The King’s School recently had two staff members coach at a National level: James ‘Jimmy’ Hilgendorf (’00), Assistant Coach of the Australian Under 18 Rugby team and Julian Huxley (’97), Under 19 Single Sculls coach of Will Rogers (12BRF) at the World Rowing Championships.
Deputy Head (Co-Curricular) in the Senior School, Wesley Dunne, said having two professional level coaches significantly elevated the coaching program at The King’s School.
“Jimmy and Julian’s expertise and experience bring a higher level of training and strategic insight to the students. They serve as role models, inspiring students with their achievements and work ethic,” said Dunne.
“Their presence and connections with external sporting bodies help provide pathways for students while they are in school and when they graduate.”
Jimmy graduated from The King’s School in 2000 and was heavily involved in the Rugby program during his time at School being part of the King’s 1st XV and GPS 1st XV in 1999 and 2000. He received Honours Colours for Rugby in 1999 and the 2000 Old Boys’ Honour Cap.
Most notably, Jimmy was the Captain of the 1st XV in 2000, which was a record-breaking team, winning 21 out of 21 games for the season. The team scored 352 points across the season including 56 tries, which was a GPS record and only had 56 points scored against them.
After School, Jimmy made his Super Rugby debut in 2003 playing for the Waratahs before additional stints at the Western Force and Melbourne Rebels and has always maintained his connection with his Shute Shield Club, Eastwood. He returned as a teacher at King’s in 2015 and coached the 1st XV to premierships in 2018, 2020 and 2023.
Reflecting on his career, Jimmy takes pride in various sporting achievements; “I loved my time at King’s playing rugby and winning the AAGPS competition.”
“Later, winning two Shute Shields and fulfilling my childhood dream of playing Super Rugby were milestones for me – each special for unique reasons.”
Coming back to King’s, Jimmy believes it is a truly special place, “filled with driven young men aspiring to excel in all aspects of their lives. For many, rugby is their passion, their joy, and their dream to one day play professionally.”
“While winning competitions and seeing players achieve selection for NSW or Australian teams are certainly gratifying moments, the real reward lies in witnessing their growth – both as rugby players and as individuals.”
Julian graduated from The King’s School in 1997, participating in both Rowing and Rugby during his school career. He has had an impressive rugby career, playing Super Rugby for the Brumbies, Reds and Rebels and making his debut for the Wallabies in 2007. He finished up his rugby career in the French Top 14 Competition, playing for Narbonne.
After finishing up his career as a player, Julian continued to coach professionally in an array of sports including rugby and rowing at various clubs and schools. He enjoys sharing his vast sporting knowledge with the boys in the Rowing program and gaining the best performance from those he coaches.
Julian’s time at King’s was exceptionally influential for establishing his career. He was mentored in the Rowing Program by Dr Andrew Randell, an international renowned rowing coach who has now gone on to coach at six Olympic Games.
“We have many students at King’s who aspire to reach the highest level in their chosen sport and it’s tremendously enjoyable and rewarding to help them on their way.”
When asked about a highlight of coaching at King’s, the first which came to mind for Julian was “Achieving results across the whole shed in the Rowing Program – we are proud to say that everyone who rows at King’s can have a rewarding (and very tough) experience.”
Winning the Major Rennie Trophy (2021, 2022), the National Championship for Schoolboy VIII (2024) by 0.04s and coaching Will Rogers (12BRF) to be selected to row for Australia at the Junior World Rowing Championships also ranked highly for Huxley.
The King’s School’s coaching program is unique from other schools through its emphasis on resilience, teamwork and leadership skills. Sport is an ideal environment to develop these skills through the mentoring and coaching the boys receive.
Dunne believes this philosophy ensures that “students are well-rounded individuals, prepared for both sporting and life challenges.”
Additionally, the coaches at King’s focus on personalised training plans that cater to the individual needs of each student. They use advanced techniques and technologies to monitor progress and provide feedback.
We look forward to seeing Jimmy and Julian continue to enhance the coaching program at The King’s School to enable the boys to perform at their best, provide pathways for them while in school, and when they graduate.