TRACK & FIELD
Precious Molepo Brian Raats
Images : BackSports , Chris Hitchcock , Tobias Ginsberg
• U17 & U19 only : 3000m & triple jump
• U19 only : Medley Relay ( 100m , 200m , 300m & 400m )
Taking the Titles
With each athlete earning a score for their performances according to the schools points table , the exciting action on the track was accompanied by schools keeping an eye on the overall points table as the day went on , especially with a number of athletes scoring a full 1000 points on the day . But in the end , there could be just one winner , and Menlopark High School recorded a clean-sweep , taking both the Boys ’ and Girls ’ Team categories , as well as the Combined Team Category contested by the co-ed schools in the competition .
“ We had an amazing day at the Twizza Super School Series National Final ,” says Aiden Smith , Boys ’ Team Captain of Menlopark High School , who placed second in the Boys ’ U19 shotput and fifth in the discus . “ I really didn ’ t expect the competition to be as tough as it was , and I thought we would place second or third , so it feels amazing being crowned the best boys ’ team . I ’ m glad to take the trophy home , and it meant a lot to me to be able to represent my school today . The meeting was absolutely fantastic , and I think that next year we will be back with a bang .”
According to Lesedi Khunou , the Girls ’ Team Captain from Menlopark who claimed gold in the Girls ’ U19 discus and placed second in the shotput , the Twizza Super School Series is a great platform for students and athletes to reach a higher level . “ Representing our school here was both overwhelming and stressful , so our team tried to enjoy the meeting more than just putting pressure on ourselves to win ,” she says . “ So , being crowned the best Girls ’ Team is an amazing feeling , but this is actually where the hard work starts , because now we need to show that we are the best school at the next meets , too !”
The final points tables for the boys saw Menlopark take the team title with 17,984 points , ahead of second-placed Prestige College ( 17,274 ), and Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool ( 16,924 ),
Helpmekaar ( 16,605 ) and Noordheuwel
( 16,091 ) rounding out the top five . A very similar pattern occurred in the girls ’ competition , with Menlopark winning on 17,909 points , followed by Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool ( 17,654 ), Prestige ( 17,393 ), Noordheuwel ( 16,991 ) and Helpmekaar ( 16,795 ). Most of these schools also featured in the top five of the Combined category , with Menlopark the clear winner on 35,893 points , ahead of Prestige on 34,667 points . Third place went to Helmekaar ( 33,484 ), followed by
Noordheuwel ( 33,082 ) and Zwartkop ( 32,691 ).
Sparkling Action
Having enjoyed some sparkling athletics across the three meets in the series , Group Marketing Manager of title sponsor Twizza , Lance Coertzen , says , “ SA ’ s up and coming track and field stars definitely brought the heat , and we had front row seats . The competition was nail-biting from start to finish , with team members giving their all for their schools and teammates . A big congratulations to all the athletes that participated , you are all winners , and well done to Menlopark High School for your dominant victory across all three categories of the event , and claiming the coveted title of SA ’ s Best Athletics School . Your hard work has paid off .”
“ Not only does the Twizza Super School Series bring together members of a school , but it also brings together athletes from various schools . Irrespective of their backgrounds , these athletes have at least one thing in common , their love for the sport ,” continues Lance . “ The National Final showcased track and field competition of the highest standard , and we are thankful to each and every athlete for all the special moments .”
41