Sports Dinner 2020

Despite a year of unprecedented disruption to our sporting programme, much has been achieved this year with many outstanding sporting accomplishments to celebrate as 2020 draws to a close. The resilience, positive attitudes and desire to continue, despite the lockdowns, cancellations and changes to competitions, are a real credit to our young sportsmen and women.  Last night, over 450 students, staff, coaches and family members gathered for the annual Sports Dinner and Awards to honour our sporting elite.

The evening began with a moment of reflection as we remembered long-serving staff member, Mr Malcolm Cowie who sadly passed away recently. Mr Cowie was instrumental in setting up our football programme and coaching countless students. He will be sadly missed.

The disruptions of 2020 were a recurring theme throughout the evening. Director of Sport, Mr Richard Stead said, ‘Despite the constant interruptions, the lockdowns, the cancellation of competitions, tournaments and other events, I feel the true character of Saint Kentigern shone through. Our pursuit of excellence never wavered, nor our enthusiasm to play – that we remained positive and resilient during these challenging times has been a hallmark of our sporting programme.’

College Principal, Mr Russell Brooke paid tribute to the coaches who work with our students, developing a positive team culture ‘where confidence is balanced with the humbleness of learning to be better tomorrow than we are today.’ In addressing the students, he said that despite this year’s frustration and hard knocks, he, too, sensed the ‘Saint Kentigern pride shining through.’ Mr Brooke reiterated that participation in sport is ‘an essential part of what we do – it develops character, perseverance, resilience and characteristics for life.’

Grace Maddren and Alex McNaught were our sports prefects for 2020, making a fantastic contribution throughout this unusual year. They have been terrific role models for our students and both expressed sadness as their sporting years at the College come to an end.

Grace said, ‘Although this year had its difficulties, our sportspeople have learnt to persevere, adapt, and make the best out of what they have been given. We are all grateful for the immense effort our coaching staff put in to keep us fit and healthy over both lockdown periods.’

Alex was also hugely appreciative for the opportunities offered saying, ‘Sport in my life has been huge for character building, friendship-making, pathways to the future and connections to people. I have learnt that my coaches have not just made me a better player, but also a better person’

The evening builds to the most prestigious awards, with the talented Alex McNaught being crowned Dux Ludorum, the Yachting Match Racing Team being awarded the John Irvine Outstanding Performance of the Year and despite all odds, a large number of students achieving Silver Fern status for being selected to represent New Zealand.

The Sports Dinner is the culmination of the efforts of many people but Director of Sport, Mr Richard Stead and Sports Manager, Miss Lynne Scutt deserve our thanks for the huge amount of work it takes to bring this together. Our sincere thanks to the Old Collegians Association for their support, and the Parents and Friends for assisting to set the tables.

DUX LUDORUM
Alex McNaught
The Dux Ludorum is the major individual sporting award of the year and is awarded to the most outstanding sports person, girl or boy. The winner is generally an all-round sports person who has represented the College at a number of sports.

Alex is the Captain of our Premier Boys Water polo team. He finished 6th in the Senior Boys Cross Country event. He is a member of our Senior Boys Volleyball team and co-captain of the Premier Boys Basketball team, which finished 2nd in the NZSS Auckland tournament. He was named in the NZ U19 Junior Tall Blacks team and played for the Nelson Giants in the NZ Men’s Basketball League. He is an outstanding athlete and terrific role model to our Saint Kentigern sportsmen and women.

Nominees: Luke Holmes, Year 13; Logan Cowie, Year 13; Cecilia Vatikani, Year 13; Jensen Foster, Year 13; Hannah Riley, Year 12; Leo Ashcroft, Year 13; Kaea Rangihaeata, Year 12; Kenza Taele, Year 12; Nathan Xu, Year 12; Cecile Velghe, Year 13; Zara Jancys, Year 12; Sophie Spencer, Year 12; Alex McNaught, Year 13; Natalia Rankin-Chitar, Year 12; J'adore Harris-Tavita; Year 12; Will Bason, Year 13

BOYS RUNNER-UP TO THE DUX LUDORUM
THE BRUCE PALMER AWARD
Luke Holmes
Luke was a member of our Eastern Zone winning Senior 4 X 100m relay team and finalist in the 100m. He is a key member and captain of the Senior A Boys Volleyball team. He was vice captain of our Premier Boys Hockey team, who are Auckland and Upper North Island Tournament Champions. He plays premier men’s Hockey for Howick Pakuranga and was selected for the NZ U18 squad. He was also awarded the Jerome Kaino Cup.

