Attitude is everything

18 Jun 2019

In a brilliant race, Year 11 student Sam Idiens outran a field of strong contenders to come first in the Junior Boys 4km race at the 2019 New Zealand Secondary Schools Cross Country Championships and claim the national title. It was an outstanding result for Sam, who is a key member of College’s athletics, cross country and multisports squads, and always willing to give his all in any event.

A small team of College athletes attended this meet, which also incorporated the National Interprovincial 5x2km Relay Championships, held in Timaru from Saturday 15–Sunday 16 June.

It was a highly competitive event, with over 700 runners from all over the country participating, and the cool weather and soft ground made for excellent conditions. All College boys raced well according to their ability and experience, enjoying the atmosphere, the thrill of the chase and the camaraderie of cross country.

Individual results

Year 9 Boys 3km

James Lange – 22nd
Art Aitken – 70th
Benedykt Staples – 115th

Junior Boys 4km

Sam Idiens – 1st (National Champion)
Senior Boys 6km
Matias Biraben-Clough – 89th
Sebastian Fergusson – 136th
Robert McKeown – 195th
Chris Ireland – withdrew because of injury