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PINNED NEWS

North Island Secondary Schools Athletics Championships, Palmerston North, 1-2 April

15 February 2023 12:00pm

PINNED NEWS

South Island Secondary Schools Athletics Championships, Invercargill, March 31 - April 2

3 February 2023 5:00pm

Passing of Robin "Digger" Doyle

20 February 2023 8:00am

Sadly, Robin “Digger” Doyle passed away at 5:20 pm on February 17. A real character of athletics at local level. A man of dedication, passion, and wit. His catch phrases are legendary, but perhaps not for general publication!

Robin had recently retired from 45 years of teaching at Palmerston North Boys High School. Digger loved relays and during his time teaching he coached teams to 12 gold medals, 13 silver, and 6 bronze at NZSS Championships.

He coached Hayden Townsend, Shaun MacFarlane, Craig Wickes , Sam Higgie and so many others. His athlete first approach was an example to all.

Robin was awarded the NZSSAA Service Medal in 2017 to recognise his many years of outstanding commitment to secondary school athletics.

He is greatly missed.

George McConachy
Friend of 48 years

Capital Classic Wellington, Friday 3rd February

7 February 2023 5:00pm

The fourth Classic Meet of the season held in Wellington featured several NZSS athletes with a few backing up from the Whanganui meet. Once again, our New Zealand Secondary School athletes performed with great distinction attaining some new PBs. Our two mixed 4×400m teams acquitted themselves well finishing 1st and 2nd in the last track event on the program. For all of our athletes selected and supported by NZSSAA the value of these Classic meets proved invaluable competition in furthering the development of these young athletes, especially being able to compete against some of our best senior athletes. So well done to all those who competed in Timaru, Hastings, Whanganui and Wellington. Also, a big shout out to the management team from NZSSAA, Paul, Ange, Judith, and Geoff. Below are the highlights of our athletes who competed in Wellington.

  • Louise Brabyn U20 mile (5: 27.59) 3rd and 4×400m 2nd.
  • Addira Collette 100m Elite (11.84) 3rd and 200m Elite (24.90) 5th while sister Chayille 100m Elite (12.05) 4th and 200m Elite (24.90).
  • Hannah Collins TJ (11.57m) 2nd
  • Charlotte Goldsmith TJ (11.44m) 3rd and Open 200m (26.42) 5th
  • Holly Gray 200m Open (26.82) 8th and 100mH (14.88) 1st
  • Jessica Hendren HJ Open (1.57m) 9th
  • Maggie Jones had a busy day competing in 3 event 100mH (14.69) 2nd and a PB, 200m Open (26.41) 4th and another PB and 4×400m 1st.
  • Maddie Kelso-Heap 800m Elite (2:14.63) 8th
  • Sionann Murphy Para Shot (8.54m) 2nd and a new PB
  • Boh Ritchie competing in the ANZ Women 3000m (9:51.16) 7th and 4×400m 2nd.
  • Mikayla Sola Shot (11.19m) 3rd, Hammer (42.39) 6th
  • Micayla Whiti 100m Open (12.59) 1st, 200m Open (26.20) 3rd and 4×400m 2nd
  • Leala Willman Javelin (35.40m) 3rd and new PB and Hammer (31.26) 10th.
  • Grace Wisnewski was another of our athletes competing in 3 events, 100mH (14.83) 3rd, 200m Open (26.12) and 4×400m 1st.
  • Ronan Codyre ANZ Senior Men’s 3000m (8:16.88) 12th and a new PB
  • Thomas Cowan ran a quick 1:53.72 over the Elite 800m to place 2nd.
  • Jonah Cropp 3000m walk 12:47.85 1st
  • Christian De Vaal continued his great form with a PB over the ANZ 3000m placing a very good 5th.
  • James Ford Elite 800m 1:52.52 1st
  • James Hansen had 3 PBs in the three events he competed in 200m Open (23.04) 8th, 110H (15.17) 1st and Javelin 40m.02 7th and 4×400m 1st
  • Corran Hanning showed excellent form again in the Para shot with a new PB (13m 45) 1st
  • Lucas Martin 3000m Walk 12:51.93 2nd and 4×400m 2nd
  • Asher Pettengell-Brand had a busy day competing in the Open 100m (11.07) 4th, Open 200m (22.30) 3rd and the 4×400m 1st
  • Tyrone Trego ran an outstanding Open 100m (10.61) 1st smashing his previous PB and only 1/100th outside the NZSSAA record in a legal run, he backed this up in the Open 200m (22.48) 4th.
  • Karsten Vesty ran a solid race in the ANZ Men’s 3000m finishing 20th in 8:57.13
  • Jason Woolley competing in the Para events had a busy day finishing 2nd in the 100m (13.14), 2nd in the Open 200m (26.70)

Cook's Classic

1 February 2023 7:00pm

Outstanding results at the Cook’s Classic and well done to Alec McNab and his team for organising another successful Cook’s Classic.

Some highlights from our team.