GIRLS RUNNER-UP TO THE DUX LUDORUM
Natalia Rankin-Chitar
Natalia is an outstanding athlete. She is the NZ Junior Girls and U18 Champion in discus and shotput and member of the NZ Athletics team chosen to compete in Sydney. She is a key member of our Premier Girls Water polo team which finished 3rd in Auckland and has recently been selected to play in the women’s premier league.

JOHN IRVINE OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Yachting Match Racing Team 
This award is for an individual or team which has achieved at the highest level and gained results reflective of their dedication, determination and desire to succeed. Jack Frewin, Jack Haywood-Slattery, Daniel Nichols and Morgan Lay gave a winning performance the Nationals held in a very windy Wellington. They also earned Team Colours.

OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES

Nathan Vince                    For winning 2 national yachting titles
Ruby Spring                        For winning road and track national cycling titles, including 2 new national age group records
Natalia Rankin-Chitar    For winning 2 national titles in shotput and discus at the NZ Athletics Championship, breaking our College records in both these events
Liv Peebles                         For winning 5 individual Gold medals and 2 relay Gold medals at the NZSS Swimming National Championships

THE GRANT DALTON LEADERSHIP CUP
Dylan Muggleston

This cup is awarded to a leader who builds a team around them and demonstrates leadership qualities by helping others within the team to develop their skills.

Dylan has been in the Boys Hockey 1st XI since Year 10 and has played over 75 games for this team. Dylan has been the leading goal scorer over the last two years and is an extremely gifted and skilful hockey player. His dedication and commitment to the team and individual players, both on and off the field, is exemplary. He most a fine young man who gives time to the younger team members and is a role model to all. 

THE STEVE COLE SPORTS TROPHY
Shayna Narsai
This Award is presented to Sportsman or Sportswoman who epitomises the values identified by Mr Cole as the foundation blocks of our sports programme. ‘Respect for everyone, integrity for what we do, always deliver your best in the pursuit of excellence.’ 

Shayna has been in the Hockey Girls 1st XI for 4 years and played over 75 games for the College. She has been captain of the team for two years and has grown into a confident leader, who leads by example on and off the field.  Shayna is an extremely skilful midfielder and a great role model to her teammates.  She is loyal and caring and always strives to be the best in her pursuit of excellence.

THE JEROME KAINO CUP
Luke Holmes
The Jerome Kaino Cup is presented to a team athlete who ‘the team could just not do without.’
Luke has made a massive contribution to the 1st XI Boys Hockey team. He is an outstanding athlete and hockey player and makes a difference when he is on the field. His awareness, strength and agility makes it very difficult for opposition teams to mark him, and his ability to combine with others makes him a standout player amongst his peers. He is well regarded and feared by opposition teams.  

THE PHILIP YOLLAND MEMORIAL AWARD
YEAR 11 SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR
Xavi Taele
Xavi placed 2nd overall in the College Intermediate Boys Athletics. He is a member of our Senior A Boys Volleyball team and our Rugby 1st XV team and was selected for the NZ Under 16 Rugby League team.

Nominees: Xavi Taele, Isaac Wong, Kiyaan Manukonga

YEAR 11 SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
Brooke Fonoti
Brooke is a member of our Premier Girls Touch team which placed 3rd at the NZSS Nationals (Dec 2019). She is a member of our Premier Girls Water polo team, finishing 3rd in Auckland. She also plays in the Senior A Netball team.

Nominees:Neve Webster, Khanye'-Lii Munro-Nonoa, Brooke Fonoti, Emma Pijnenburg, Isabella Campion, Charlotte Manley

YEAR 10 SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR
George Turner
George is a member of our Premier Boys Basketball team which finished 2nd in the Auckland Invitational tournament and was selected to attend the NZ Basketball U15 Camp. He plays for the Cricket 2nd XI and captained the Manukau U15 T20 team, winning their district tournament. He also plays in our Junior Boys Volleyball team.

Nominees: Wyndham Nathan Patuawa, Joshua Gordon-Glassford, Tayden Smit, Teare Tunui-Ahomiro-Leef, Joe Berman, Adam Morrison, George Turner

YEAR 10 SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
Ruby Spring
Ruby is the College Intermediate Girls Athletics Champion and placed 5th in the Intermediate Girls Cross Country. She is a member of our Junior A Girls Football team and Premier Girls Cycling team, winning numerous events at regional and NZ championships in cycling.

