Boys’ High hit record entries in field events

Gisborne Boys’ High School student Mahaki Albret-Turei in mid-air during the long jump event at the Rectory fields. Picture by Liam Clayton

A Fijian flier and record numbers in field events highlighted Gisborne Boys’ High School’s annual athletics sports last week.

The timing of the event allowed sports staff to assess the top performers and select a team to represent the school at the East Coast North Island secondary school champs in Napier later this month.

“The level of participation was awesome with record entries in field events in particular,” GBHS director of sport Simon Murphy said.

“There were close to 100 boys who tried to qualify in events such as the discus and long jump. However, the early effort on the track in the 800m, 100m heats, 400m, and then the field events all before lunch took its toll.

“As the day went on it was clear that many boys were tiring from an extremely busy morning. Credit to all those boys who got stuck in and competed in as many events as their legs would let them.”

Three athletes dominated the senior champs.

Fijian flier Isimili Vono, new to the school this year, took the overall title after winning the 100 metres sprint, high jump and javelin, and placing second in the 200m and long jump.

“It was an impressive display which showcased his all-round ability,” Murphy said.

Kahu Leach won the 200m, long jump and triple jump and was second in the 100m to place second overall.

Callum Hawkins was third after clean-sweeping the middle distance events — the 800, 1500 and 3000m.

Mako Fukushima-Hall was a convincing overall winner in the intermediate championship.

He won the 400m, 800m, 3000m and discus, and was third in the 200m.

The battle for second overall was close but Justin Madoc did enough to claim it with victories in the long jump and high jump, and second in the javelin.

Manawa Stewart won the 100 and 200m in finishing third overall.

Some great performances were a feature of the junior champs.

Lucas Nichol’s busy day in winning the overall title featured wins in the 200m, 400m and long jump, and second in the 100m and triple jump.

Another stand-out was Rory Fukushima-Hall, who did enough to claim second overall by winning the 800m, placing second in the 200, 400, 1500 and 3000m,  and third in the 100m.

Third overall went to Patrick McInnes, who turned in some gritty performances to win the 1500, place second in the 800m, and third in the 400 and 3000m.

Tāwhirimātea produced a strong showing in the championship and graded events to win the House title on 586 points.

Tangaroa, who topped the recent tabloid sports day, were second on 577, followed by Tāne Mahuta on 490 and Tūmatauenga on 475.

“A huge thank you to all students, staff and whānau for making it such a great day,” Murphy said.

“Particular thanks to the boys, whose attitude and behaviour was awesome.”