  • 15x Personal Bests
  • 2x ANZ U20 Mile Titles (Alfie and Boh strike again!)
  • Stunning sprinting by the Collette twins with PB’s in the 100m
  • Our 400m Hurdlers went 1,2,3,4 all with great PB’s between 1:02-1:03. What an awesome group of talented hurdlers, and so good to have this level of competition.
  • PB’s were smashed by our Milers; Christian, Karsen, William, Alfie and Boh.

Some of the best PB’s come from hanging on to what is in front of you, or taking the lead and setting a mean pace.

Our thoughts are with some of the families/athletes that were unable to travel to compete with flooding and flight cancellations. Hope to see you compete soon.

Potts Classic Meet, Hastings January 21st

26 January 2023 4:00pm

The second Classic Meet of the season held in Hastings featured a number of NZSS athletes with a few backing up from the Lovelock Classic. All of our athletes selected represented NZSSAA with great distinction with a number of PBs and standout performances including 2 ANZ U20 titles in both Men and Women grades. The meeting got underway at 5pm but prior to this meet a Pre-meet was held for some of the Field athletes.

  • Addira Collette 100m (12.33) 7th and 200m (25.22) 2nd while sister Chayille 100m (12.31) 6th and 200m (24.78) with an excellent 1st place.
  • Amelie Fairclough finished strongly over 400m 56.25 (5th)
  • Jorga Gibbons finished 5th in the LJ (5.10m) while backing up over the 100m (12.81) for 5th in her heat.
  • Sophie Hancock achieved a PB in the 400m (57.86) and placed 5th in her heat of the 100m (12.88) following a PB in the LJ (6.06m)
  • Maddie Kelso-Heap 400m (57.71) 6th while Nadia Kumerich achieved a PB of 47.05 in the Hammer at the Pre-meet backed up with a Shot of 11.25m (4th) were notable performances.
  • ANZ U20 women 3000m 1st Boh Ritchie in a new PB of 9m 45.9 an outstanding performance and is well on course for her preparation for the World Cross-Country Championships in Bathurst in February.
  • Mikayla Sola achieved a number of PBs. Shot (11.25m) 5th, Discuss (38.61m) 6th which followed a 50m PB in the Hammer at the Pre-meet.
  • Kahurangi Cotterill achieved a PB in the 400m (50.08) placing him 1st in his age group.
  • Thomas Cowan ran a quick 1:53.19 over the 800m to place 7th in the open race.
  • Christian De Vaal continued his fine season with a NZ U20 3000m title with a time of 8m10.80 and is also in preparation for the World cross country champs.
  • Joseph Dunn finished 5th in the 110H(15.19) while James Ford finished 5th in the 800m (1: 52.45) in a very competitive field.
  • Cole Gibbons backed up his efforts in Timaru with a 4.22m PV(6th) and a PB and also placed 5th in the 100m heat (11.27) and a 110H (15.32) for 6th.
  • Corran Hanning showed excellent form in the Para shot (11.62) 1st and Discuss (34.13m) 1st.
  • William Johnston ran a PB over the 800. (1m 53.93) for 1st.
  • Forbes Kennedy 200m (23.60) 6th and LJ (6.35) 6th showed solid form while Nat Kirk ran a PB over 400m (51.57).
  • Lucus Moffitt was close to his best in the 3000m walk, clocking 12:53.93 for 1st place.
  • Blessing Sio had the Discuss out to 45.91m for 6th and a new PB then backing up to have the shot out to 14m 84 for 7th.
  • Alfie Steedman ran a great race for 2nd in the ANZU20 3000m with a new PB of 8m 19.74.
  • Tyrone Trego with a solid 4th in his heat of the 100m (10.89).
  • Karsten Vesty clocked a new PB in the Open 800m with a time of 1:51.24 finishing 4th.
  • Jason Woolley competing in the Para events had a busy day finishing 1st in the 100m (13.12), 7th in the Open 200m(26.93) and 1st in the LJ 4m.53.

We now look forward to the Cooks Classics on Saturday 28th January where a large contingent of NZSS athletes will be competing.

Lovelock Classic Meet, Timaru January 7th

25 January 2023 8:38pm

The first Classic meet of the season held in Timaru featured 8 of our NZSS athletes selected after the running of our Championships held in Inglewood in early December. The selection of these athletes to compete in national uniform representing New Zealand Secondary Schools saw all athletes acquit themselves well with a number of PBs and standout performances backing up their efforts from early December.

  • Bernie Cullen finished 3rd in the LJ (5.24M).
  • Jorja Gibbons had a busy day with a 2nd place in the 100m (12.42), 200m 3rd (26.38) and a LJ of 5.16m.
  • Holly Gray was able to achieve PBs in the 100m (12.99) and 200m (26.30) while also winning the 100H (14.98).
  • Micayla Whiti gained a 1st place in the 200m (25.84) and placed 3rd in the 100m (12.61)
  • Joseph Dunn 110H (14.88) gained 1st while Cole Gibbons gained new PBs in the 200m (22.64) and 110H (15.21) finishing 2nd while also jumping 6.32m in the LJ.
  • Luke Moffit 100m (11.63) 5th and a LJ of 6.39m were both solid performances.
  • Asher Pettengell-Brand finished 4th in the 200m clocking 22.31.

