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HTC athletics was always bound to be a great day and this year was one like no other. The final sport of the HTC calendar, it gave us the opportunity to give it our all.

After many trials and training the day arrived. It was very hot with intermittent rain and ominous clouds, but fortunately it went ahead.

The meet started with the 800m races where both the men and women placed highly against some fierce competition – showing everyone that Aquinas was the team to watch. Simultaneously the Men’s Triple Jump, Javelin and Women’s Shot Put were taking place.

Next were the sprints and the Aquinas Squad shone, putting in an incredible effortto win both the A and B Divisions of the Men’s and Women’s 100m and 200m races, and 3 out of 4 of the 400m races. This put us in very good contention for the Athletics Cup. Deserving special mention are the three records broken on the day. One record was by Isaac McGrath in the 200m with a time of 22.95 seconds and two records by Jackson Bowden in the 100m with 10.86 seconds and the 400m with 59.99 seconds.

The Men’s High Jump was one to watch with incredible heights reached from all Colleges’ athletes. Nick Joy and Sam Hayes put in a phenomenal effort both reaching the last few rounds.

Following the excitement of the 100m sprints, attention turned to the Women’s Triple Jump, where anticipation ran high for another strong showing. Both athletes representing the A and B Divisions delivered outstanding performances, each securing first place in their respective categories. This performance set the tone for what was to come in the long jump event later that afternoon – where first place was secured in both the A and B Divisions.

The relays were another one of the great successes throughout the day, with Maeve, Millie, Aida, and Alice taking home the victory for the Women, and Jackson, Isaac, Nash, and Archie bringing home second place for the Men.

The day ended with Aquinas coming 1st and securing the High Table Cup. Overall the coaches could not have been prouder of the incredible squad and sportsmanship displayed both on and off the track and the amazing support from every Aquinian who attended to cheer on the College.