Simon Murphy, head of physical education and health, said the level of participation was “awesome”. Record entries were received for the 3000m and 800m.
However, the early efforts on the track in the 800m, 100m heats, 400m, and then the field events — all before lunch — took their toll.
“As the day went on it was clear that many boys were tiring from an extremely busy morning,” Murphy said.
“Credit to all those boys who got stuck in and competed in as many events as their legs would let them. Participation was rewarded with house points but the big points went to the top athletes in championship events.”
This year's senior championship was fought out between a middle-distance runner and a sprinter.
Caleb Ney dominated the distance events, winning the 3000m, 1500m and 800m.
However, it wasn't enough to beat Seven Mapu, who convincingly won the 100m, 200m, 400m, and long jump.
Mapu now holds the school intermediate and senior 200m records.
The other field events all had different winners — Hikurangi Hayward won the triple jump, Tyrese Nepe won the high jump, Von Huata won the discus, Sitiveni Tuilautala won the shot put, and Cobus Kleynhans won the javelin with an impressive throw of 42.7m.
The intermediate championship was evenly contested among several athletes. In the end, Dylan Bronlund narrowly won the overall honours. He contested as many events as he could and his success was reward for his determination. He proved his versatility as an athlete by winning a foot race (800m), a throw (discus) and a jump (triple jump). He also placed second in the high jump and third in the 400m.
Matthew Ney was second overall, winning the 3000m and 1500m and placing second in the 800m. This capped a busy week for Ney as he had just returned from the New Zealand Triathlon Championships where he placed second in the under-16 division.
Oska Smith was impressive in the sprints, winning the 100m and 200m. He is still in Year 10 and was up against older opposition.
Lachie Falloon also had a busy day and was impressive winning the 400m and placing third in the 200m, high jump and triple jump.
The junior championship was the first chance for Year 9 athletes to show their potential and some of them put in great performances.
Phelix Moore ran himself to a standstill by contesting almost every track event. He won the junior championship by winning the 3000m, 1500m and 800m, and placing second in the triple jump, and third in the 400m.
Close behind him in second place overall was Safin Tuwairua-Brown, who won the 200m and triple jump, and placed second in the 100m and third in the long jump.
Luke Bidois was third overall, winning the discus and shot put, and placing second in the long jump.
House spirit was strong on the day, with plenty of healthy competition and banter. The house competition was won by Tawhirimatea, with a particularly strong showing in championship events, finishing with a total of 632 house points.
The other houses weren't far behind, with Tumatauenga second thanks to dominant performances in the relays (564 points).
Tane Mahuta were third on 515 points, and Tangaroa were just behind them on 513 points.
The house competition will continue early next term with the summer sports tournament.
Murphy thanked students, staff and whanau for making the athletics day such a success. He complimented the boys on their attitude and behaviour, which he said were “awesome”.
