Sports News

Trials for our major winter codes have concluded, with teams being selected or in the selection process. Congratulations to all students participating in Hockey, Netball and Football teams during the winter season.

Waterpolo is playing off for bronze in their final game of the season.

Cricket has come out of their season undefeated, with their Waikato Secondary Schools' Prize-giving this week.

Badminton has had great success with their give-it-a-go sessions, with another being held this week.

This is a reminder to parents/caregivers to watch Enrolmy as we are continually adding upcoming sports in Term 2.

Also, a reminder: if you want to have a recent sporting achievement celebrated on our Sports@Dio social media, create a submission through our Sport Recognition Form, which can be found on the sports section of the school website.

Celebrating Sports@Dio

Below are updates from around our Kura, students showcasing their awesome sporting achievements in their respective sports representing Dio or as a representative of the Waikato region.

Athletics

On Tuesday, 26 March, nine students represented Waikato Dio at the WAIBOP Secondary School Athletics Championships held at Tauranga Domain.

Our students had a fantastic day out showcasing their athletic abilities, followed by some epic results. The top four placings at this event allowed our girls to compete at the North Island Secondary Schools' Athletics Championships held in Palmerston North last weekend.

• Skylar Mearns:  8th Junior Girls 100m Sprint, 8th Junior Girls 200m Sprint & 6th Junior Girls Long Jump
• Brooke Devaney:  3rd Intermediate Girls 3000m, 2nd U16 Girls 2k Steeplechase
• Tessa Scott: 4th Intermediate Girls 3000m
• Chloe Housley: 3rd Senior Girls 3000m, 5th Senior Girls 800m
• Poppy Leyland: 8th Junior Girls 800m, 5th Junior Girls 300m Sprint
• Ruby Wilson: 2nd Intermediate Girls 1500m
• Summer Nicholson: 9th Junior Girls Triple Jump
• Hope Schuster: 10th Junior Girls Triple Jump
• Alexis McNae: 9th Junior Girls Javelin
• 5th Overall in the Junior Girls 4X100M Relay

A shout-out to Ruby Wilson, who represented Waikato Dio in the Waikato/Bay of Plenty team at the NISS Athletics Championships over the weekend. Ruby came 12th overall in the Intermediate Girls 1500m. That's an awesome achievement, Ruby!

Basketball

Basketball welcomes new Senior A Coach Troy Donovan into the programme. With recruitment currently taking place, now is the time to brush up on skills or get your social team together before the league gets underway early next term. If you have any questions or need further information, please get in touch with Gabi gpeach@wdsg.school.nz

Cycling

With a great turnout at last Sunday’s Have a Go Day, cycling looks set to grow this year! It’s not too late to get involved. Please check out EnrolMy for details. 

Equestrian

A big well done to Junior Student Madison Tierney and her horse Goldenwillow Valentino, who won 3rd place in the Elementary 3A test at the NISS Dressage Carnival held at St Peter's Cambridge on March 17. 

Football

Exciting news within football! Congratulations to Year 10 student Mia Humphrey, who has been named to the NZSS Football U16 Representative Team 2024. The team will travel to Melbourne between April 21 and 29 to compete in various international fixtures. Mia, you are an exciting talent to watch, and your Dio whaanau is cheering you on from the sideline!

Lacrosse

With the season underway early in Term 2, we are excited to confirm that Lacrosse will be included as a code in this year’s Dio Exchange! With skills and a have-a-go session this week, we look forward to confirming teams within the first week of term 2.

Rowing

The 2023-24 Secondary School Rowing season concluded with a stunning Maadi Cup in picturesque Twizel. In the first full event since 2018, our squad of 34 was a brilliant example of the Dio values on and off the water. With 10 A finals and two B Finals, the team achieved outstanding competitive results across all age groups.

• Two crews in the Top 10 of the Girl’s U18 coxed four and eight
• Two bronze medals in the Girl’s U15 and U16 eights
• A come-from-behind brilliant finish and silver medal in the Girl’s U16 coxed four
• A close fourth-place finish in the Girl’s U18 eight
• Gold in the prestigious Girl’s U18 Coxed Four and winners of the Dawn Cup

Congratulations to athletes Maclaine Stuart, Georgia Trebilco, Hannah Tomlin and Milan Nordstrom, who have been invited to trial for the U18 North Island squad later this month, and Isabel Melville, who has been invited to trial for the New Zealand U19 squad. 

A huge thank you to all the coaches, parents, and the volunteer Rowing Club Committee who work tirelessly to support our rowing programme. After the season prize-giving on April 28, the annual Rowing Auction will take place at the School on Friday, May 17. Tickets will be available to purchase this week. This is a perfect opportunity to have a fun night out and support the programme!

If you are a student seeking to join rowing for the 2024-25 season, keep an eye out for more information towards the end of next term.

Swimming and Surf Life Saving

Junior Student Tessa Scott competed in the 2024 New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Championships at Mount Maunganui Beach from 14 to 14 March. This event attracted 1370 athletes from 47 Surf Lifesaving Clubs across the country. All athletes are qualified and refreshed Surf Lifeguards.

Tessa made the finals in her team events (competing in the U17 division) for the Board Rescue (8th out of 73 teams) and Board Relay. She also made the Finals in her individual events (U15 division) of the Run, Swim, Board, and Ski Races. She placed 4th in the 2km beach run, gained a Bronze medal in the Surf Race, and won a Silver medal in the Diamond Race (swim/run/board).

On 30 March, Tessa represented Dio at the 2024 Aquaknights Zonal Secondary School Open Water Swimming Championships at Mount Maunganui. Tessa competed in the 2.8km distance and placed first in the 14–15-year female age group. Tessa also placed first in her age group and second female overall in the Banana Boat Amphibian event later that same day. This consisted of a 750m swim and a 4.5km run around the Mount.

Upcoming Sports@Dio Events

• Waterpolo NZSS Div 2 Championships 13-16 April @ Waterworld and St Peter's Pool
• Hockey ANZAC Tournament 21-23 April @ St Pauls and Waikato Dio Turf
• WSS Sport Climbing 11 May @ Extreme Edge
• Dio Exchange Day 13 May @ Waikato Dio
• School Cross Country 16 May @ Days Park
• Rowing Auction 17 May @ Waikato Dio