School sporting caps by St Paul's Collegiate School

Sporting caps awarded

Congratulations to the following students who have been awarded their sporting caps:
  • Eli Adlington (Year 13) arrived three years ago and made an immediate impact as a winger on the rugby field but with plenty to learn as he worked hard to sustain a starting spot as a Year 11. Making his rugby debut against Napier Boys' High School in 2020, he had ten games, including the drawn final with St Peter’s School Cambridge. Injuries paid to the 2021 season, only having three games, leaving him to ponder his off-season and how he can be fully fit and ready for the 2022 season. Playing all matches this season, Eli has produced some elusive attacks and some try-saving defensive. Eli continues to seek clarity around his position and has added the ability to play centre, so fingers crossed, we will see some excellent attacking play as the grounds firm up and we get to see the finisher in action!
  • Phoebe Barris (Year 13) has played for the First XI girls’ Football team since Year 11 and has played a total of 49 games. Phoebe is one of our wing players who leads by example on and off the pitch, always giving 100%. Phoebe has come a long way since Year 11, adapting to the new position of the wing that requires constant running. Her improvement is a testament to her dedication, showing that you can master any skill with practice.
  • Cameron Bird (Year 13) has been a member of the St Paul’s Collegiate School First XI Hockey team since Year 10, where he has played a vital role in the striker position earning himself 50 caps. His great stick skills, determined grittiness, and tremendous work ethic make him a dependable player for this team, often putting his body on the front line. Cameron plays with a consistently high intensity that often puts opposition players under pressure. Cameron has also been performing well at a regional level, where he has been selected to represent Waikato Hockey in their Under 13s, Under 15s, and Under 18 teams over the last few years.
  • Alice Buckley (Year 13) has been a First XI girls' hockey team member since Year 11. She is always reliable in the back formation and renowned for being calm under pressure. Her ability to read the play is excellent, and she often takes the opposition off guard with her tackling and manoeuvrability on the ball. As vice-caption this year, Alice shows impressive leadership skills, and her selection to this position shows the esteem in which the other girls hold her. In 2021 Alice was a member of the Waikato U16 hockey team.
  • Javahn Jones (Year 13) has been a member of the First XI since Year 11 and has played 50 caps for the team. He has played well throughout the three seasons and has been dominant as a midfielder and striker in setting up attacking plays and helping on defence. Javahn is co-captain of the First XI this year, and his leadership qualities have helped build a positive culture within the current squad. He is exceptionally fit and strong, allowing him to maintain a high standard of play even when playing significant minutes game to game. He should be proud of his development as a player over the past three seasons. Javahn has been selected to represent Waikato Hockey, where he is currently a member of the Waikato Under 18 team and Northland Under 13 and Under 15 teams.
  • Cavan Nikau-Rush (Year 13) is a rough diamond with league and union experience and some great family pedigree behind him. Cavan went into battle, making his debut against Palmerston North Boys’ High School and playing 13 games of rugby in his first season, including the four-peat winning final last season verse Whanganui Collegiate School. Developing his leadership around the group has been especially pleasing, and his positional skill continues to grow. Cavan can be a real threat with the ball and a hard-hitting defender. His scrummaging is consistent as he looks to become an all-around model day prop. His co-leading of our First XV haka inspires the rest of the squad as each battle begins. If he can keep his work rate and ability to stay fit and healthy, his ceiling is unlimited.
  • Sarah O’Callaghan (Year 13) has played for the First XI girls’ football team since Year 11 and has played a total of 48 games. This year she leads the team as Captain, showing authentic servant leadership and leading from behind as centre back playing centre back. Sarah is crucial in keeping the conversation going on the pitch and organising the girls. She reads the games well and counter-attacks strong and effective. She is always reliable and a total asset to the team.
  • Fred Phillips (Year 12) receives his cap for his service and contribution to coxing over the previous three seasons. His success during this time includes gold medals in the girls' U18 quad sculls at the North Island Secondary School Championships in both 2021 and 2022 and a bronze medal at this year's Maadi Cup with the girls' U18 novice quad.
  • Evie Potter (Year 13) is a leader on and off the field. She is integral to this year's First XI girls team and leads from the front. She has silky ball skills and phenomenal fitness and is always humble when winning or losing. Evie is a competitive force to be reckoned with on the pitch and has a 'never give up' attitude. Evie has played for multiple representative teams, including being a member of the Waikato U18 team this year. Evie has given a lot to St Paul's hockey and is a deserved recipient of her cap.
  • Fiona Su (Year 13) has developed an excellent mindset during her time in the First XI, which allows her to keep performing when things are tough. She has developed a real strength on the ball as her career has progressed, and she will do everything she can not to let you breach the defence. Always winning to empty the tank, Fiona will keep playing at full speed when others are faltering. Respected by her team for her reliability and her example, Fiona always looks to improve her game, remaining ready and committed. She is a very deserved recipient of her First XI cap.
  • Dylan Thomas (Year 13) receives his cap for his service and contribution to St Paul’s rowing over the previous three seasons. During this time, he has competed in multiple crews and finished this season on a high with a solid fifth place finishing in the boys' U17 quad at Maadi Cup.
  • Harry Trumm (Year 13) has been a member of the First XI for the last three years and has gained 32 caps for the Lodge Real Estate Cricket First XI. A powerful right-hand top-order batsman. Over his three years in the First XI, Harry has laid the foundation for several match-winning performances. In his first major performance against Aquinas College First XI, he scored 102 in 2020 in the Northern Districts qualifier tournament. Harry recently accumulated a massive 153 off 65 balls in a T20 against Otorohanga Premier Men's team to help get the First XI to the T20 final. Harry is a worthy recipient of his pocket cap.
  • Layken Tua (Year 13) arrived from the far north and made an immediate impact within the junior rugby grades as he became integrated into the St Paul’s way. A major injury at Tihoi put back his development and delayed his influence on this senior rugby progress. Missing the 2020 season, Layken made his debut v HBHS and played in 12 games that season, including the four-peat final last year. In 2022, Layken was named co-captain, and his co-leading our haka creates strength and belief in his followers. Layken still has plenty of development left to reach his potential as he works through the different skills and fitness requirements to excel at this level. His venture to achieve his goals must be done with a smile on his face and a life balance to keep him aligned with all around him.