Former college student joins staff team

A former Makoura College student is on the other side of the staffroom door, after returning as a qualified sports teacher.

Henry Wilson, who recently completed a Diploma in Sports Studies at the International Pacific College in Palmerston North, is the new assistant sports co-ordinator behind Sydney Cunningham.

Wilson was at Makoura from Years 9 to 13, and said it felt "a bit weird" being in the staffroom with people who taught him, but knowing everyone made his job easier.

"Staff members have been really friendly and students aren't giving me a hard time," he said.

Wilson described his job as "pretty much helping out the sports co-ordinator, Sydney Cunningham, organising sports exchanges and also coaching junior rugby".

The Makoura College junior rugby team have been champions of their grade for two years in a row now and Wilson hopes to repeat that this year. Wilson said one of the strengths of being at Makoura College was that everyone knew each other.

He credited teachers Jodie Kilmister and Don Miller with supporting and encouraging him to take his studies further by completing the Diploma in Sports Studies.

It was "very cool" in Palmerston North with tidy grounds and flash buildings, he said.

Wilson also appreciated the chance to meet lots of international students and to mix with "rugby guys from all over the country and experience a different lifestyle".

A dedicated rugby player, Wilson spent time with Linton Army in Palmerston North and now plays for Marist As in Masterton.

The Rugby Academy he attended last year helped his game "heaps" and also gave him a good idea of what it might be like to be a professional player, something he would like to pursue.

Wilson is considering taking a Bachelor of Youth Work at the Wellington Institute of Technology, then return to Wairarapa to "give something back to the area".