The evolution of College sport
I t’s game on at Christ’s College as the growth of different sports plays out across the school. From Rugby to Rowing, Cricket to Clay Target Shooting, Football to Hockey and the heights of Basketball and Volleyball, the diversity of school sports is on the rise. A winning combination of premier coaches who, for some, also teach academic subjects, a dedicated strength and conditioning coach and team, evolving first-class facilities and strong sponsorship has fuelled the College sports programme in both traditional codes and new arenas. Equally important, College life is all about being a student first before boys focus on their other passions outside the classroom. “As a result, our leading sportsmen also succeed in other areas, for example, our Head Boy
and Head of Boarding are core members of our 1st XV, with the latter holding the captaincy,” Director of Sport Rob Clarke says. In our summer sport colours awards, several of the awardees were also preparing for the College Senior production with Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, showing a full embrace of the opportunities at College. “Sport is just one aspect of school life at Christ’s College. Our holistic programme encourages boys to be involved in all aspects of the school. It is underpinned by the College virtues of justice, respect, stewardship, compassion, honesty, learning, and spirituality. “We are committed to working with each boy, to inspire and encourage him to always aspire to reach his full potential. While we strive for excellence in all we do, we are equally committed to
maintaining a balance in each boy’s life.” Each boy who plays sport must also fulfil all the other expectations and commitments of school life – from academic to co-curricular and from service to House leadership. “Success is not necessarily measured in wins, but in the strong coaching environment and player development at College,” he says. “In that environment, the boys continue to embrace the College virtues and make the most of all the opportunities on offer at school.”
Another integral strand of the Christ’s College sports programme is the “ongoing
support of a range of outstanding sponsors”. While boys reap the rewards of a sports programme that focuses on “excellent coaching and training, supported
COLLEGE 2022
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