Sports Awards 2026
October 21, 2026
Celebrating Sporting Excellence in 2026
The Cathedral School’s Middle and Senior School students gathered with teachers and staff for a special Sports Awards Assembly celebrating another outstanding year of sporting achievement.
The assembly recognised students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, performance and sportsmanship throughout 2026, while also acknowledging the many students who represented the School at regional, state and national levels across a diverse range of sporting disciplines. Students recognised included Age Champions, North Queensland representatives and recipients of trimester sporting awards.
A highlight of the assembly was the recognition of several students for their outstanding contributions to school sport, with major sporting honours announced ahead of their formal presentation at the School’s Presentation Nights in November. These awards celebrate excellence across all year levels and reflect the depth of talent, dedication and leadership within Cathedral sport.
The assembly also celebrated exceptional individual performances during the year. Among those recognised was Evan Dippenaar, whose achievements in both rowing and athletics saw him earn the Best Performance Award for 2026. His impressive season included podium finishes at Queensland championships in rowing, along with a personal-best throw of 57.41 metres to claim second place in the Queensland 15 Years Discus event.
Throughout 2026, Cathedral students proudly represented North Queensland and Queensland in sports including rowing, athletics, rugby, netball, touch football, hockey, swimming, aquathlon, cross country, football and basketball, showcasing the strength of the School’s sporting program and the commitment of its student athletes.
The assembly also marked a significant moment for the School community, as it was the final Sports Awards Assembly attended by John Rauch. After years of dedicated service to Cathedral sport, John was presented with a commemorative memento in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the School and the many students whose sporting journeys he has helped shape. His leadership, passion and commitment have left a lasting impact on Cathedral’s sporting culture and traditions.
Congratulations to all students who represented The Cathedral School throughout 2026. Their dedication, resilience and sportsmanship continue to strengthen our proud sporting tradition, and we look forward to formally celebrating our major award recipients at Presentation Nights in November.
Middle School Best All Round Sports Awards
Year 7 Girls – Maia Packer and Jemane Niemandt
Year 7 Boys – Oliver Pedley
Year 8 Girls – Addison Goodwin and Jana Mulder
Year 8 Boys – Cameron Dobbins
Year 9 Girls – Harriet Connolly
Year 9 Boys – Marcel Niemandt
Senior School Best All Around Sports Awards
Year 10 Girls – Anwen Mackay
Year 10 Boys – Flint Hendle and Hayden O’Neill
Year 11 Girls – Harper Ryan
Year 11 Boys – Lucas Goodwin
Year 12 Girls – Lilly Johnston
Year 12 Boys – Jeshua Cronje and James Lando
D and H Murray prize for Effort in Sport
Year 12 Girls – Pia Plath
Year 12 Boys – Blake Goodwin
Olympic Change Maker Award
Year 12 Girls – Pia Plath
Year 12 Boys – Chad Appelcryn
Best Performance 2026
Evan Dippenaar – Year 9 Boy
Rowing – 2nd Qld Year 9 Single Scull State Titles
Rowing – 3rd Qld Under Inter-Regional Coxed Quad Scull
Rowing – 4th Qld Year 9 Double Scull
Rowing – 4th Qld Year 9 Coxed Quad Scull
Track and Field – 2nd Qld 15 Year Discus 57.41m – Personal Best
Track and Field – 3rd Qld 15 Year Shot Put 15.29m
