JCU students’ UniSport Nationals adventure

Leo Wood was in for a surprise when he arrived in Perth for the UniSport Nationals.

For six months, his lawn bowls team had trained every Friday in preparation for the competition.

“Out of the blue, we were told we’d be competing in tenpin bowls as well. We were a bit sceptical at first. I’d only played it recreationally. Though, as it turns out, I’m quite good at it.”

He won bronze in the tenpin singles, silver in the doubles and silver in the teams event.

Back at the day job, the lawn bowls team missed out on gold by 2 millimetres.

The James Cook University Bachelor of Business and Psychological Science student said he was delighted with the results.

“You can’t complain about coming home with four medals! I’m aiming for more golds next year, and this year’s experience has given the team and I even more motivation to come back stronger and sweep the competition.”

The UniSport Nationals ran from 26 September to 2 October in Perth, bringing together more than 5400 student athletes from 43 universities across Australia.

JCU UniLife Head of Sport, Fitness and Recreation Vincent Gardiner said all students represented the university with the utmost integrity.

“A few unfortunate errors meant we missed out on a couple more medals in the rugby 7s and women’s volleyball, along with the heartbreaking tiny difference that decided gold and silver for lawn bowls.

“All our students gave it everything and were proud to be able to represent their university on the national stage,” Mr Gardiner said.

Back in Townsville, Leo Wood’s lawn bowls team is considering taking up tenpin bowling. Whatever the code, he will definitely be back for the next UniSport Nationals.

“Coming home with medals was great, but the friendships and memories made the whole experience even better. I’d encourage anyone who has the opportunity to get involved,” Mr Wood said.

Link to images here.

Full results:

Judo 3rd, bronze medal: Odysseas Kolovisteas.

Lawn Bowls 2nd, silver medal: Joe Rauter, Ben Dempsey, Taj Rodwell, Leo Wood, Nina Teague and Izzy Young.

Tenpin Singles 3rd, bronze medal: Leo Wood.

Tenpin Doubles 2nd, silver medal: Leo Wood and Taj Rodwell.

Tenpin Teams 2nd, silver medal: Joe Rauter, Ben Dempsey, Taj Rodwell, Leo Wood, Nina Teague and Izzy Young.

Women’s Volleyball 4th place: Went undefeated until the semi-final, then lost the bronze medal match.

Women’s Rugby 7s 4th place: Lost the bronze medal match.

Men’s Beach Volleyball 6th place: Strong effort despite difficult weather.