Record number of Murdoch athletes expected at Uni Games

by Rangariro Nyamidzi

April 25, 2008

MURDOCH University this year expects to follow up from where they left off last year by sending a record number of athletes to October’s University games in Melbourne.

After having sent a record total 61 athletes last year, the uni team expects to send 120 athletes to this year’s event.

“The response this year has tremendous and we have had more disciplines qualify for this year’s event”, said Andrew Hutcheon, who’s one of the team organisers.

The increase in participation has been aided by the addition of other sports, like the various forms of martial arts and mixed touch rugby.     

Mr Hutcheon expects that this year Murdoch will win medals in at least 4 sports, with the rest being dark horses.

Last year’s gold and silver winning women’s beach volley ball team is in with a chance again this year, as is the Rugby 7’s side that’s the top pick in division 2 this year.

The men’s Ten Pin Bowling team and the mixed touch rugby team are also expected to do well.

eMU News managed to catch up with rugby 7’s captain Jason Lavitan, who said this year his team had high hopes.

“We have a big group this year and the team is fit and raring to go,” Mr Lavitan said. “For us this year nothing short of a medal is acceptable, as we are the top pick in our division.”

Administratively, the preparation for the games has been encouraging, Mr Hutcheon said. So far, the Murdoch team has booked accommodation and will be hoping to finalise all requirements by the end of first semester.

 “Most disciplines have had more time this year to raise funds as compared to last year,” Mr Hutcheon said. “Hopefully this can work in the various teams’ favour.”

The Australia University Games is the largest annual sporting event in the country with over 6000 athletes.