Sporting success in the making

IN the past few weeks we have shared in the success stories of some of the great sporting legends who live in or come from the Lockyer Valley. This week we take a look at a success story in the making.

Kris Glass was born in Brisbane in 1988 and grew up in Helidon, attending Peace Lutheran Primary School in Gatton and Mater Dei Primary School in Toowoomba before transferring to St Mary's College Toowoomba to see out his schooling years.

At the age of five, Kris looked up to his older brothers and would follow them in whatever sports they competed in.

Fortunately for Kris, this led to him playing hockey in Toowoomba and was the beginning of what has already been an incredible journey for the 21 year old.

Kris continued to play club hockey for Toowoomba in the position of fullback and gradually began to attract the attention of selectors for regional, state and even national teams.

Since Under 13s, Kris has made every Queensland team, this includes Under 13s, 15s, 18s, 21s and now Open Mens.

Kris showed such a high level of competence and skill that he was chosen to represent Australia in the Under 21 side at the Junior Hockey World Cup last year in Johor, Malaysia and Singapore.

Kris admits that it hasn't always been smooth sailing as he has been plagued by a recurring injury since he was 18.

“I've always had trouble with dislocating my right knee cap,” Kris said.

“It's something that, until eight months ago, had hindered me for a very long time.”

After the first surgery to fix his ailment was unsuccessful, Kris played on with the injury until late last year when he once again underwent a surgical procedure to fix the problem.

Kris is currently part of the Australian Institute of Sport Hockey Program run out of Perth and is a member of the National Development Squad.

With such a promising career beginning to unravel for Kris, through his hard work and dedication to sport, he already has a few highlights and lists playing for Australia in the world cup as one of the most memorable moments.

Another standout in his sporting career also took place last year when he competed in the Queensland Open Team and played in front of his home crowd in Toowoomba.

Kris is fast to acknowledge those who have helped him get to the position he is and thanks his parents first and foremost.

“Without them I would not have got even close to where I am today.”

He also said coaches have been a great help to him along the way and he thanks them all for how they have shaped him as a player.

“My brothers are my role models, as I did anything they did. I was just a follower,” Kris said.

“Andrew Symonds has always been a hero of mine and now I follow the Brisbane Lions closely, so guys like Jonathan Brown, Simon Black and Daniel Rich I have great respect for.”

Kris aims to play well in the National Competition this year to give himself a chance at making the Commonwealth Games team.

He also hopes to cement his position in the National Team and to perform to the best of his ability and offer himself for selection in the Olympic Team at the 2012 Games.