Sporting caps

Congratulations to the following students who have been awarded their sporting caps after representing their premiere sporting over 50 games:

Reuben Crum

• In his third season as a First XI football squad member, Reuben Crum (Year 13) has developed into an essential figure within the team. He has proven to be the rock in his attitude and effort on and off the field. In league, tournament and cup competitions, Reuben has represented the school 50 times, scoring nine goals. Extremely competitive, he always plays with energy and aggression. He leads through his actions, with no one working harder in a game. He sets a wonderful example for his teammates. It is a pleasure to issue him his honours cap for service to football.

Matthew D'Hotman

• Making his debut for the First XI boys' football back in 2019 as a gifted Year 9, Matthew D'Hotman (Year 12) quickly established himself as a pivotal playmaker. He has extraordinary skill, balance, and control of the ball. Over his 50 games, he has scored 16 times but set up countless more for his teammates. Recognition of his talent isn't limited to the school, with Matthew regularly representing Melville United Senior Men's North League First XI team and senior reserve sides. He has also been selected to represent his country at age group level. A remarkable talent, Matthew has a massive future ahead of him. It is a pleasure to issue him his honours cap for service to football.

Edward Ludbrook

• In his four years as a member of the First XI football squad, Edward Ludbrook (Year 13) has had the skill and strength to adapt to a number of different positions in defence, midfield and now attack. His work rate, tight control of the ball and finishing skills make him one of the best strikers in the school competition. Over his 50 games, he scored 15 times, with 11 goals coming this season. As a senior squad member, his presence instils a lot of confidence in the group. 

Keisha Noble

• Keisha Noble (Year 13) has been a prominent member of the Premier netball team for three years and is this year co-captaining the team. She has an amazing ability to keep calm on the court and has consistent and reliable performances. She has a cool countenance under pressure, accuracy, and adaptability in her play. Keisha leads with a 'follow me' leadership style, which is admired by her peers and respected by her coaching management. Keisha has been in this team for three years and, unfortunately, due to Covid-19, never experienced the challenges we will face at the Upper North Island tournament in a couple of weeks. Keisha has not let that slow her down and is strong defensively and in attack. She's a great ball carrier. Simple, basic, but very, very effective. She has also been playing rep netball for many years, and she now holds a leadership role in those teams.

Lachlan O’Neill

• Lachlan O'Neill (Year 13) has been a member of the First XI Hockey team since Year 10. He has played as both a striker and defender, earning himself 50 caps. When Lachie is not on the ball, he works hard to ensure he is in a good attacking position, linking well with others to help create goal-scoring opportunities. He also defends the opposition back line fastidiously, often earning key turnovers for the team. Lachie is often in key goal-scoring positions, giving himself plenty of opportunities to find the back of the net. He is a committed player who puts in the hard yards when he is on the field and always tries his best. He has been a great addition to the team and has grown in strength and skills over the seasons. This year Lachie has been appointed as co-vice-captain of the team and leads by example with his never-say-die attitude and maximum effort approach to games. Lachie has been selected to represent Waikato Hockey, in the Under 15’s Development and Under 13’s teams.

Michael Robinson

• Michael Robinson (Year 12)  is a quality sportsman and a young man who has been a key member of this side over the last two years. As a Year 11, Michael made his debut in the hot seat at first five running the team to a win against Francis Douglas in 2021. Michael hasn't looked back and has taken a lead role with our attack, and his goal kicking is becoming a real weapon. Playing well above his stature, Michael is cool under pressure and not afraid to mix with the big boys, making him a real attacking threat in 2023. He is a good thinker of the game, and along with his work ethic, he will continue his development in both cricket and rugby and take every opportunity to reach his goals. 

Jack Ruske

• Arriving as a basketballer who plays rugby, Jack Ruske (Year 12) has risen to new heights and made giant strides forward in the team's engine room. As a Year 11, he made his debut in 2021 against Palmerston North Boys' High School and played 11 games in 2021. You can't coach height which in the modern game, the lineout is a key strike weapon, and he started to grow his reading of defences and dominance in the air on attack. Growing his ability to lead in pressure moments and dominate both sides of the ball while continuing to develop his individual skills. As a Year 12, we can expect more growth both on and off the field. 

Daniel Strang

• In his early years at St Paul's Collegiate School, Daniel Strang (Year 13) was in the shadow of his older brother. However, Daniel now has blossomed and become a top-quality openside. Making his debut in 2021 against Palmerston North Boys' High School, playing 11 games in the last year's championship-winning team. Playing well above his stature, Daniel is a nuggety player who loves to go to "dark" places - the key attributes of his position are being fit, durable and tenacious, and who loves combat.