The lure of inter-school athletics will see a record team turn the marathon trip from Whitemark to Launceston into a sprint on Thursday.
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The middle of three Northern High School Sports Association athletics carnivals will witness eight determined competitors proudly representing Flinders Island District High School.
Having already conquered major logistical issues before taking to the St Leonards track, the team will be on a tight schedule but were determined to keep the Furneaux Group as part of Tasmania.
Health and physical education teacher Justin Graham is the man entrusted with organising the group who will fly into Launceston about 9.40am and are scheduled to return about 4pm.
"It shows even though we are separated, we can still go and compete which is really important and the school has a passion and motivation to take these opportunities," he said.
The school has just over 100 students from kinder to year 12 who face costs up to $500 for return trips to Melbourne or Launceston.
"Some students do travel with family whereas others rarely leave the island," Graham said.
"It has been difficult this year and that's why the inter-high is so important to us.
"They are very excited and competing in a range of events. It's a really good opportunity for them to see where they are at in regards to other students.
"For example May Wain is an awesome athlete but the only year seven girl at the school so it is very hard for her to know where she is in relation to her peers so it's up to me to go through the data."
Graham said the school had been very supportive of sending a team for the second year running.
"If we make it a day trip we can take more students because costs are reduced significantly. For an overnight trip we would need an extra teacher and accommodation costs.
"I think it's a record. We took a team of four last year but before that there were quite a few years when nobody came over for the inter-high. It is something I'm passionate about so the students are not missing an opportunity.
"Last year we performed really well which was good because it meant when I asked about going again the principal was very supportive, although he's probably scared what I will ask for next."
It's a really good opportunity for them to see where they are at in regards to other students
- Teacher Justin Graham
Originally from Hobart, Graham went to university in Launceston before being posted to Flinders which he admits feels a long way from the global dangers of coronavirus.
"It's a beautiful place," he said. "We wash our hands when we go to the shop but besides that things are pretty normal as we are nicely protected."
The NHSSA carnivals began with division two on Wednesday, continue with division three on Thursday and conclude with division one on Friday. All are at St Leonards and run from 9.30am to 2.15pm.