Father and Son Breakfast

HBHS welcomed more than 200 Year 9 students and their fathers, male caregivers or mentors this morning for the annual Father and Son Breakfast.  This wonderful occasion featured live music, a full cooked meal (thanks to Kerr & Ladbrook Catering, Blakes Hire Company) and special guest speakers Brent Arnel and Old Boy BJ Watling.

BJ made time for an interview and autographed shirts and programmes for students (and some dads.)

What were the highlights of your school sporting experience?

The Gillette Cup wins in 2002 and 2003.

When did you realise you were going to reach elite status?  What sort of things did you do to make that happen?

When I got Gillette Cup player of the year and started scoring a lot of runs - from then on I felt a passionate drive to move up.  I managed to make the New Zealand Under 19s, which was a big stepping stone for me, and then gradually I built up through the New Zealand Academy.  Then I went straight through to the Knights.  It all happened pretty quickly after the initial step.  Definitely, that first experience of recognition at the Gillette Cup - that's where I got my drive from.

What sort of work has been involved in getting to this point?

After every season I'd have a look at how I went and my statistics and whatnot.  Every winter was my training block, so I used that time to improve my game and work on specific skills and techniques.  For example, if I got caught out from behind, what could I do to stop that from happening again, next time I had the bat.  I really focussed on adjustments to keep getting better.  If I wasn't seeing results, I'd work harder, until I found them.  I would always try to stay as fit as possible with the gym and runs, things like that. 

How much mentoring have you received?

I have definitely had a lot of support.  All my coaches have helped along the way; I think Chris Kuggliejn has been really important - he mentored me all of the way through school and this has continued.  I talk to Kuges all of the time and we've got a strong relationship.  He's great to talk to and feed off.  I think, as well, that if you want to make it to the top, you have to learn stuff by yourself as well.  You have to figure out your own game, how you are going to make things better for your team mates and for yourself.  You become your own coach as well. 

What do you aspire to?

At the moment I've got a bit of an injury, so I'm working on getting that right as quickly as possible.  I working on strength and fitness again, and aiming to be ready for the West Indies Tour in June.  That's my next focus.  Personally, I obviously got a lot of joy out of scoring 100 against Zimbabwe, but my next trial is to get 100 against Australia, or England.  That is my next goal and to keep working on wicket-keeping.  I'll probably need to push to get my spot back.  It's about putting in the work.