Senior Canterbury Cross Country Champs

Well done to our three competitors who competed this month in Canterbury at the Canterbury Cross Country Champs.

Out of the list of year 9 to 13 students that qualified to go to Christchurch for cross country running, only three eventually made it over. The mad weather and closed road meant a number of our akonga were unable to get there.

Caleb Beri, Jessie Smith and Courtney Lang each fronted up to that big start line and gave it their best shot. An intense start to an undulating course, with hurdles thrown in as well, they stood up well to the competition. With Caleb placing 19th, Jessie 36th and Courtney 38th, all good results in big fields. Congratulations, that's a wonderful effort!

Due to the road closure and having to stay overnight in Christchurch, parents offered to take the students over the hill. Both parents who went offered to take other students for those who were unable to go. The whanaungatanga shown is a real strength of the Westland High School community, enabling our young people to experience more opportunities, thanks to the support of all. This doesn't happen everywhere. 

Thank you to Caleb and Courtney's parents for offering transport to other runners and thanks to Westland High school for encouraging this among the families, after all, we know it takes a village.