Shooting for the stars

The Vice-Chancellor has congratulated one of Australia's top water polo players and UNSW student, Johnno Cotterill, on his team's win at the World University Games in Serbia.

Johnno, aged 21, who is studying Commerce and Liberal Studies, was part of the victorious Australian Universities water polo team which defeated Croatia 6:4 to take out the gold medal.

The Ben Lexcen Scholar followed up the success by representing Australia at the World Water Polo Championships in Rome. Johnno was the second-highest scorer for the team, which did not place at the Championships.

He says that the support of the University and its flexibility has enabled him to juggle his sporting commitments and academic achievement.

"The faculties have enabled me to continue with my studies, even while I'm overseas," says Johnno, who is based at Sant Andreu in Spain for a large part of the year, where he competes in that country's national league.

"While I have not been able to attend many tutorials, the lecturers have enabled me to do the work via the internet," says Johnno.

Three other UNSW students attended the World University Games: Bridey Delaney (Athletics), George Tang (Table Tennis) and Alex Minchin (Volleyball).

George had two wins and a loss before being knocked out of the competition.

Bridey finished 9th in the final of the women's 1500m, while the men's Volleyball team finished in 19th position.

Overall the Australian team finished 10th on the medal tally with five golds, two silvers and one bronze.