Sporting Pathway Program
Warrnambool College offers the only Sporting Pathway Program outside of the major cities in Victoria.
This initiative aims to use the passion of sport to engage and expand a student’s learning opportunities at our school. This program involves partnerships with the Exercise and Health Science Faculty at Federation University – Ballarat campus, and a range of elite local coaches and qualified strength and conditioning coaches.
The program aims to develop the ‘whole athlete’ with a focus on applied science Strength and Conditioning Programs along with advanced fitness sessions using the latest advances in fitness styles, techniques and equipment. All students involved in the program will complete a minimum of three sessions per week in the High Performance Centre, which is fully equipped with the most up-to-date sports science equipment.
This ensures that all students have the opportunity to use the same equipment that elite athletes such as AFL footballers, Hockeyroos players and A-League soccer players use as part of their strength and conditioning programs.
Students will also undertake six sport-specific training sessions throughout the year. These sessions will be scheduled during school time to enable all students to engage with coaching opportunities in their chosen sport. All sport-specific training sessions will be conducted by elite coaches who have been very successful, and in some cases represented their sport at the highest level.
There is a high accountability mechanism built into the program. All students must maintain a 70% or above ‘Attitude and Effort’ grade across all subjects to access the full offerings of the Sporting Pathway Program. Research shows that with the correct attitude and effort, students will achieve their best academic results. If a student drops below this expectation, then consequences will be discussed.
Proudly Partnering with the following
organisations to deliver the SPP
Meet Our Ambassadors
Jack Punshon
SPP Strength and Conditioning Coach
Jack Punshon is an ASCA Level 2 Strength & Conditioning Coach with a Master of Strength and Conditioning from Edith Cowan University. He has extensive experience in schools, sporting clubs, and private practice, specialising in youth athletic development.
Jack focuses on long-term athlete growth through evidence-based training that builds strength, resilience, and confidence.
His coaching philosophy prioritises positive, athlete-centred environments that support both performance and personal development, empowering students to thrive in sport and beyond.
What is involved in the SPP periods per week?
-
- Two periods of strength and conditioning programs – these periods will be conducted in the High Performance Centre. All programs will be developed by a qualified strength & conditioning coach.
- One period for cardio enhancement – fully supervised by qualified strength and conditioning coaches.
- One period theory session with a focus on cyber safety, sports science topics such as nutrition, resilience building, mentoring skills and injury prevention and treatment.
- Sport specific training sessions throughout the school year
Year 7 Course Structure
| Course / Subject | Normal Program | SPP |
|---|---|---|
| English | 5 Periods | 5 Periods |
| Maths | 4 Periods | 4 Periods |
| Science | 3 Periods | 3 Periods |
| Humanities | 3 Periods | 3 Periods |
| Language | 3 Periods | 3 Periods |
| Technology | 3 Periods | 3 Periods |
| Music/Drama | 2 Periods | SPP |
| PE/Health | 4 Periods | SPP |
| Vis Art | 3 Periods | 3 Periods |
Year 8 Course Structure
| Course / Subject | Normal Program | SPP |
|---|---|---|
| Elev8 | 9 Periods | 9 Periods |
| Maths | 5 Periods | 5 Periods |
| Science | 4 Periods | 4 Periods |
| Language | 3 Periods | 3 Periods |
| Technology | 3 Periods | 3 Periods |
| Art/Tech | 3 Periods | SPP |
| PE | 3 Periods | SPP |
Year 9 Course Structure
| Course / Subject | Normal Program | SPP |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | 9 Periods | 9 Periods |
| Maths | 5 Periods | 5 Periods |
| Science | 4 Periods | 4 Periods |
| General | 3 Periods | SPP |
| Tech | 3 Periods | 3 Periods |
| Art | 3 Periods | 3 Periods |
| PE | 3 Periods | SPP |
Year 10 Course Structure
| Course / Subject | Normal Program | SPP |
|---|---|---|
| English | 5 Periods | 5 Periods |
| Maths | 5 Periods | 5 Periods |
| Science | 5 Periods | 5 Periods |
| Humanities | 5 Periods | 5 Periods |
| 5 Period Elective | 5 Periods | 5 Periods |
| 5 Period Elective | 5 Periods | SPP |
Madi Ratcliffe
Graduated from Warrnambool College 2015
Gained selection for a two-week tour of Argentina from October 2015 in the Australian Jillaroos team
Relocated to Perth early 2016 to train at the Perth AIS with the Senior Hockeyroos team
Made her senior international debut for the Hockeyroos against Great Britain February 2016
Gold medallist at the 2017 Oceania Cup
Silver medallist at the 2018 Commonwealth Games
After retiring from international hockey, she is now playing for HC Melbourne in the national Hockey One competition.
