National Titles and Representative Honours for HBHS Cross Country Team

The HBHS Cross Country team has returned from Christchurch clutching a brace of medals, including two team golds, an individual silver and a national selection for senior runner Jacob Priddey, who again performed with distinction. The talented Year 9 runners emphatically proved why they were pre-race favourites, taking out both the three man (pictured, left) and the six man team titles 25 and 58 points clear of their nearest team rivals, Auckland Grammar School. In a field of 200 runners, Isaiah Priddey placed 3rd, Sam Montgomerie 5th and Liam Steffert 15th. The next three runners in, Sean Lovelock 17th, Connor Tristram 27th and Bradley Cullen 33rd, were separated by just 13 seconds.  The Under 16 team also performed with distinction, with Blair Pennell leading the team in at 9th.  He was ably supported by Tai Leong, Finn Myles, Oliver Ng, Marcus Brooking, Chris Riddell and Cameron Steedman, who combined to eventually finish 5th in the teams event.  There were 256 runners who competed in the senior event, and Jacob Priddey showed why he is regarded as one of New Zealand's most promising young athletes, as he and a group from Auckland Grammar quickly broke away from the pack.  Jacob eventually finished 2nd, and was the only Year 12 athlete in the top five placegetters.  This performance secured him a place in the New Zealand Cross Country Team who will compete in Tasmania later this year.  Jacob was back on the podium with the HBHS senior team of Theunis Pieters, Drikus Conradie, Cameron Swales, David Nyika and Leon Arcus who won a bronze medal in the senior teams event.  The team would like to thank their coach, Mr Vaughan Priddey, and their driver and sponsor, Mr Keith Pennell, along with their parents for all of the hard work and loyal support throughout the season.  Thanks and congratulations must also go to Captain of Cross Country, Theunis Pieters, and Teacher in Charge of Cross Country, Ms Tonia Heeps, for their continued support of HBHS Cross Country running.