NZSSAA Team to the Australian Junior Athletics Championships, Brisbane, Queensland, April 12-17 2023

13 January 2023 4:00pm

Congratulations to the following athletes who have been selected to compete in the Australian Junior Athletics Championships.

Lost Property from Track, Field and Road Race Champs

22 December 2022 9:30pm

The following spikes are a size 8 USA (women’s size). The owner can contact oe@nzssaa.org.nz to arrange return.

NZSSAA Track & Field Team to tour the Classic Meets from January to February 4

15 December 2022 7:50pm

NZSSAA Track & Field Team to tour the Classic Meets from January to February 4.

Selection was based on performances in Inglewood and the submissions of expressions of interest prior to the championships.

Paper Team, Athletes of the Meet, and Acknowledgement of Officials

13 December 2022 8:00am

Congratulations to the Track, Field and Road Race Paper Team and Athletes of the Meet. We wish to also acknowledge the work of the Officials and Volunteers at the Championships.

Meeting apology and programme changes

8 December 2022 10:09pm

Our sincere apologies to all managers who attempted to join the Zoom meeting without success. It seems the bulk email out of the link somehow affected its ability to make the connection.

Programme changes:

  • Senior Girls 100m is now 3 heats and a final at finals time. No semis required.
  • Senior Girls 400m is now 2 heats and a final.
  • Senior Boys 100m do not require quarter finals. The semis will be held at 2.45 pm on Saturday at quarter finals time. There will be no semis at 9.00am Sunday.

Other matters:

  • Read the Competitors Information for reporting times, implement measuring times and collection of implements after the event.
  • Scratching forms are available at TIC – remember the 90 minutes prior to the event start time rule.
  • Relay confirmation forms must be handed in by midday. Forms available at TIC.
  • First aid is located in the vicinity of the 200m start outside the arena railing.
  • Refer to the Road Race parking information on the website.
  • Livestream interviews will be held with senior athletes only. It is appropriate that their managers be in the vicinity of the interview.
  • Merchandise will be available at TIC as will the ability to order and pay for further orders. Online ordering will be available from next Monday.

49th New Zealand Secondary School Track, Field and 46th Road Race Championships

7 December 2022 11:00am

Merchandise

The LOC and NZSSAA will take orders for the SAS/NZSSAA 2022 Track & Field Merchandise items at the Stadium during the weekend. You will be able to complete an order form and check sizes at the Information Desk. Orders can be paid with a Credit/Debit or Cash. Online orders will also REOPEN on Monday 12 December for one week.

The 49th New Zealand Secondary School Track, Field and 46th Road Race Championships takes place 9-11 December 2022 in Inglewood.

Results Livestreams Competition Information

Update to timed programme: the Junior Girls and Junior Boys Long Jump Qualifying Pools are now Straight Finals. The Junior Girls will be at 12.00pm Friday at what was Pool A time and the Junior Boys will be at 3.00pm Friday which is a 30 minute delay on what was Pool B time. The Finals originally scheduled for Saturday afternoon have been removed.

Requests for changes or indications of concern regarding the guideline programme can be emailed to oe@nzssaa.org.nz

Officials’ Accommodation
Any officials wishing to book accommodation at Devon Hotel, you must either email or phone the Devon Hotel. You need to mention you want the rate for the Athletics Taranaki booking. You will not get the reduced rate by booking their accommodation online.

50 beds have been booked at the Devon Hotel who have reduced the room charges as per below which include breakfast:

$149.00 if single occupancy
$169.00 is shared by 2 people
$189.00 if shared by 3 people

We have applied for funding to cover the accommodation, or part thereof, but won’t know until late October.

Accommodation Offer
A large country family home, 3-4 bedrooms with plenty of room, 5 min away from the TET Stadium in Inglewood is available for rent. Please email jro@fdmc.school.nz for more information.

Notice of AGM

2 December 2022 11:20am

The 2022 NZSSAA AGM will be held at the Managers’ Meeting for the Track, Field and Road Race Championships at TET Stadium, Inglewood on Friday 9 December, 10am.

Australian Junior (U18) Track and Field Championships 2023, Brisbane

18 November 2022 8:00pm

Expressions of interest for selection in the NZSSAA Track and Field Team to compete in the Australian Junior (U18) track and Field Championships are being called for. The Championships are being held in Brisbane, Queensland from 12-17 April 2023. Athletes looking to be selected are asked to complete the online expression of interest form.

ISF World Schools Athletics Championships, Turkey, 19-25 June 2023

13 November 2022 9:00pm

New Zealand Secondary Schools Athletics Association offers the opportunity for any school to put forward an Expression of Interest if their school would be interested in competing at the ISF World Schools Athletics Championships in Turkey, 19-25 June, 2023.

Expressions of Interest are required to be in writing to the President of NZSSAA, Tony Rogers by Friday 1st December 2022 with an indicative list of possible team members and approximate performances levels and expected events.
See past news items in the archive.