Water Polo Trophies
Introduction:
Water Polo in unique within the sporting environment of AAGPS. The competition includes in its foundation schools from both the GPS & CAS. The current competition has a dual Premierships for 1st and 2nd Grade, a Combined Schools Premiership (can be won by either GPS or CAS) and since 2015 an AAGPS Premiership. Game points from each fixture are attributed to both competition tables.
AAGPS 1st Grade – Thomas Whalan Shield
Awarded to the winners of the AAGPS 1st Competition. The inaugural trophy was presented to Newington College in 2015.
Thomas Whalan graduated from the Scots College in 1998. His water polo career saw him selected within the Australian Youth, Australian School boys and Junior Men’s team from 1996, he went onto captain these sides in 1998.
Post school Thomas Whalan represented the Australian Men’s team at the 2000,2004,2008,2012 Olympics and was Captain of the Australian Men’s side in 2008.
AAGPS 2nd Grade – The Ray Smee Trophy
Awarded to the winners of the AAGPS 2nds Competition. The inaugural trophy was presented to Newington College in 2015.
Raymond Smee OAM graduated from Sydney Boys High School. Ray was a dual Olympian, representing Australia at the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, where he was the team’s vice Captain. Later at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne Ray Captained the Australian men’s team.
Ray holds the record as the first Australian selected in the FINA ‘rest of the world’ side from these Olympics. He achieved 50 test caps playing for Australia and was admitted to the Australian Water Polo Hall of Fame in 2010.
Combined Schools 1st Grade
Awarded to the winners of the AAGPS and CAS 1st Competition. The inaugural trophy was presented to The Scots College in 1988.
Combined Schools 2nd Grade
Awarded to the winners of the AAGPS and CAS 2nd Competition. The inaugural trophy was presented to The Scots College & Newington College in 1989.
