SCHOOL SQUASH STARS GEAR UP FOR INTERSTATE EXCHANGE

Queensland’s next generation of squash stars will come up against New South Wales when they compete in the 15 years-and-under and 19 years-and-under Interstate Squash Exchange in Caloundra this week.

Minister for Education and Training Rod Welford said the 20 Queensland students would be defending the state’s undefeated record.

“The three-day championships at the Caloundra Squash Centre from 8-10 August will include singles and doubles tournaments,” Mr Welford said.

"I want to congratulate each of the players on their selection and wish them every success in representing Queensland, which has been undefeated for the past four years.

"Being selected in a state team is a significant achievement and each of the competitors should feel very proud.

"The interstate exchange will be a great opportunity for these athletes to compete at a high level while meeting and sharing experiences with their peers from Queensland and New south Wales.

“I have no doubt some of these students will follow the success of former competitors such as the 1992 junior and open champions Natalie and Rachel Grinham who went on to become the 2006 Commonwealth Games Women’s champion and runner-up.”

Mr Welford also thanked the dedicated teachers and school staff who had worked hard to make the championships a success.

The selected Queensland teams for the Interstate Exchange against New South Wales are:

19 years-and-under

Boys

1. Jamie McErvale (Sunshine Coast)

2. Matthew Hopkin (Metropolitan West)

3. Jacob Alexander (Metropolitan East)

4. Ben Harris (Metropolitan North)

5. Stuart Craig (Capricornia)

Girls

1. Rheanne Niebling (Darling Downs)

2. Jacquie Holmes (Northern)

3. Hayley Peta (Sunshine Coast)

4. Madeline McGinnity (Northern)

5. Trudy Dahlheimer (Darling Downs)

15 years-and-under

Boys

1. Lachlan Johnston (Metropolitan North)

2. Jason Barrett (Sunshine Coast)

3. Jack Somerville (Capricornia)

4. Connor Craig (Capricornia)

5. Jayden Sariman (Peninsula)

Girls

1. Kelly Preston (Capricornia)

2. Lena Peta (Sunshine Coast)

3. Angela Fisher (Metropolitan East)

4. Bethany Brazier (Metropolitan North)

5. Louise Mundey (Metropolitan North)