Humans of Kelso High: more sporting stars who've made their school proud

To celebrate this milestone, the school has created a special series, Humans of Kelso High, which was inspired by the well-known Humans of New York project.

From February 2 to 8, the Western Advocate will share the personal stories captured by the project.

In part four of the series, we're taking a look at more of the students who have made names for themselves in sport.

To see previous parts of the Humans of Kelso High Series, click the following links: Part 1 (Science, engineering and environment) | Part 2 (Health) | Part 3 (Sport)

As the owner and head coach of RoxFit, a premier CrossFit facility in Robin Hill, Roxy has cultivated a thriving environment for individuals seeking to enhance their physical fitness.

Under her leadership, RoxFit offers a range of programs, including group training, personal training, and sports-specific conditioning, all designed to meet the diverse needs of the community.

The gym's commitment to excellence is reflected in its reputation as one of the top CrossFit establishments in the region.

Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Roxy has a distinguished athletic background.

She has represented the Bathurst Goldminers in various age groups, showcasing her skills and dedication to the sport of basketball.

Notably, she was selected to play in the U18 Women's State Country versus Metro game, a testament to her talent and hard work.

Roxy's achievements extend to the CrossFit arena, where she has consistently excelled in national competitions.

In 2023, she secured the title of the second fittest 14/15-year-old female in Australia, advancing to the next stage of The CrossFit Games.

Her performance in the 2024 CrossFit Open further solidified her standing, ranking her among the top athletes in her age group.

Through her dual roles as a business owner and athlete, Roxy George continues to inspire others in Bathurst and beyond.

Her commitment to fitness, sportsmanship, and community development underscores her status as a leading figure in the local sports scene.

Karateka Jethro Hartmann has had a standout year in karate, earning accolades at both national and international competitions while representing his local dojo with pride.

Overall in 2024 Jethro delivered impressive performances across multiple events, resulting in his final standing of:

Not content with dominating nationally, Jethro also took his skills to the ISKA World Cup 2023, competing against top-tier karate practitioners from around the world.

His participation at this international level highlights his dedication, discipline, and technical ability.

These accomplishments reflect Jethro's commitment to excellence and his continued growth as a martial artist, inspiring his peers and younger athletes in Bathurst.

Karate star Erin Miller, a rising star in the Bathurst karate community, has made waves both nationally and internationally with her outstanding performances in both national and international tournaments.

At the Australian Open Karate Tournament in Liverpool, Erin showcased her versatility across multiple disciplines:

Her skill, precision, and dedication earned her top placements and reinforced her status as one of the region's premier martial artists.

Erin also represented Bathurst on the world stage at the ISKA World Cup 2023, competing against elite international karate practitioners.

Her participation at this prestigious event highlights her commitment to excellence and her growing reputation in the global karate community.

These achievements reflect Erin's exceptional talent, relentless training, and passion for karate, inspiring aspiring martial artists across Bathurst and beyond.

Bathurst-born George Rose has forged a remarkable path from Kelso High School to the heights of the NRL, and now as one of Australia's leading voices in sport and boxing promotion.

A proud product of Bathurst, Rose excelled both in the classroom and on the field during his school years.

Known for his natural athleticism, he set the 100-metre sprint record at Kelso High and earned top marks in statewide mathematics competitions, while also starring in junior rugby league for the Bathurst Penguins.

Rose went on to enjoy a distinguished career in the NRL, making his debut with the Sydney Roosters in 2004 before becoming a fan favourite with the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (2006-2013).

His career later included stints with the Melbourne Storm (2014) and the St George Illawarra Dragons (2015), amassing 154 first grade games and 10 tries across his NRL journey.

Among his many highlights, Rose was a key figure in Manly's 2011 NRL Premiership victory, came back strongly from a serious leg injury in 2007 to earn the club's Player of the Year in 2009, and was awarded the Preston Campbell Medal for Man of the Match in the 2015 All Stars game.

After retiring from rugby league in 2015, Rose turned his focus to boxing, becoming CEO of No Limit Boxing, now one of Australia's premier promotions.

Under his leadership, the organisation has showcased world-class fighters, including Tim and Nikita Tszyu, Paul Gallen, Sam Goodman, Harry Garside, and Paulo Aokuso.

Beyond the ring, Rose has established himself as a respected media figure and advocate.

He has worked with National Indigenous Television (NITV), hosting the rugby league program Over the Black Dot, and continues to champion Indigenous representation in sport.

His role as an ambassador for the NRL's School to Work program has seen him inspire the next generation of Indigenous students to pursue education and opportunity.

From the playing fields of Bathurst to the national spotlight, George Rose remains a role model for resilience, leadership, and cultural pride-leaving an enduring mark on both rugby league and Australian sport.