Lachlan Overton, Jacob Evans, Michael Nicoli, Kyle Tosana and Marshall Roberts, have been selected to a State side.

25th August 2009

Five of the region’s most outstanding junior hockey players, including three from the South West Academy of Sport, are celebrating after being selected to represent Western Australia at the upcoming Under 15 Men’s National Hockey Championships.

SWAS hockey talents Jacob Evans, Michael Nicoli and Marshall Roberts have joined fellow South West residents Lachlan Overton and Kyle Tosana in the State under-15 men’s hockey team following successful trials in Perth.

All five are now being put through their paces in the lead-up to the national tournament in October, with their demanding program of preparation so far including a match against Western Australia’s School Sport Australia Under 16 Boys Hockey team.

The championships will be held in Adelaide and will give the talented teens the opportunity to step up and test their abilities against some of the best young hockey players in Australia.

14-year-old young gun Jacob Evans said he was happy to see his hard work pay off with State selection and was now putting energy into getting ready to take to the field for Western Australia.

“I’m looking forward to meeting new people and playing some hockey,” he said.

SWAS head hockey coach Matt Mellor congratulated the athletes on making the State side and wished them success at the championships.

“It is a great achievement to get five South West boys in the WA under-15 men's team,” he said.

“The boys have put the effort in during the SWAS development sessions and are now starting to see the rewards for their hard work and thoroughly deserve their selection in the team.

“Hopefully this is the just the start of things to come for the SWAS hockey program.”

The SWAS hockey program is one of four academy partner sports programs helping promising young sports men and women reach their potential through access to specialised training programs, guest coaches and support services.

…ENDS