Celebrating students and their sporting achievements is a big part of Hauraki Plains College culture.
The school hosted its 2024 Sports Prizegiving on October 24 which celebrated sports individuals as well as teams.
But it was a team of rugby players who snapped up the special group award.
The Hauraki Plains Boys First XV Rugby Team were awarded the Team of the Year award – the Mahurangi College Cup, which was donated by Mahurangi College in honour of the 50 years of sports exchanges between the two schools.
A team of the year is selected for their regional or national success, the team culture they demonstrate in representing their school with pride, with overcoming challenges and demonstrating a positive team spirit.
First XV coach Herman Harmzen said he was overwhelmed with joy and pride when the team won the award.
“I think we were fortunate to have a group of young men that were all friends, and they love spending time together on and off the rugby field.”
Captain Chris Lourens told The Profile it was great to finish his college rugby on “such a high”.
“A lot of us started together back in year 9.”
The year-13 student said after they finished second on the table for the last two seasons, it was amazing to have won the Coulter Cup earlier in the year, and then the Team of the year trophy.
“The boys were all stoked.”
The 18-year-old student also won the James McDuff and Stella Clayton-Greene trophy for outstanding leadership in sport.
“It was nice to be acknowledged for being the captain for the First XV Rugby team for the last couple of years.”
The coaches and his team “definitely contributed” to his achievement, he said.
“We are a great team and that made it easy to lead a group of great players.”
One thing that helped the team mates gel together as a unit was the fact most of them were mates and hung out socially outside of rugby, Chris said.
They played junior rugby together and have just “continued to grow together”, he said.
“And when new boys would join they just became part of us and the team. We have fun on and off the field. We just work so well as a team.”
One way Chris managed to keep motivated throughout the season was “to lead by example”.
“I give it my all at trainings and on game days and – the boys just follow my example.”
“I love the game so it was pretty easy to stay motivated.
“Our coaches also guided me and their input into our game and game plans was essential for me to lead the team properly.”
For others who wanted to be a team captain one day, Chris said to work hard. “Show up and give it your all. You gain respect by respecting others.”
