by strength and conditioning and mental skills coaching, there are also various layers of sponsorship”. Among the principal and leading sponsors are Aon (Rowing), Archibalds (Rugby, Cricket and Basketball) Avon City Ford (Rowing), Golden Homes (Rowing), Oxford Group (Rugby) and Pak’nSave (Rugby, Rowing and Mountain-biking), and Synergy Investments (Hockey). Many College teachers also specialise in a sports code, bringing that extra expertise and a greater understanding of each boy. “With so many of our coaches also being teachers or in- school specialists, we take a holistic approach to our sports programme,” Rob explains. “Teacher-coaches really know our boys, recognising when they need more support – both in the classroom and during co-curricular activities. That combination helps support overall
in all age groups and lifting the prestigious Maadi Cup in 2021 and winning silver in 2022. Among the coaches are Mathematics and Statistics teacher Tony O’Connor – coach of the gold medal-winning 2020 Tokyo Olympics rowing eight guided by former College coxswain Sam Bosworth – and Head of Department – Physical Education Henry Smith, a World University Games rowing medallist. Tony – a world champion – and Henry have coached multiple winning crews in international events, and at Maadi, respectively. Leading College’s charge up the Basketball rankings is Senior A coach and Teacher-in Charge – Health Ben Sheat, a respected national coach of youth teams and the Canterbury Rams, who has been named men’s coach of the year at the 2022 Basketball New Zealand Awards. While nationally ranked distance- running coach – and Commerce teacher – Graeme Christey guides school athletes, Assistant to the Director of Sport – and Head Strength and Conditioning Coach – Kris Miller works with multiple
teams across the codes. College’s Director of Character & Leadership – and Physical Education and Health teacher – Matt Cortesi wears multiple caps, also overseeing and coaching the high-achieving Football 1st XI. While the boys have defied the vagaries of sporting life and, more latterly, a pandemic to win multiple titles on the field, track, court, water, and range over the past five years, Rob points out that “sporting success is measured in many ways”. “Underlining those achievements are the many opportunities for each boy to achieve personal sporting goals and kickstart their commitment to physical activities and life-long wellbeing. “Our commitment to excellence and achievement is tempered by the recognition that this is youth sport, and we aim to marry the two. We have found the right balance by providing a quality programme across a range of sports to suit all abilities and interests,” Rob says. “Over the past few years, we have done extremely well in terms of trophies across an array of
achievement at all levels.” College regularly secures a
large medal haul at the national rowing championships, featuring
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MOTIVATION
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