“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” ― Michael Jordan

Students’ Success

South Island Secondary School Triathlon Championship

The South Island Secondary School Triathlon Championship took place earlier this month at Friendly Bay, Oamaru. Eve Kelleher represented Queen’s High School in the Under 14 event, which comprised of a 300m swim, 13km cycle, and a 2.5km run. The technical course around the streets of Oamaru made for some great racing and perfect viewing for the spectators. Eve put herself in the position to challenge for a medal, following a great swim and a fantastic cycle. She finished with a strong run and was placed third overall. The final race in the Secondary School Triathlon Championship series will be the Nationals, being held at Glendhu Bay, Wanaka on 30 March. We congratulate Eve on her recent achievement and wish her all the best for the National event.

South Island Secondary School Athletics Championships

We had some fantastic results from our athletes who competed at the South Island Secondary School Athletics Championships at the Caledonian on March 11 and 12. A special mention about Jorja Gibbons who broke three Otago records; taking out the Senior 100m, 200m and the Senior Long Jump. Our other amazing results included: Neve Darlington; 3rd Senior 200m. Sarah Donaldson; 1st Senior High Jump and 3rd Shot Put. Malia Corson; 2nd Under 16 200m. Mila Tarasiewicz; 2nd Under 15 400m and 3rd Under 14 200m. Kotomiyo Cowell; 1st Under 14 Triple Jump. Eve Kelleher; 1st Under 14 3000m, 2nd Under 14 1500m and 800m. Elsie Munro; 3rd Under 14 Hurdles. Under 14 4 x 100m; 2nd (Elsie, Cianna, Eve, Annie). Under 15 4 x 100m; 2nd (Maia, Renee, Mila, Kotomiyo). Under 16 4 x 100m; 2nd (Hannah, Emily-Rose, Abby, Manea). Senior 4 x 100m; 2nd (Chelsea, Sarah, Malia, Jorja). Junior 4 x 400m; 1st (Hannah, Elsie, Annie, Eve).

South Island Secondary Schools Rowing Regatta

Ella Edwards and Billie Askerud recently competed in the South Island Secondary Schools Rowing Regatta at Lake Ruataniwha. Ella and Billie (who is only 15), finished 7th in the Under 18 Pair A final and Ella was a creditable 3rd in the Under 18 Single B final. Billie had to row in the Under 17 Single category (as her age group clashed with another race) and she also made the B final. Dave Hanan, Coach, was delighted with the improvement of the girls technique in the boat. It is full steam ahead for them now as they put in the mahi in preparation for Maadi Cup at the end of March. The support of Dave, parents, and Adi Davies, their injured fellow rower, was much appreciated.

Rhythmic Gymnastics

Last weekend, Georgia Tomlinson, Effie King, and Isla Ludgate competed in the Auckland Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in the Grade 4 group event. These girls, who combined with girls from other local secondary schools, have been training three times a week and are working towards gaining qualifying scores at different events. The top 15 teams will have the opportunity to attend Nationals in Tauranga in July. They also compete individually, but it was their group routine which involves hoops, throws to each other, balance, and pivots that earned them second place. We wish them the best of luck for their upcoming competitions.

Softball

Kadince Robinson, Ambah Robinson, and Sophie Robertson, along with players from other Otago Secondary Schools are heading to Christchurch next week to play in the South Island Secondary Schools Softball Tournament. We trust they will enjoy the competition and wish them well.