NZSS Cross Country Championships 2012

Against the picturesque backdrop of the Tamaki estuary, this year’s National secondary schools cross country championship was held in the magnificent grounds of Saint Kentigern College.  Second only to the Maadi Cup Rowing Regatta in terms of the numbers of schools and athletes participating, the event was a wonderful spectacle of young running talent.  In contrast to 2011, where the flat, fast and firm Ashburton course favoured track runners, the Saint Kentigern course was a particularly challenging, undulating track that was heavy underfoot.

Our relatively inexperienced junior team equipped themselves extremely well in a field of 194 runners, finishing 12th in the 6-man team competition.  Blair Pennell was our first runner home in 32nd place followed by Marcus Brooking in 36th. Marcus selflessly agreed to run up an age group so that our Junior Boys could field a 6 man team.  Both Blair and Marcus will compete in the Junior Boys category again next year which bodes well for a strong 3-man team placing.  Ably supporting Blair and Marcus were Aidan Clarkin-Rush, 118th, Leon Arcus, 121th, Finn Myles 141st and Tom McMullan in 158th.

Our Senior Boys squad, who have trained relentlessly for this event, had their sights firmly set on a 6 man team placing and they did not disappoint.  With 226 runners lining up at the start, the Senior Boys third place in the 6 man team competition was a tremendous achievement and thoroughly deserved.  Jacob Priddey gained an impressive 4th, the only Year 11 runner in the top 10, followed by Gavin Gilbert and Tom McLaughlin in 27th and 32nd respectively.  Completing the 6 man team were Theunis Pieters in 53rd, Drikus Conradie in 70th and Finn Maunsell in 81st.  In only his 4th cross country event, Liam Bullen’s 112th placing was praiseworthy.  The only disappointment of the day was for one of our key runners, Jonty Cook.  He had trained exceptionally hard with the team throughout the season and was expected to finish within the top 50.  Jonty was forced to retire early in the race, too unwell to continue.

Following on from the excitement of our Senior Boys’ achievement, Jacob Priddey was named in the New Zealand Cross country team to compete in Adelaide later this year.  Jacob was the only Year 11 student in the 10 man squad.

The success of our cross country runners over the past three seasons is due, in no small part to the dedication and training programme of Vaughan Priddey.   All the athletes under his care agree that, while it is the most gruelling training they have experienced, they enjoy the positive team environment and the support for and benefit to their other codes. We offer a sincere thank you to Vaughan, our sponsor Keith Pennell from Brown Pennell Accountants and to the many parents that have supported their talented sons throughout this season.  

Tonia Heeps, TIC Cross Country