In the running for medals
East Otago High School has powerful representation at the New Zealand secondary schools track and field championships this weekend.
The Palmerston school's 14-strong contingent will be a force to be reckoned with at the national championships which start today.
East Otago High School's head of Physical Education Drew Campbell said many have the potential to get top 10 placings or, better still, medals.
Courtney Martin, Sam Porter, Liam Park and James Bungard shape as some of East Otago's strongest prospects.
This is Martin's third athletic championships.
This year, she is competing in the hammer throw, shot put and discus.
She'll be hoping to back up her impressive results at the South Island champs earlier in the year, winning the under-15 shot put and discus and breaking the South Island record for the discus and placing second in the under-16 hammer throw.
Campbell said, placing 5th in the discus, 6th in the Hammer and 7th in the shot put at last year's nationals, Martin had a great chance of gaining a medal in any of these events.
"She is throwing significantly further than last year also," he said.
Year 11 student Sam Porter will be competing in the senior grade for Javelin for the first time this year.
"At the South Island champs Sam won the under 16 Javelin and last year at nationals he won the silver medal in the junior grade. He also is throwing significantly further than last year breaking 50m last week in a pre-competition," Campbell said.
Ten Waitaki Boys' High School students will also be competing this weekend.
They will compete in track events but the senior boys' relay is set to be the highlight. Dean Fenwick, Blair Grant, Jamie Robb and Stephen Butler are the South Island secondary schools senior boys' relay champs and Aoraki SS champs.
