Education student trains for the World Ultimate Frisbee Championships in August 2008

If you thought frisbees were just for a bit of fun at a picnic, you haven’t met Owen Shepherd. A GradDipEd (Secondary) student at Clayton, Owen is in training for the World Ultimate Frisbee Championships, to be held in Vancouver, Canada, this August.

Ultimate Frisbee, or Ultimate as it’s known in the sport, involves two teams of 7 players that compete over 90 minutes on a rectangular pitch. “Ultimate is a fast-paced sport that’s turned into a lifestyle (for me) and a way to see the world. I’ve played in 10 different countries” said Owen, who is a member of the Australian national team, the Dingoes.

As August approaches, the training is becoming more intense, with strength work and sprints part of a regime the Dingoes hope will see them better their bronze medal performance in 2004. “We’re going for gold” said Owen, determined yet modest.

Soon to begin his first placement at Star of the Sea College in Gardenvale, Owen is undertaking a GradDipEd after completing a Bachelor of Science at UNSW and a Graduate Diploma in Science Communication at ANU. He also brings experience as both a Science Outreach Officer and sports coach. Committed to a career in teaching, next year Owen hopes to first travel to Central America, where he may look for teaching work.

“I’m looking forward to the placement at Star of the Sea College. I’m keen to take my experience from other places and apply it in the classroom.”

The Faculty of Education wishes Owen the best for his studies, and the Dingoes all the best for Vancouver 2008.

For more information on Ultimate visit http://www.wugc2008.com/ultimate.