Athletics: Young stars put through paces

Sam O'Connor, 12, of Aquinas College, racing at the BOP Zone Schools Year 7/8 athletic championships. Photo / Joel Ford

The rising stars of Bay of Plenty athletics were on display at the Tauranga Domain yesterday.

Pupils from throughout the area's composite schools gathered to compete in the highly anticipated BOP Zone Schools Year 7/8 athletic championships that were held under grey but clear skies.

Event co-ordinator from Sport BOP, Hayley Kereson, was happy with the performance of the athletes across all the track and field events.

"There have been some great results and everything seemed to run without a hitch," she said.

"Everyone looked like they have enjoyed themselves. They all look knackered but they had smiles on their faces."

On a day with so many winners, it is always hard to rationalise the key performers but there were a few who stood out, in Kereson's view.

"Samuel Tanner from Bethlehem College won the 1500 metres, the 800m and the 300m. He is a phenomenal runner and won them by great distance.

"Roelien du Plessis from Katikati College won a few events ... while Aquinas College cleaned up in the girls' Year 7 shot put, with Ruby Patel, Izzy Northcroft and Bella Taylor taking the first three spots."

Kereson is back at the Tauranga Domain tomorrow, with the same age groups competing from Bay of Plenty and Poverty Bay intermediate schools.

"It is quite huge for them because, once again, a few kids are competing over several events. We will have the top sprinters and throwers competing against each other.

"They train pretty hard."