Loganlea State High School

Who knew it was a task to manage 5 teams

Apologies for the lateness of my first post. After an early start and a few coffees, it seems this reporter needed a few more before remembering to post to the right page! Nonetheless, it’s a lot of work meeting five teams at three different start lines.

Some updates…

Our 96km team has conquered the first of their big five hills, including a few surprise climbs and twists that 96km veteran Alice swears weren’t here last year. They’re now honing in on their first checkpoint at Polly’s.

Both 48km teams – Flamin’ Heels and Legs 11 – have paid tribute to their Brisbane relatives and have POWER-ed ON through their first support stop. The vibes are high as the teams collect their headlamps and vests, fill their bellies, top up on fluids, and prepare to tackle Hellfire.

The 30km teams, who enjoyed a well-earned sleep-in, are now moseying on down to the velodrome, where they’ll start (and finish!) their challenge in just under an hour.

Quote of the day comes from Trailblazers serial pest Rheegan. When asked how he was feeling, he replied:

“Better than you – at least I get to go home after this.”

Anyway, I’d better get back to boosting morale, sharing a few laughs, and sending the teams off with plenty of good vibes before they head back out on the trail.

Chat soon! 👋

The Crowd, The Cheers, The Celebrity!

It doesn’t take much to bring a tear to this reporter’s eye, but being in the presence of Loganlea greatness for 18km ranks among the finest moments of my teaching career. Watching the man sign autographs for adoring fans, pose for photos with swooning admirers, and graciously accept the burden of celebrity was truly something to behold. I only hope that when he’s worth millions, he’ll remember this humble reporter and shout me a Frozen Coke.

In a blistering 5 hours and 37 minutes, Power On and Yeah Different, Built Different conquered the muddy slopes of Brisbane Kokoda and earned themselves a well-deserved nap on the bus ride back down the M1.

Thank you for tuning in to today’s coverage. Our eyes now turn to the GC.

Chat soon!

Mud, Miles and Major Regret

Their palms are sweaty, legs weak, arms are heavy. There was vomit on the track 5km ago, emptying their bellies — Kokoda Regretti.

Just 3 kilometres remain. The teams are about to feel the sweet, sweet asphalt of Boscombe Road beneath their weary feet. They’re tired, sore, cold, wet, and questioning every life choice that led them to this moment.

Since this reporter last put pen to paper, our brave adventurers have battled rain, wind, and a snowstorm. Okay, maybe not a snowstorm, but after the last 6,000 metres served up 238 metres of elevation, it certainly felt like one.

Three thousand metres.

Three hundred more times someone will ask, “Are we there yet?”

Thirty more times the Power On celebrity will be praised for his greatness.

And approximately three more times Mr Turner will declare, “This is character building,” while secretly negotiating with his legs for a ceasefire.

The finish line is close.

The home stretch awaits.

Sweet-sweet checkpoint!

Woooooooah, they’re halfway there! In just a smidge over three hours, the teams have  reached the first, penultimate, and final checkpoint of their 18km conquest going stride for stride with each other.

One member of the team, who shall remain nameless for their own protection (cough Turner cough), was heard muttering, “I can’t go on… but I must. The children, they’re counting on me.”

To which this reporter immediately channelled his inner Helen Lovejoy and shamelessly cried, “Won’t somebody please think of the children?!”

This reporter can confidently say that the first 9km have been the best of times; they have been the blurst of times. For that quote alone, I will be firing this stupid monkey as soon as possible.

Spirits remain high, legs remain functional, and only 9km stand between the teams and eternal glory (or at least a well-earned seat on the bus).

POWER ON — 9km TO GO!

We Have a Novelist Among Our Kokoda Students!

While providing live coverage of today's Brisbane Kokoda Challenge, Mr Bennett has encountered perhaps the most unexpected challenge of the day.

Approximately one hour ago, he received what can only be described as an epic literary masterpiece via email from one of our 96km team members.

Having seen this email, I can report it contained enough detail, reflection, storytelling and character development to rival a Year 12 English IA3 submission.