Sarah Wall
Originally from the South West of Victoria
Was awarded the captain of her Underage Victorian Netball State Team – this led to attention from National League Selectors
Played netball at the elite level for over a decade with the Melbourne Phoenix, Queensland Firebirds, GWS Giants, Melbourne Vixens and the NSW Swifts
Qualified teacher, studying Exercise Science
The creation of her exciting netball brand – NETFIT NETBALL is driven by her passion of education and the numerous possibilities to activate dreams, inspire healthy living and a sense of community through netball
Sarah also includes the theme of resilience within her NETFIT NETBALL program as she has endured some serious injuries throughout her netball career, but has used them as an opportunity to grow and make the most of her potential
Trevor Gleeson
Originally from Warrnambool
Extensive basketball coaching experience
Warrnambool Mermaids/Seahawks, American College Basketball, NBL – Townsville Crocodiles (2006-2011), NBL – Melbourne Tigers (2011-2012), NBL – Perth Wildcats (2013-2021)
Most successful Wildcats’ coach claiming five championships 2014,2016,2017,2019 and 2020
Currently the Assistant Coach of the Toronto Raptors of the NBA
Appointed to the position of Assistant Coach of the Australian Men’s Boomers National Team who competed in the 2014 World Championships in Spain and the 2016 Rio Olympics
Trevor has coached over 500 professional basketball games spanning the United States of America, South Korea and his home country Australia. He is described as a passionate basketball coach who has an impeccable coaching record
Nathan Sobey
Originally from Warrnambool
After representing Cochise College and University of Wyoming in the USA he returned to play for the Ballarat Miners in the SEABL in 2014
Joined the Cairns Taipans in the National Basketball League in 2015 before signing a three year contract with the Adelaide 36ers
Currently player on the Brisbane Bullets NBL playing roster
Awarded the NBL Most Improved Player 2017
Selected in the 2017 All-NBL Second Team
Gold medallist at the 2018 Commonwealth Games – Australian Boomers
Bronze medallist for the Boomers at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games
Tim Ludeman
Former Warrnambool College student
Began career playing with Nirranda Cricket Club before making Division 1 debut for Nestles Cricket Club
Moved to Melbourne to play with the Carlton Cricket Club in the Victorian Premier Cricket competition
Was offered a rookie contract with the South Australian cricket team after promising performances with Carlton Cricket Club
Has represented the Adelaide Redbacks for the past eight years
Has represented the Adelaide Strikers in the limited overs form of the game
Represented the highly successful Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League
Returned to play for Nestles Cricket Club in the WDCA – premiership player 2022/2023 season
“Cricket has opened up many doors and provided many lifelong opportunities and friendships”
James Rahilly
Former Warrnambool College student
Currently holds the position as Assistant Coach of the Adelaide Football Club
Assistant Coach of the Geelong Football Club (2011 – 2019)
Played 90 games for the Geelong Football Club – recruited from South Warrnambool/Geelong Falcons in 1997
Received an AFL Rising Star Award in 1998
Awarded Geelong Football Club’s ‘Best Clubman’ award in 2003
Member of the Geelong Football Club’s VFL Premiership Team in 2002 and was awarded the Norm Goss Memorial Medal for best on ground in the grand final
Hugh McCluggage
Former Warrnambool College student
Pick number 3 in the 2016 AFL National Draft – Brisbane Lions
Made his AFL debut in round three of the 2017 season against St. Kilda at Etihad Stadium
Contracted at the Brisbane Lions until the end of 2024
Multiply years being selected in the AFL Team of the Year 40 player squad
2017 AFL Rising Star nomination
Winner of the TAC Morrish Medal for Best and Fairest player in the 2016 season
North Ballarat Rebels Best and Fairest winner – 2016
Victoria Country Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the NAB Under 18 National Championships
Named in the 2016 All-Australian Under 18 Team
Jay Rantall
Graduated from Warrnambool College 2019
Former Junior SPP Ambassador
Current member of the Australian Crocs basketball team
Gold medallist at the FIBA U16 Asian Championships
Member of the Rebels V/Line Cup squad 2016
Drafted to Collingwood AFL Club 2019 – debut game in 2021 ANZAC Day match
SANFL Premiership Player for Norwood 2022
Currently playing in the VFL with Western Bulldog affiliate club Footscray