Advertising feature
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
IF HE wasn’t pursuing a career in AFL, 18-year-old CJ says he’d like to be studying health sciences at university.
But the year 12 boarder from Xavier College won’t be suiting up a lab coat any time soon, as he’s just been nominated by Hawthorn Football Club as a category B rookie in the 2017 AFL draft.
“It felt unreal being nominated by such an amazing club. I’m very excited for the season,” CJ said.
“My goals are to try and take in and learn as much as I can from the coaching staff and players and to build towards my first game”.
Before the Hawks swooped in, Changkuoth Jiath, also known as “CJ”, was granted a bursary to attend Xavier College in Kew, Victoria. Alongside academic and faith development, CJ was able to refine his talents on the football field.
The ability to make life-long friends was amazing.
- Xavier College student Changkuoth "CJ" Jiath
Under the direction of Xavier football coaches and AFL greats Matt and Luke Ball, CJ caught the eye of Hawthorn scouts well before the November draft.
“Xavier supplied a wide range of activities that I have used to further my football skills and fitness,” CJ said.
“From the swimming pool to the football ovals, the gym and the running track.”
This advertising feature is supported by the following businesses:
Despite his recent success, CJ never imagined himself playing AFL.
He spent the first part of his life in an Ethiopian refugee camp before his family was given the opportunity to move to Australia in 2007. After the move, CJ lived and studied in country Victoria before moving to the boarding house at Xavier College.
On his bursary, CJ was able to blend into life at Xavier. He lived, studied, trained and rested on campus under the pastoral care of full-time boarding staff.
“As you could imagine, it was quite daunting at first having left my family back home [in Morwell],” he said.
“Credit to the Xavier community. They helped me settle in really well”.
He had access to tutors, library services and faith guidance, as well as a team of medical staff in the on-campus health centre.
“The ability to make life-long friends was amazing,” he said. “The connection between the boarders is something I will hold on to for the rest of my life”.
During his time at the college, CJ became a part of the inclusive, passionate and proud Xavier community that will stay with him throughout his football career and for the rest of his life as an Old Xaverian.
Xavier College is currently accepting scholarship applications for students entering year 7, 9 and 11. Scholarships are awarded for excellence in achievement and bursaries are awarded to assist students who might otherwise be unable to attend Xavier College.
For further information and registration visit xavier.vic.edu/scholarships.
Related