Most impressively, the email was not a reflection on Kokoda itself, but rather a query and proposal regarding support crew training for next weekend's training walk.

Mr Bennett is yet to read this email, but will likely need to take a brief pause at the next checkpoint to fully take in its depth, complexity and literary brilliance... and to formulate his own epic reply!

Mr Watts 

Did someone say SIX-SEVENNNNN?!

I really didn’t want to write this, but this reporter too is not immune to peer pressure.

So, 6.7 kilometres in, 11.3 to go. The teams have battled through the ups and downs (literally and figuratively) and are closing in on their 9km checkpoint. It seems like fun and games for now, but those who have trekked Brookfield before know that McDonald’s Loop has a nasty hill waiting to test even the most confident walkers.

The good news? Every step up brings them one step closer to the McNuggets on the way home. (McDonald’s, if you’re reading this, Hungry Jack’s is a proud sponsor of our school… do better.)

This year’s group has already proven that they’re not just different.

They’re BUILT DIFFERENT.

They say the first 2km’s are the hardest…

2km in and both Loganlea teams have scrambled a muddy incline and conquered their first small descent without breaking a stick (shoutout Ryan for achieving what many on training walks would think is impossible!). The teams will now roll through some hills before dropping into the gully, which I’ve been told may be a bit wet after all the rain we’ve had.

Someone asked how hikers stay in touch… they trail each other!

More updates to come as the adventure continues. POWERING ON!! 

Ready to go!!

Terrible singing and good vibes — Loganlea has arrived at Brookfield, ready to tackle the mud, sweat, and probable tears that lie ahead over the next 18km.

Following the cap ceremony, the anticipation continues to build. Speaking with the captain of Yeah Different, Built Different, Mr Turner revealed that he hardly slept a wink last night due to excitement.

Fresh off a kale juice, an Up & Go, and a handful of lollies, the man is ready to embrace Courage, Mateship, and Sacrifice in the best way possible.

All that’s left to do now is keep calm and POWER ON!!!

Kokoda Challenge 2026: Another Year of Adventure Begins

This weekend marks the beginning of another exciting chapter in our school's Kokoda Challenge journey, with students once again stepping up to test themselves through teamwork, resilience and determination.

Now in our sixth year of participating in the Kokoda Challenge, 2026 is shaping up to be one of our most exciting years yet. For the first time in school history, we have a team preparing to tackle the gruelling 96km Kokoda Challenge later this year—a remarkable achievement that reflects the growth and commitment of our program.

Tomorrow, two of our school teams will take on the Brisbane 18km Kokoda Challenge. Over the past several months, students have been training hard, developing their fitness, teamwork and leadership skills in preparation for the event.

Year 10 student Jonah, who will be competing in the Brisbane 18km event before taking on the Gold Coast 48km challenge next term, is looking forward to the experience.

"I'm feeling pretty good for tomorrow. I mean, Kokoda itself is pretty fun itself, so pretty keen to get the 18km over and done with and excited for the challenge of the 48km."

The Kokoda Challenge is more than just an endurance event. It encourages participants to embody the Kokoda values of Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice while working together to overcome physical and mental challenges along the trail.

Throughout the day, our Kokoda Coordinator, Mr Bennett, will be providing live updates right here on this blog so families, friends and the wider school community can follow our teams' progress as they make their way through the course.

We wish all of our students the very best of luck and look forward to sharing their achievements with you throughout the day.

Go Loganlea!

Mr Watts
Outdoor Education Coordinator

Support our team and empower local youth!

Our team are tackling Australia’s toughest team endurance event, the Kokoda Challenge, and we need your help! We’re not just hiking for ourselves, we’re hiking for a cause – to fundraise for the Kokoda Youth Foundation who run life-changing programs for young people across Australia. Their programs provide disengaged youth with the skills, knowledge and outdoor experiences that grow the Kokoda values of Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice. They have provided these fully-funded programs to hundreds of young people since 2004, thanks to the help of Kokoda Challenge participants, like us. Your donation will help more young people realise their potential.