Nominees: Liv Peebles, Anne Falelogi–Kirikiri, Jade Nomani, Issy Bannister, Olivia Rooney, Ruby Spring

THE LEYTON MONK AWARD
YEAR 9 SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR
Coen Anderson
Coen was the College Junior Boys Athletics champion winning the 800m and 1500m and the College Junior Boys Triathlon champion. He is the Auckland U14 Boys Triathlon Champion and came 2nd in the Junior Boys Cross Country. He is captain of our Junior A Cycling team and the Junior Boys College champion, and also plays Basketball for our Junior Boys Hawkes team.

Nominees: James Crosbie, Zephaniah Lototau, Logan Bellard, Coen Anderson, Ethyn Brooks

YEAR 9 SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
Alex Campion
Alex is our College Junior Girls Swimming champion, winning six events. She featured prominently in the Auckland and New Zealand Secondary Schools Swimming Championships winning the NZ U16 Skins race. She won the Eastern Zone Junior Girls 800m. She is the College Cross Country champion. She is a member of our 9A Netball team and plays for our Premier Girls Touch team.

Nominees:Katelyn Quay-Chin, Alex Campion, Alex Clark, Maddie Ballard, Tory Alves-Flood, Emmerson Garrett

THE SISSONS AWARD
YEAR 7 & 8 SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR
Samuel Armstrong
Samuel was 3rd overall in the Boys Swimming Championship. He was 3rd overall in the College Year 8 Boys Athletics Championship. He was captain of the Year 7&8 Cricket 1st XI. He came 3rd in Cross Country. He was Captain of the Year 7&8 Rugby 1st team and played for the College U15 Restricted team and also played for the Year 7&8 Basketball A team.

Nominees:Thom Hawkins, Sam Armstrong, Tim Wallace, Oli Mai, Adam Muggleston

YEAR 7 & 8 SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
Dorothy Anderson
Dorothy was 2nd overall in the Year 8 Girls College Athletics, winning the 800m and 1500m. She is the Year 8 Girls College Cross Country Champion. She plays Netball. She won the College U13 Triathlon Champion award and placed 2nd in Auckland in the U14 Triathlon Championship and 2nd in the North Island U12 Duathlon Championship. She recently won the Year 7&8 College Cycling Champion award.
Nominees: Dorothy Anderson, Olivia Kay, Lucy Sweetman, Franki Wingate, Leni Webster

SILVER FERNS
Awarded to students selected to represent New Zealand.

Abbey Keyte* - New Zealand Secondary Schools Water Polo Girls Team (Dec 2019)
Will Bason* - New Zealand Secondary Schools Water Polo Boys Team (Dec 2019), and New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby Team
Kenza Taele - New Zealand Maoris Secondary Schools Netball Team (2019)
Natalia Rankin-Chitar* - New Zealand Secondary Schools Athletics Team
Alex McNaught * - New Zealand Junior Tall Blacks Basketball Team
Kazlo Evans -  New Zealand Basketball U17 Boys Team
Levick Kerr - New Zealand Basketball U17 Boys Team
Emma Pijnenburg - New Zealand Football U17 Women’s Team
Harrison Parr - New Zealand Inline Hockey U16 Boys Team
Kelly McKinnon - New Zealand Secondary Schools Junior Orienteering Team
Allan Craig* - New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby Team 
Te Rama Reuben - New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby Barbarians Team
Xavi Taele - New Zealand Resident 16s Rugby League Team
Dickie Terepo - New Zealand Resident 16s Rugby League Team
Taine Kolose - New Zealand Maoris U17 Rugby League Team
Treyah Kingi-Taukamo - New Zealand Maoris U18 Rugby 7s Team               
Wyndham Nathan-Patuawa - New Zealand U16 Boys Touch Team
Jack Frewin* - New Zealand Sailing Youth Team

*These students also received Individual Colours.
Nathan Vince also received Colours for winning the NZ Starling Match Racing Championship and the NZ Starling National Championship and Connor Addis for winning the NZ Snowsports Junior Free-styling Title.

PRINCIPAL’S SPORTS AWARDS
For contribution to sports at the College. This is for dedication and outstanding commitment to their chosen sports often as captains, always as leaders.

Abbey Keyte - Water polo
Alex McNaught - Water polo, Basketball and Volleyball
Akshay Edekar - Cricket
Ema Miyaura - Tennis
Emma Hannan - Cycling
Grace Maddren - Football
Jack Frewin - Yachting
Jasleen Singh - Netball
Jensen Foster - Cycling
Logan Cowie - Middle Distance Running
Martin Gan - Basketball
Will Bason - Rugby

Click here to view the gallery.