Tex is having a ball

Tex Copeland already has a remarkable sporting resume, at the age of 11.

The Mueller College student who lives in Newport has reached district level in swimming, Aussie Rules and basketball.

His most recent achievements include being selected for the Sunshine Coast Aussie Rules team, following trials two weeks ago.

Personal bests

Tex had already made the Sunshine Coast’s swimming and basketball squads.

He was also in action at last month’s state school swimming championships where he had a number of personal bests.

“I enjoy them all,” said Tex, “I started playing AFL first, then other sports trying to beat my brother in the garden.

“I probably spend too much time training ... it’s about nine hours a week,” he said with a chuckle.

Achievements this year:

• Mueller College Swimming Age Champion, breaking three school records.

• Runner-up age champion at Christian School Sports Association (CSSA) Swimming Carnival.

• Redcliffe District Primary Swimming Age Champion winning all his eight events.

• Represented Redcliffe at the Sunshine Coast Regional trials in 10 events with eight personal bests, five second and four third places.

• Selected in the Sunshine Coast District team for the Queensland State School Championships on March 22-24 in eight individual events and two relays.

• Made captain of the Redcliffe District basketball team and selected for the Sunshine Coast District basketball squad.

• Made captain of Redcliffe District Aussie Rules team and hopes to make the Sunshine Coast District team on March 26-27.

• Plays premiership footy with Aspley Hornets’ Under 12.5 Division 1 team.

• With Grace Swimming, he had four top-10 placings at the Brisbane Junior Metropolitan Swimming Championships and Brisbane Sprint Championships

Dedicated

Tex’s father Robbie said his son has “always been dedicated to whatever he does”.

“When he puts his mind to something he sets little goals in whatever he does,” said Mr Copeland, who added the family was AFL fans, but swimming and basketball were new sports to them.

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