Zeekoevlei High tops in athletics

Jason Ruiters in the boys under 17 triple jump.

Zeekoevlei High School came out tops in the Southern Zone B-section athletics meeting at the Bellville Velodrome on Wednesday February 21.

Norman Henshilwood, Fairmount, Fish Hoek, Grassdale, Pelican Park, Sibelius, Zwaanswyk and Crestway high schools also took part.

Principal William Prinsloo said: “It’s a fantastic way to start the year on this high note, especially since we are celebrating the school’s 40th anniversary this year. Despite the majority of the athletes coming from extremely challenging backgrounds and the fact that the school does not boast adequate resources to effectively coach athletes, the school managed to secure a resounding victory,” he said.

They racked up an impressive 543 points. Norman Henshilwood High finished second with 367 points and close on their heels was Fairmount High with 362 points. Gillian Oakes, sports co-ordinator, said: “Because our field is riddled with molehills and thorns and we only have four hurdles with which to train hurdlers, as a committee, we are forced to be innovative in our approach to get the best out of our athletes.”

Head coach Chad Samuels, an ex-student and athlete of the school, was thrilled with the team’s success and said it was an all-round team effort from athletes and educators. “Athletes, although small in stature had big hearts and displayed immense courage on the day as the majority ran barefoot with only plaster to protect their feet from the boiling tartan track,” said Mr Samuels. Nadia Anhuizen, manager of the athletics team, said:

“Holistic education at Zeekoevlei High School is not merely a slogan; it is a reality.

“The buy-in and assistance from staff members was probably the key to the team’s success.

“We were extremely nervous about this meet since it was the first time that the majority of Grassy Park schools were pitted against each other so we knew that it would be extremely tough.

“We never in our wildest dreams expected the result we had,” she said.

* See page 33 for more photos