RMIT athletes crowned back-to-back Southern Uni champions

The annual event saw 21 different sports played out over four days, with more than 2000 students competing from 13 universities.

With a team of 220 determined RMIT students, it was the Redbacks who rose to the top, taking six gold medals and the overall Champion University title, beating La Trobe University in 2nd and Deakin University in 3rd place.

On the final day of the games the Redbacks played in 12 gold medal matches, going right down to the wire against close competitors La Trobe.

But ultimately the team’s hard work and grit proved too tough to match, with students cheering each other on right through to the end.

Aviation student Aden Muir has been competing for RMIT since 2013 and coached the gold medal-winning Men’s Basketball team through an undefeated run during the competition.

Muir said it was clear to see how much everyone in the team enjoyed rallying behind one another.

“In the Redbacks it doesn’t matter what team you’re from, we all get around each other and stick together,” he said.

RMIT’s supportive approach saw the team finish 2nd in the Spirit of the Games award, given to the university that displays good sportsmanship and fair play.

RMIT Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Vice-President, Professor Belinda Tynan, said the Redbacks’ success was a testament not just to the athletes but also to the supporting players.

“I’m incredibly proud of the athletic talent here at RMIT and it’s thrilling to see our students work together to achieve such a great result,” she said.

“And I know it couldn’t be done without the hard work put in by RMIT Link and Eliza Goulding, who leads our University Games team.”

The gold medal-winning teams at the games were: Men’s Basketball, Men’s Badminton, Golf, Men’s Hockey, Women’s Tennis and Tenpin Bowling.

Story: Sean O’Malley