The scoreboard suggested it was a story about winning.
Students from Ryan Catholic College had just achieved what many thought was impossible, claiming both the Confraternity Cup and the NRL Schoolboy Trophy State Championship. But for Annan Whittington, the season was never defined by trophies.
Behind the success was a group of young men who had supported one another through adversity, rallied around a teammate during a deeply challenging period of his life, and discovered the power of belonging to something bigger than themselves.
It was a reminder of a lesson Annan has learnt repeatedly throughout his career: some of the most important learning in a Catholic school happens far beyond the classroom.
As Sports Coordinator at Gilroy Santa Maria College, Ingham, Annan sees sport as much more than competition. It is a powerful vehicle for connection, character formation and helping young people become the best versions of themselves.
A journey shaped by experience
Annan’s pathway to teaching has been anything but conventional.
Before becoming an educator, he worked as a tradesman, studied Secondary Education, coached at the elite level of women’s rugby league, and travelled extensively throughout the world. Each experience helped shape the educator and leader he is today.
“My inspiration to teach and lead the next generation has been built over many years and through the life experiences I have been fortunate enough to have,” he said.
Whether in the classroom or on the sporting field, his focus remains the same.
“Every day I strive to provide guidance to young men and women to become the best versions of themselves.”
Now in his tenth year of teaching and seventh year in middle leadership, Annan brings that philosophy to every aspect of school life.
More than a game
While Annan teaches students in Years 7 to 12, much of his impact has been through extra-curricular sport.
Over the years, he has helped develop sporting opportunities and partnerships across multiple Townsville Catholic Education schools, building connections between students through healthy competition and shared experiences.
He believes school sport plays a unique role in Catholic education.
“Catholic school sport is one of the greatest drivers of connection within a school community,” he said.
“It develops character, strengthens school culture and gives students a sense of pride in belonging to something bigger than themselves.”
For Annan, some of his proudest achievements have involved helping students discover confidence, purpose and belonging through sport.
Creating opportunities and changing culture
One standout moment came during his time at Southern Cross Catholic College, where he helped establish a Sports Development Program as the school transitioned from a primary school to a P–12 college.
Watching the inaugural teams take the field and helping secure the College’s acceptance into the prestigious Confraternity Carnival remains a career highlight.
“It was incredibly rewarding to see the vision come to life,” he said.
Another defining chapter came at Ryan Catholic College, where Annan led the sports program while coaching the College’s First XIII rugby league team.
Under his leadership, the team achieved remarkable success, winning both the Confraternity Cup and the NRL Schoolboy Trophy State Championship.
Yet for Annan, the achievement was about far more than trophies.
When tragedy affected the team’s captain, the group rallied around him, demonstrating extraordinary resilience, compassion and mateship.
“It developed a deep sense of connection to the College and a level of support among teammates that I had never seen before,” he reflected.
Supporting that student through a difficult period reinforced the broader purpose of education. “It reminded me how important Catholic educators are, particularly when young people are facing challenges in their lives.”
Leading with purpose
Annan believes his Catholic faith provides a strong foundation for both his leadership and teaching.
“My faith creates clarity and drives my sense of purpose and resilience as an educator,” he said.
He sees leadership as an opportunity to model values, consistency and authenticity, helping students navigate challenges while encouraging them to grow in confidence and character.
Those values extend beyond the school gates. A proud and active member of his local parish community, Annan views education, sport and faith as deeply interconnected.
Forming the whole person
Asked what he finds most rewarding about teaching in a Catholic school, Annan points to the emphasis on developing the whole person.
“The Catholic school difference is being part of a community built on strong values, connection to faith and service to others,” he said.
While academic learning remains important, he believes some of the most significant growth occurs through the experiences students have beyond the classroom.
“Building character, resilience, relationships and a connection to community is what sets Catholic education apart.”
A foundation for the future
In a rapidly changing world, Annan believes Catholic education provides something increasingly valuable: a strong and consistent foundation.
“Catholic education continues to develop character, faith and purpose in life,” he said.
“It is the moral consistency our younger generations need in an ever-changing world.”
Whether he is teaching in the classroom, coaching on the sporting field or leading a school’s sporting programs, Annan remains focused on helping young people develop the confidence, values and resilience they need to thrive.
For him, success is not measured solely by results on a scoreboard or report card. It is measured by the kind of people students become and the positive impact they have on their communities long after they leave school.