Athletics 

St Paul’s Athletics team recently competed at College Sports’ Central / West Athletics Championships, held at Trusts Arena. This year we had a team of eight students representing the college in an area which will see growth next year and beyond. Our young men are just as capable as any of competing at the highest level in Athletics, this was evident with Tane Keereweer-Taia (Year 10) and older brother Kainoa (Year 13) taking out the long jump and our senior relay team qualifying for the Auckland Championships.

This is the first time in at least 10 years where St Paul’s has entered a senior relay team or had more than a couple of athletes representing the college in individual events.

Jett Nash (Year 8) stepped up to compete in long jump and 100m against students two years older than him - narrowly missing out on finals is an accomplishment at such a young age, I was most impressed with his calm and competitive mindset. Where some students look at their opposition’s size, age, experience or skillset and may doubt their own ability to compete, Jett gives his own 100% effort and lets the results take care of themselves. Below is a list of results:

Senior Boys

• Kainoa Keereweer (Year 13): 3rd in Long Jump (6.29m), 2nd in Triple Jump (11.80m)

Intermediate Boys

• Tane Keereweer-Taia (Year 10): 1st in 200m (23.93), 7th in 100m
• Ezekiel Davidson Faaiuaso (Year 11): 3rd in 200m finals (24.06), 6th in 100m final

Junior Boys

• Jett Nash (Year 8): 3rd in High Jump
• Mita Tate (Year 9): 7th in Shot Put

Cricket

Recently our Colts and 1st XI have suffered narrow defeats against more experienced oppositions by the slimmest of margins. Both teams are entered in T20 A-grades, playing against teams who clearly have years of experience under their belts. The fact that we are so close to winning these games - the difference is a few less wides, a few less no balls, one or two less errors in the field and so on. Our cricketers have come so far in a short amount of time but we are from the finished product, more marginal gains earned through repetition after repetition at training, will no doubt be the difference between winning and losing these close games in the future, as we move through the grades. Special mention to Colts players Troy Fuimaono (Year 10) who hit 43 runs against Westlake, supported by Jett Nash (Year 8) with 30 runs. Hugo Lloyd (Year 9) is also making regular contributions with the bat and behind the wickets.

Our 1st XI have also been in every game until the last over where Solomon Nash (Year 12) leads the team every week with the bat and ball.

Senior Touch

Our Senior Touch team recently finished second in the Central Zone competition, however they are already working hard towards the big prize at the Auckland Championships, to be held at Cox's Bay, Tuesday 28 March. Good luck gentlemen, we have every confidence you will do us proud. 

Senior Volleyball Auckland Championships 

Last week our Senior Volleyball team entered the Auckland Championship Tournament going up against 31 other schools in our Division. Shemaiah Foti captained our team along with Enoka Sului and both were not only great role models through their sportsmanship and playing ability, but also through the leadership they demonstrated over the three days.

The first day, we took the win against Botany Downs College with three close sets and then went on to play Lynnfield College straight after with no break. Although both sets against Lynnfield were close and fiercely fought, we did not come away with the win.

On our second day, we needed the win against Manurewa and the boys played with energy fighting for every point. We came away with the win after three very intense sets. Our second game was against Southern Cross and again we took them to three sets fighting for every point but unfortunately they just got the lead in the third set to win the game.

On Friday we entered the playoffs and although we lost a tough three set match against Waiuku, the team put up an impressive match against ASDAH winning the first set convincingly and then again the second set. This placed us 7th out of 32 schools and one of our highest rankings to date at Auckland Championships.

The coach and I are extremely proud of all the boys and the team spirit they showed both on and off the court. This will be an exciting team to watch and see how they develop over the coming years with many young players only being in Year 11.

A special mention to our Year 13 players this year; Shemaiah, AJ, Enoka and Freedom – you have set the bar high for St Paul’s Volleyball – well done on such a great achievement this year.

I would like to acknowledge the time and commitment from our Coach Vinitela Faalau. We are very grateful for her expertise and guidance this year and for stepping in when we needed her. Thank you.

Mrs Tagaloa

Senior Volleyball Team:
Shemaiah Foti, Enoka Sului, AJ Aniterea, Freedom Aiga, Sebastian Smith, Ngatu Lui, Marcellin Tagiilima Siilata, Christian Faifua, Christian Faumuina, Aukustino Etuale, Elijah Nua, Dexter Aiga

Sports Participation 

St Paul’s College has an ambitious goal of 100% sport participation rate - that means every student playing at least one sport for the College. We make no secret of our expectation that students commit to College before Club (external) teams. This year we have added Lawn Bowls, Athletics, Soccer, Orienteering and Junior Tag - there really is something for everyone in our sports offerings and we will continue to look for new opportunities for our young men to represent their College. The national average for sports participation in secondary schools is 48%, we are sitting just above 70% but will keep chasing 100% . If your son is not involved in sport, please encourage him to give something a go or speak to me directly about finding something suitable.