BUSH CHAMPION
Peter Tossol led the Assumption 1st XVIII to A.G.S.V and Herald Sun premierships in 1980. In that year he was also deputy to Simon O’Donnell in the champion 1st XI. With his brother John he shared in six titles in footy and cricket. Both lads later played for Melbourne in the VFL (now AFL) younger brothers Barry and Damien also attended ACK with distinction.
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Peter became a legend of the Ovens and Murray league where he starred for Wangaratta Rovers and later coached Corowa-Rutherglen to two premierships.
His dad and grandfather had been fine spokesmen in country footy and cricket over a long period. All family members played for Thornton over the years and were dominant players. Peter represented country Vic in both sports and was chosen in Australian teams in the two also.
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Beyond his VFL years he has had several public service roles- including public prosecutions, conservation, forests and land; dept of human services; dept for families and housing. His wife Bronwyn is a fine person and there are three lovely daughters. Peter’s dad, also Peter (dec) was a fine person as is his mum Aileen.
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Peter loved his ACK years-he had previously schooled in Thornton and Alexandra. He really enjoyed boarding life and the lifetime friendships forged. He loved the rich tradition and history of Assumption.
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He is not as keen on AFL as in former years and believes ever changing rules and four umpires have not helped the game. He loves test cricket and its great test of character, skill and resolve-but is not a fan of T20. Still a very fit and active guy, Peter is in all ways a “champion bloke”.
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DARK & LIGHT BLUE CHAMPIONS
Simon O’Donnell and Peter Tossol are among the legends of Assumption sport. Both strode the fields of Summer and Winter like a twin colossus. Shining stars who still shine brightly when the glory days of ACK sport are recalled. Both played in unbeaten champion 1ST XVIII’s and First XI’s and their deeds inspired a host of young students to try and emulate them. Simon, of course is well known in the area for his family’s lengthy time on his Willowmavin horse stud. Beyond college days he played footy for St Kilda, then cricket for Victoria and Australia. Not only champions of sport the pair, but champion people.
YOUNG GUNS
Two young boys-Harrison Wood of Broadford and Archie Armstrong of Yea, are highly promising cricketers. Both have splendid techniques and a fine range of strokes. They love the game and have bright futures in our great summer game.
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Ollie Dempsey is a very fine young player and a key member of the Cats side. He has become friendly with Gary Ablett senior-one of the finest footballers in VFL/AFL history. Gary Ablett and his son were both Geelong champions and people of strong Christian faith. Young Dempsey, too, is a committed Christian.
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Four good men met up at the Gaol Café last week. Each has played a part in ACK’s history. Locals Brad Ryan and Des Langdon have made fine contributions to the area of maintenance. Broadford’s Peter Barlow was a brilliant head of music (with his wife Annette) and Peter Jongeblood was a fine deputy principal, highly regarded by staff students and families.