SAM Elkington completed a rare School Sport Victoria ‘grand slam’ this year, competing in four different state finals.

The St Bernard’s Primary School year six student showed a knack for the long distance running early in the year making the 3km cross country finals and the 1500m finals, having strong showings in both finals.

Sam was a part of St Bernard’s primary school football team which made its way to Melbourne for the finals before saving the best until last as a part of the school’s state champion cricket blast squad.

The squad of eight took home the state title two weeks ago in what Sam said was the highlight of his outstanding year.

“It was kind of weird, I didn’t think we had won already but we did,” he said.

The 12-year-old had success this year for Centrals in the under 12s where he was judged the league’s most valuable player and is currently playing cricket at Rovers United Bruck under 14s and was selected in the WDCA under 13s representative side this season.

“It’s tiring because we have to go and play Saturday and Sunday,” Sam said.

“I like running and I’ve always liked footy and cricket… it’s fun to miss school [for sport].”

St Bernard’s year 5/6 teacher Dave O’Brien said Sam has been an all-rounder at school this past year, having academic success in art.

“He’s a loveable kid, very coachable, happy go-lucky and really brilliant,” he said.

Sam is finishing his final year in primary school as he makes his way to Cathedral College as a year seven student next year, excited to be making the jump to high school.