KEY POINTS:
New Zealand has always had a strong and successful sporting culture.
But our world class athletes aren't produced overnight. They have grown up being coached and taught by our real sporting heroes; people who have dedicated their lives to kid's sports - people such as Eric Kohlhase.
For 50 years, Mr Kohlhase has been involved at every level in Marist rugby and softball "at least five times a week including Saturdays and sometimes Sundays".
Kay Kawau says Mr Kohlhase has coached hundreds of children, including her son Johnathan Kawau, who is now at St Peters College.
She says one of the reasons she sent him there is because Mr Kohlhase was coach.
For 12 years, Mr Kohlhase was assistant coach of the softball team and coach of the 1st XV rugby team. In 2000, he coached the St Peters 1st XV to win the national championship without losing one game.
Among the great sports men and women he has produced are his sons Eddie and Chris Kohlhase. Eddie Kohlhase coaches the New Zealand Blacksox, and Chris Kohlhase coaches the Samoan softball team.
Says Mr Kohlhase: "I was a kid once too and people helped me out with my sports. I just returned the favour."
