools with volleyball funding and programs”.
In Melbourne, though, the college “came up against stronger opponents and lost a few tight matches”.
George adds: “But it was a good learning experience for all the players involved.”
After the championships, he stayed in Melbourne to train with the Australian junior development squad.
“ I attended my first training camp in Queensland earlier so I knew what to expect,” said George. “Hopefully I impressed enough to make the full-time squad in 2004.”
LaSalle is building a strong reputation in volleyball, with its senior team winning the Metropolitan Combined Catholic Schools competition last year, The juniors were runners up.
“
Our success in volleyball is becoming a tradition,” says George. “We
feel honoured
to represent the college and our competitive
reputation is important to maintain”.
For now, George has set his future goals of competing at an Olympic Games or playing professionally in Europe.
“ To many that may seem unrealistic, but I will be giving it my best shot,” he said. “Whatever happens, my aim is to get the maximum out of my ability.”