Back in Grade 5 at Churchie in 1992, Alex Corrie (1999) and Hamish Maclean (1999) weren’t just classmates, they were teammates on the sports fields. It would be fair to say however, that they actually spent more time talking sport, fishing and thinking about where life would eventually take them. More than 30 years later, that same shared passion has come full circle.

Now business partners, under the banner of Bluewave Sports, the pair have moved from school sport to the sports and outdoor industry. They are turning a lifelong friendship into a reality, shaped by the very pursuits they grew up enjoying together.

While careers, families and life took them in different directions over the years, the friendship never changed. They have always kept in touch, regularly catching up, throwing business ideas around, often returning to the same idea that one day, they’d build something together.

There is also a deeper Churchie connection behind the partnership. Adding a proud multi-generational link to Churchie, their fathers, Sandy Corrie (1967) and Jeff Maclean (1974), are also proud Churchie Old Boys.

For Alex and Hamish, this venture is about more than business and products; it’s about friendship and shared experiences. As they bring their vision to life and their business grows through the acquisition and evolution of Queensland distributor Tacspo, their focus is clear: keeping Australia’s outdoor and sporting way of life alive for generations to come.

Their growing portfolio includes recognised brands such as Yozuri, Eagle Claw, Buck Knives, Rhino Rugby and Gamebreaker Head Protection, spanning everything from fishing and outdoor pursuits to grassroots and elite sport.

Like many Churchie Old Boys, they credit their mindset to the people, networks and values formed during their school years; backing themselves, working hard and having a crack. While there’s plenty of work ahead, Alex and Hamish are excited for what’s to come and grateful for the strong support from friends, customers and fellow Old Boys.

To think, this all started with two mates at Churchie back in Grade 5.