Stars for the day included Gerhard de Beer, who won gold in the boys’ u/14 shot- put with a distance of 11,42 metres, and Diaan Lombard who won first place in the u/19 boys’ 400-metre hurdles in a time of 56,08 seconds.
In the girls u/16 age group, Ané Coetzee impressed with her hurdling skills by winning the 400-metre race and walking away with the silver medal for the 100-metre event. She also won a bronze medal in the 400-metre sprint.
Tabeel Zeeman was the all-round athlete to watch out for on the day and her performances did not disappoint. Not only did she score the highest number of ASA points (780) of all the participants from her school for her silver medal in the girls’ u/17 high jump, she also won gold in the 100-metre hurdles and silver in the 100 metres.
Particular mention must be also made about Jané Vorster, who tallied up 710 ABSA points in the girls u/16 shot-put, which saw her go home with the silver medal.
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The talented Annerie du Toit (girls u/19) took first place on the podium for her performance in the discus event where she achieved a distance of 37,17 metres. She also nabbed the silver medal for her distance of 10,22 in girls’ u/19 shot-put.
According to headmaster, Johan Loots, the school is satisfied with the results of the day, although he admits there are some areas to work on.
“We are happy with the wonderful achievements of our athletes, but we are also aware of various development areas that need to be addressed in the coming year,” he said.
“We are confident that issues like nutrition and strength building will be taken care of and that will certainly take our athletes to the next level.”
He also expressed his congratulations to the Hoërskool Nelspruit and Rob Ferreira for their excellent achievements.
“We take our hats off to their athletes who are in top physical condition, and the awe-inspiring performances that we all witnessed during the course of the day,” Loots said.
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“When looking at our own performance, what stood out the most was the boys’ u/17 relay. Those chaps had all and sundry out of their seats cheering them along and they did not disappoint the crowds.”
Speaking of cheering, Joshua Langa won best cheerleader of the day for the high school.
“Joshua is a boy with a certain je ne sais quoi. In his entertaining fashion, he definitely earned the prize as best cheerleader of the day,” Loots added.
“A wonderful day was had by all and Hoërskool Barberton went all-out to accommodate the thousands of pupils, spectators, singers and athletes. Our thanks and congratulations to Mr Pieter Ferreira for hosting an excellent interhigh competition.”
Loots also personally thanked every athlete, coach, supporter, parent, and teacher for the considerable amount of effort that went into the successful day.
“Last but not least, good luck to the athletes who will now be competing at provincial level. May you reach for the stars!” Loots concluded.
