On Thursday 19 February, after a brief walk from school, St Paul’s Collegiate descended on Porritt Stadium in Hamilton for the 2026 Athletics Championships, and what a day it was. Following an outstanding Athletics Standards Day on 4 February, where every student across the school laced up, togged up and gave it their all, our top athletes stepped up to represent their houses on the big stage, Athletics Championships. The weather gods smiled on us: not too hot, a gentle breeze to keep things comfortable, and cloud cover arriving right when we needed it most. In short, it was perfect conditions for some exceptional performances!
Overall House Results
After a full day of exciting track and field competition across all age groups, the overall House Points placings are:
- First equal: Sargood and Hamilton
- Third: Williams
- Fourth: School
- Fifth equal: Clark and Fitchett
- Seventh: Hall
The Meiklejohn Cup was jointly awarded in 2026 to Hamilton House and Sargood House.
Junior Boys
- First: Neo Nooyen
- Second: Jack Farrar
- Third: Lockie Watts
In the junior boys’ division, Neo Nooyen was outstanding on the track, taking out the Gregg Cup with a commanding all-round performance. Jack Farrar followed him in second place, and Lockie Watts in third.
In the field, Percy Carver was the top points scorer for the junior boys. Congratulations on a superb effort. He receives the St Paul’s Collegiate Cup.
Intermediate Boys
- First: Kye Gault
- Second: Tayne Ingham
- Third: Dylan McLaren
In the intermediate boys’ category, Kye Gault dominated to win the Tauranga Cup, showing consistency and class across his events. Tayne Ingham followed him in second place, and Dylan McLaren in third.
In the field events, the Hewitt Cup was shared three ways, Mitchell Rowsell, Harry Booth, and Tobias Te Ua all scoring the same amount of points, an incredible display of depth and talent, across intermediate boys too close to separate.
Senior Boys
- First: Finn Bell
- Second: Quintus Daniell
- Third: Tasman Reid
In the senior boys’ division, Finn Bell powered his way to the Yarndley Cup with a strong set of performances on the track. He was followed by Quintus Daniell in second place and Tasman Reid in third.
The Thorold Cup for senior boys’ field events went to Riku Sato, despite an injury sustained during the day.
Junior Girls
- First: Samantha Harrison
- Second: Olivia Currie
- Third Equal: Mackenzie Robinson and Jessica Gaddes
The junior girls’ track competition was very close, with the top track athlete going to Samantha Harrison after a series of strong runs. Olivia Currie followed her in second place, while Mackenzie Robinson and Jessica Gaddes shared third equal.
Jessica Gaddes also took out the junior girls’ field award, finishing as the top performer in the jumps and throws.
Intermediate Girls
- First: Poppy McKay
- Second: Leila Steward
- Third: Ava Hoy
In the intermediate girls’ events, Poppy McKay was the standout performer, claiming first place with a dominant display on the track and receiving the Paul Wilson cup. Leila Steward followed her in second, and Ava Hoy in third.
Poppy McKay also claimed the overall intermediate girls’ field honours, completing an impressive double on the day.
Senior Girls
- First: Delta Downing
- Second: Lola Williams
- Third: Tatenda Chikwiri
In the senior girls’ division, Delta Downing claimed the Pieneman Cup after a superb haul of points on the track. Lola Williams followed her in second plac,e and Tatenda Chikwiri in third.
The Sheriff Cup for senior girls’ field events went to Tamsyn Watson, who topped the senior field rankings with her throws and jumps.
Relay Results
The relays always bring house spirit to fever pitch, and this year was no different. The relays, with double house points on the line, were fiercely contested.
The Defyd Williams Cup for the 4 x 100 Girls Relay goes to Hamilton
The Henley Smith Cup for the 4 x 100 Interhouse Relay goes to Hamilton
Jonathan Ward Trophy for the 4 x 100 House Relay Champion Sargood
A True Team Effort
What made this day special wasn’t just the podium finishes or the trophy winners; it was the effort from every single student who competed. From the Standards Day participants to the Championship finals at Porritt Stadium, this Athletics season showed the best of St Paul’s: grit, house pride, and sportsmanship.
Congratulations to all our athletes, and a special well done to the winning house.
