South Island Secondary Schools Athletics

On the back of an outstanding Canterbury Secondary Schools Championships at the end of March 35 CBHS athletes headed to Invercargill to compete in the South Island Secondary Schools Championships last weekend. Expectations were high given the success in Christchurch. [Report by Mike Drury]

New faces contribute to an amazing South Island Championship result

While most of the well-established names travelled to Invercargill over the weekend, it was really heartening to see so many new faces wearing the blue and black singlet, over a vast array of events.

Day One

Three athletes travelled south on Friday morning and a morning of sight-seeing these three boys – Bill Quigley, Mark Weir and Ollie Singleton soon got down to business. Bill went on to secure the first of 23 titles for the weekend for Boys’ High, winning the Under 16 Hammer throw with a throw of 34.05m, while Mark prevailed over Ollie in the 2000m Steeplechase – 7.14.19, in a classic head-to-head showdown.

Day Two

A damp start to the day had little impact on performance through the Saturday morning session. Harry Williamson continued his dominance in the hurdling ranks, dominating his rivals over the 300m Hurdles, running a smart 40.45. Lucas Stevens – 1.65m – was again impressive in the High Jump being 10cm better than his closest rival.

Finn Hawkins – 5.96cm – took out a narrow victory in the Under 15 Long Jump, while James Moore – 15.39m – was impressive in taking out his specialist event the Shot Put. He currently holds the Canterbury, South Island and National Under 18 titles. Hunter Scott completed the morning spoils with a 5.98m enough to secure the Under 16 title.

Into the afternoon session and Harry added the Short Hurdles (100m) title to that won earlier over the 300m. His 14.23 was just outside his season best. Max Aldridge earned a big PB taking out the Under 15 3000m in 9.33.12, simply running his rivals into the ground.

Hunter Scott added the 200m title – 22.85 – to the Long Jump title won just hours earlier. Cooper Wightman burned up the track as only he can do to win the U16 800m title in 1.57.26, establishing a new South Island record in the process.

Day Three

After an early start to the morning and rain threatening, the final day again started well. 100m titles to Finn Hawkins – 11.39 and Hunter Scott 11.30 heralded a great start to the day. They would be followed up soon after with a big win in the Senior Discus to Finn McLeod 46.46m, as he defeated some outstanding talent. Cooper Wightman 4.11.46, completed the 800m/1500m double, while Ollie Singleton added the Senior Boys 400m title – 51.64 – to the Canterbury title won last month. Harry Williamson venturing into unchartered territory in the Triple Jump produced some quality jumping to take that title also with a best performance of 12.26m.

The 4x100m relays would feature several Boys’ High athletics newcomers, all of whom played a significant role in their success.

The Under 14 team of Noel Ham, Lucas Stevens, Jeremy Habwe and Marcus Luke, were a narrow but deserved winner of the Under 14 title. Regan Sellers, Ashton Kitson and Solly Hawes combined with top sprinter Finn Hawkins to emphatically take out the Under 15 title – 46.85. Bill Quigley, Harry Williamson, Zack Walton and Francis Gillies – 46.10 – decisively won the U16 title, while Caleb Sutter, Ollie Singleton, Sacha Tahi and Hunter Scott were very good in winning the Senior title – 45.12.

Success continued in the 400m relays when Bill Quigley, Cooper Wightman, Harry Williamson and Zack Walton took out the U16 event and Ollie Singleton, Will McMeeken, Sacha Tahi and Hunter Scott added a 6th relay title to the count winning an exciting Senior 4x400m over Christ’s College – 3.32.05.

There were numerous placings and PB’s recorded over the weekend in a wonderful performance by our 35 strong team. The boys conducted themselves superbly whether at the track, our accommodation, or when out for dinner.

We were incredibly lucky to have the support of Martin Scott, Michael Singleton and Peter Chaplin as part of our team, all of whom added superbly with their contributions. Many parents also made the long trip down south and it was much appreciated to have their support.

Thus, the season concludes. Thank you to all of the boys who have pulled on the Boys’ High singlet in competition, the coaches and the parents and supporters who turn out to support the boys.

Mike

Relay Dominance

Six relay titles to complete incredible championship

The South Island Secondary School Athletics Champs have concluded in Invercargill with Boys’ High athletes taking out all six relay titles. This is a phenomenal achievement and added to the 17 individual titles completes a magnificent weekend of competition. Our winning teams were:

Under 14

4x100m – Noel Ham, Lucas Stevens, Jeremy Habwe, Marcus Luke

Under 15

Regan Sellers, Finn Hawkins, Ashton Kitson, Solly Hawes

Under 16

4x100m – Bill Quigley, Harry Williamson, Zack Walton, Francis Gillies

Under 19

4x400m – Hunter Scott, Ollie Singleton, Sacha Tahi, Caleb Sutter

Under 16

4x400m – Bill Quigley, Cooper Wightman, Harry Williamson, Zack Walton

Under 19

Ollie Singleton, Will McMeeken, Sacha Tahi, Hunter Scott

Add – Five SISS Titles

As part of winning teams in the 4x100m and 4x400m, both Harry Williamson and Hunter Scott completed the championships with five titles each. A huge effort by by both lads. [pictured below]

• Harry – Triple Jump, 100m Hurdles, 300m Hurdles
• Hunter- Long Jump, 100m, 200m