Milestones & Highlights
Celebrating the Legacy of the Retired Sports in QGSSSA History
Preserving the Legacy of Retired Sports
For over a century, QGSSSA has been home to a wide variety of sports that have inspired young athletes and fostered leadership and sportsmanship.
While some sports have retired from our current offering, their legacy remains a vital part of QGSSSA’s history and spirit. Each of these sports has left an indelible mark on our community, contributing to the rich tapestry of QGSSSA’s history. Click below to learn more about the legacy, achievements, and highlights of each sport.
Lifesaving
Lifesaving was a valued part of the QGSSSA sporting calendar from 1924 until its retirement in 1990. The competition tested students' skill, strength and water safety knowledge, and was a unique offering within the Association.
The prestigious McWhirter Cup was awarded to the winning school each year, with St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School taking out the final title in 1990. The Cup remains in their care as a lasting symbol of excellence in this distinctive QGSSSA sport.
The prestigious McWhirter Cup was awarded to the winning school each year, with St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School taking out the final title in 1990. The Cup remains in their care as a lasting symbol of excellence in this distinctive QGSSSA sport.
Ballgames
Ballgames were once a much-loved feature of the QGSSSA Athletics program, showcasing teamwork, coordination and school spirit.
Early formats included Twelve-man Tunnel Ball, Captain Ball, Zig Zag Pass, Overhead Pass and Long Tunnel Ball. Over the years, the program evolved to include a refined set of games such as Captain Ball, Square Spry, File Gap, Medley Ball (invented by Del Mellefont, former Sports Mistress of St Hilda’s School), Leader Ball, Tunnel and Zig.
On 18 May 1996, the final QGSSSA Ballgames competition was held, marking the end of an era. Participating schools in this final event were Ipswich Girls' Grammar School, St Margaret's Anglican Girls School, St Hilda's School, St Aidan's Anglican Girls School and Moreton Bay College.
Early formats included Twelve-man Tunnel Ball, Captain Ball, Zig Zag Pass, Overhead Pass and Long Tunnel Ball. Over the years, the program evolved to include a refined set of games such as Captain Ball, Square Spry, File Gap, Medley Ball (invented by Del Mellefont, former Sports Mistress of St Hilda’s School), Leader Ball, Tunnel and Zig.
On 18 May 1996, the final QGSSSA Ballgames competition was held, marking the end of an era. Participating schools in this final event were Ipswich Girls' Grammar School, St Margaret's Anglican Girls School, St Hilda's School, St Aidan's Anglican Girls School and Moreton Bay College.
Table Tennis
Table Tennis was first introduced to QGSSSA as a social sport in 1999, offering students a new opportunity to engage in fast-paced, skill-based competition.
The inaugural QGSSSA Table Tennis competition was held in 2000, marking its brief but enthusiastic inclusion in the sporting calendar.
After a short run, Table Tennis was officially retired in 2002, but its presence remains a notable chapter in the Association’s ongoing evolution and commitment to exploring diverse sporting opportunities for girls.
The inaugural QGSSSA Table Tennis competition was held in 2000, marking its brief but enthusiastic inclusion in the sporting calendar.
After a short run, Table Tennis was officially retired in 2002, but its presence remains a notable chapter in the Association’s ongoing evolution and commitment to exploring diverse sporting opportunities for girls.
Softball
Softball became an official QGSSSA sport in 1965, the same year as the first Women’s Softball World Series, held in Melbourne. Competing nations included Australia, USA, Japan, New Guinea and New Zealand, with Australia crowned World Champions after winning the inaugural competition.
Generations of students have graced the diamonds at Downey Park and other venues over the years, forging friendships and creating memories that will last a lifetime. During the heights of QGSSSA softball, the competition would electrify Downey Park, with school teams filling the venue with their passion and determination.
Softball remained a proud part of the QGSSSA calendar for nearly six decades before being retired in 2024. Moreton Bay College was the final school to claim the QGSSSA Open Softball premiership pennant, marking the end of an era.
Generations of students have graced the diamonds at Downey Park and other venues over the years, forging friendships and creating memories that will last a lifetime. During the heights of QGSSSA softball, the competition would electrify Downey Park, with school teams filling the venue with their passion and determination.
Softball remained a proud part of the QGSSSA calendar for nearly six decades before being retired in 2024. Moreton Bay College was the final school to claim the QGSSSA Open Softball premiership pennant, marking the end of an era.
