2012 Waka Ama National Competition Report

HBHS had the opportunity this year to contest the W12 on day one of the competition. We were fortunate enough to combine with Turakina Maori Girls’ College. The team placed fifth in the Plate Final. This was a great effort, given the two schools had never paddled together.

The beginning of the heats for 250m and 500m were held on day two.  This was fortunate for the boys, as they made it into the Plate semis for both the 250m and 500m, which were to take place on day three of the Nationals.

Unfortunately for the boys their racing ended on day three with only a 3third in the 500m Plate semi and sixth in the 250m Plate semi.  Neither performance was strong enough to advance them through to the Plate Finals.

The final day of the competition saw the boys supporting Hamilton’s Fraser High girls, (the other travelling team we coached), as they were competing in the finals.

Once again, it was a pleasure to take Hamilton Boys’ High School to the Waka Ama Nationals and we would like to thank Mr Miller for his support, encouragement and dedication to get the boys to training, to take them for training and also to encourage them to participate. Paora and I both look forward to 2013 Nationals which I understand are to take place the week 18 March 2013.

The boys were excellent representatives of the school.

Marina McGrath