Mud-covered pupils say 'bring it on'
First Mt Tauhara, next Mt Tongariro. A training walk up Mt Tauhara gave four students from Taupō Alternative Education the confidence to commit to the 2020 Tough Guy & Gal challenge at the end of October.
Students Trujuan Cameron, 14, Cruz Graham, 15, Maison Fontana, 13, and Aquanee Privitera, 15, took on the extreme off-road running event, along with teachers Catherine Hawkins and Mish Wi.
Billed as a unique event held at Lakes Ranch, Rotorua, the Tough Guy & Girl Challenge course includes swamp crossings, a spider’s web net climb, a crawl under barbed wire, beautiful native bush trails, tunnels, hurdles, a climbing frame, and plenty of mud.
Catherine said the students wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to take part in an event like this, however Anamata Cafe health practitioner Sandy Turner got in touch to say there was sponsorship available from Tall Poppy Real Estate and Mitre 10 Mega Taupō.
When given the opportunity, Trujuan said he thought he would give it a go, although admits to being pretty nervous about the event.
“The best bits were the mud. I got stuck in the mud and it was nearly up to my knees, [teacher] Mish pulled me out.”
Trujuan said the worst part was the rope climb up the bank.
“It was a mountain.”
First one home out of the team was Maison who said he did heaps of training, and enjoyed the mud and water sections.
Training at Spa Park and completing workout sessions at school gave Cruz the confidence to take on the Tough Guy & Gal Challenge.
“But I didn’t like the mud. People I didn’t even know threw mud at me. I was last to cross the finish line for our team but I am proud of my effort.”
Taupō Alternative Education is for high school students who are alienated from the public system, with the aim of returning them to the mainstream.
Teacher Catherine said the Tough Guy & Gal Challenge was a good experience for the students and she was super proud of them.
“The encouragement they gave each other was fantastic,” said Catherine.
“Students who attend the school come from Taupō-nui-a-Tia College or Tauhara College and for one reason or another they are struggling in the mainstream.
“They come here for a short period to lift their attendance, their academics or their attitude and then they return to their school,” said Catherine.
The students did the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. They said it was good starting with Mt Tauhara and then doing the Tough Guy & Gal Challenge.
“Our mountains are getting bigger,” said Maison.