Terms 1 and 4 (Summer)
Boys who participate in athletics are expected to compete regularly in Saturday competitions. Year 9 boys who are already a member of an athletics club when they come to College may compete for that club over the summer while training with the Christ’s College club. Success in this competition can lead to provincial selection.
Students in Years 10–13 compete in the U16 and U18 grades in the interclub competition held at Ngā Puna Wai on Saturday afternoons. Success at this level can lead to provincial selection.
At College, students have the opportunity to represent their House through heats, championship and non-championship events at the Athletics Sports Day held in Term 1. The age divisions for Sports Day are U14, Junior (U15), Intermediate (U16) and Senior, based on age as at 1 January.
A College athletics team is selected from these championships and competes in the Canterbury Secondary School Championships, and at South Island and NZ Secondary Schools events.
Master-in-charge: Simon Mulholland – email hidden; JavaScript is required
Venue: Nga Puna Wai athletics facilities
Training: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday (optional)
Uniform: College singlet, black shorts and College hoodie and track pants
Recent Success
2026
- Accumulated the most points of any school competing in boys' events at the South Island Secondary Schools (SISS) Championships.
- Won individual SISS titles in U16 Hammer Throw (setting a new record), U17 100m, U17 200m, U20 Pole Vault, and U20 Triple Jump.
- Won both the U16 (Canterbury) and U17 (SISS) 4x100m relays.
2025
Set a new record with 42 boys reaching finals at Canterbury Secondary Schools
Secured a podium finish with 3rd place in the Senior 400m at Nationals
Broke the school pole vault record and claimed multiple golds and school records in U15 events
2024
- 1st – U14 discus, shot put, and javelin at CSS Championships
- 1st – U19 pole vault at SISS athletics meet
- 1st – U19 400m at SISS athletics meet
Athletics Coaching Staff
Simon Mulholland
Simon Mulholland
Simon Mulholland has been appointed Assistant Director of Sport at College and Rugby Convenor. He joins College from Sedbergh School in Britain where he has been Director of Rugby and Assistant Director of Sport. His impressive coaching credentials include being voted NextGenXV Schools Rugby Coach of the Decade and playing a pivotal role in developing top-tier schoolboy rugby talent, with many of his former players progressing to national and professional levels. In his role, Simon will support the strategic direction of sport at College, overseeing key operational aspects of the sports programme, and leading our rugby and athletics programmes.
Tom Turner
Athletics Coach
Tom Turner
Athletics Coach
Tom Turner has been coaching since 1980. He started with the Papanui Redwood Club and is now with Papanui Toc H. Tom coaches pole vault and high jump, but can also coach sprints.
He believes gymnastic training is one of the cornerstones of athletic ability and runs a winter gym, based on gymnastic principles, for College students every year.
Tom’s coaching philosophy is that athletes must enjoy what they are doing, have a positive outlook, and have fun both in training and competition.
Yo-An Lin
Athletics Coach
Yo-An Lin
Athletics Coach
Old Boy Yo-An Lin has coached the College athletics throwing team since 2009 and also coaches at the Papanui Toc H Club. He has competed in various national athletics championships. Yo-An encourages his athletes to be confident in their events and always strive to do their best.
Bev Peterson
Athletics Coach
Bev Peterson
Athletics Coach
Representing New Zealand at the Auckland Commonwealth Games in 1990 was a highlight of Bev Peterson’s athletics career. Her records still stand today. Passionate about athletics, Bev now coaches promising young runners, with College benefiting from her skills and experience.