Navigating Masterton to win
Pukekohe Intermediate School took on the nation as they navigated their way to victory at this year’s New Zealand Secondary Schools Orienteering Championship.
Pukekohe Intermediate School (PIS) finished as the top overall school after the year 7 and 8 boys’ relay team claimed first and third place, and the year 7 and 8 girls’ relay team claimed fourth place at the championship held in Masterton last month.
The year 7 and 8 boys’ relay team consisting of Caleb Moxon, captain, Zeal Jones and Samuel Watters took home a gold medal, while the team of Alex Wright, Spencer Menzies and Leon Duke took home a bronze.
Caleb said that he was proud of his team. ‘‘We were stoked. We are just happy to be the best school in New Zealand.’’
The fourth place, year 7 and 8 girls’ team of Leah Weck, captain, Mikaela Hawley and Rosie Migounoff were four seconds off being on the podium, however Leah said their finish was still a ‘‘good’’ placing considering how resilient their competition was.
‘‘It felt really good because we weren’t quite sure about Diocesan ... but we’re really happy with our result.’’
PIS dominated the long distance standard event. The standout individual performers were James McGuire, first, Nathan Dowdall, second, and Cameron Richards, third.
PIS teacher and orienteering coach Esther Williams said her kids were ‘‘outstanding’’ during the nationals and praised them on their efforts.
‘‘It’s pretty awesome to be able to go and say, ‘hey, we are the top school in the country’. I guess there is a sense of pride in that ... I think it is really important to recognise that the children get better each time they go out,’’ said Williams.
The kids prepared for the competition by running in their lunch breaks, attending club events on the weekend, and taking map reading lessons, which are run by Counties Manukau Orienteering Club coaches John and Val Robinson.
Caleb said that anyone considering the sport should get involved. ‘‘Even though it’s an individual sport, there is such a huge amount of team spirit,’’ he said.