🚵♂️ ŌTC MOUNTAIN BIKERS TAKE ON NEW ZEALAND’S BEST! 🏆
What a week of racing for Ōtūmoetai College at the 2026 NZ Secondary Schools Mountain Bike Championships!
With over 1,600 riders representing 200 schools from across Aotearoa, the competition was fierce, but our ŌTC mountain bikers certainly rose to the challenge!
An impressive 21 ŌTC riders competed across three disciplines over five action-packed days, delivering outstanding performances, multiple podium finishes and plenty of reasons to celebrate!
🏆 CROSS COUNTRY & RELAY
- 🥇 Sam – U17 Girls Champion in BOTH XCC and XCO! An incredible double national title!
- 🥉 Austin – 3rd in BOTH U17 Boys XCC and XCO!
- ⭐ Sierra – 4th in U14 Girls.
- 🥈 U16 Relay Team – Jack, Sierra and Lachie combined brilliantly to claim silver!
- 👏 Jack and Lachie – Both finished just outside the top 10 in U15 Boys.
🔥 ENDURO
- 🥈 Sierra – 2nd in U14 Girls!
- 💪 Brax and Rijandre – Strong performances, finishing just outside the top 10 in U15 Boys and U17 Boys respectively.
⚡ DOWNHILL
- 🥉 Sierra – 3rd in U14 Girls!
- ⭐ Jessie – Fantastic 4th place in U16 Girls!
- 👏 Brax and Rijandre – Both secured top-20 finishes in their respective age groups.
🌟 OVERALL INDIVIDUAL STANDOUT
A massive congratulations to Sierra, who capped off an extraordinary championship with 2nd place overall in the U14 Girls across all disciplines! An exceptional achievement against the very best young riders in New Zealand!
Beyond the medals and placings, what makes this achievement so special is the determination, courage and team spirit shown by all 21 ŌTC riders throughout the championships.
A huge thank you to the parents, supporters and everyone behind the scenes who helped make this national campaign possible.
Congratulations to our entire ŌTC Mountain Bike team. You’ve done your school proud! 💚🖤
KIA KAHA ŌTC!
NETBALL 2026 OVERVIEW
What an incredible season of netball it has been! Across our 19 teams, the heart, dedication, and sportsmanship shown by everyone involved have made this year a resounding success.
Behind every player on the court is a dedicated team making it all happen. Huge credit goes to our fantastic coaches, proactive managers, student and official umpires, and the Sports Department for their tireless work week in and week out. Special thanks also go to Deb McBride, our Uniform Coordinator, for keeping all 19 teams kitted out and ready to play. Whenever challenges popped up throughout the winter, our proactive coaches and managers stepped up to help resolve them, ensuring a smooth and supportive environment for everyone.
Together, this collective effort yielded fantastic positive team outcomes on the court. We were thrilled to see a large number of our teams qualify for semi-finals across all divisions, representing our school with pride and grit.
Finals Results
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- Junior 1: Runners-up- Premier 3 Grade
- Premier 2: 4th Senior A
- Junior 2 : 5th Senior B
- Senior Teal: 4th Senior C
- Senior Black: 1st Senior E
- 10A: 4th Division 2 Y9/Y10
- 9A: Runners-up Division 3 Y9/Y10
- 9B: 3rd Division 5 Y9/Y10
- 9C: 2nd and 10B 4th Division 6 Y9/Y10
- Y9 Crystals 1st and Y9 Gold Diggers 4th Divison 9
Premier One Netball
A major highlight of the season was the incredible journey of our Premier 1 team. Returning to the Premier 1 grade, they put in a stellar performance at the Upper North Island Secondary Schools (UNISS) tournament, finishing as C Grade runners-up! This outstanding achievement means Premier 1 has officially qualified for B Grade for 2027,a massive milestone for our school’s netball program.
Huge congratulations to Dellas Mareroa for being selected in the tournament team, and to her and Milla Scholes for their selection into the MAGIC in the Making. We are super proud of both these players and the whole team for all they have achieved this season.
We also proudly celebrate our players achieving representative honours:
- Tauranga U14A: Taya Mariu & Eliza Wichman
- Tauranga U14B: Indigo Wilson
- Tauranga U16A: Dellas Mareroa
- Tauranga U16B: Azaylea Mareroa
- Tauranga U18: Chelsea Williamson
We also celebrate extraordinary individual achievements outside of school netball:
- Nathaniel Young on his selection to the NZ U18 Men’s team—what a talented and dedicated tāne!
- Nathaniel Black for his selection to the Tauranga U20 Mixed team, and Chelsea Williamson for her selection to the Opens Mixed team. We wish them both the absolute best in their upcoming games and tournaments!
We are super excited about the future of netball here. Thanks to this incredible community effort, we continue to offer opportunities at all levels and abilities so our rangatahi can enjoy their sporting experience, build lifelong friendships, and extend themselves both on and off the court. Thank you to all our players, supporters, and whānau for an unforgettable season!
Net Fit Netball Tournament
We had a great day at the Net Fit Tournament on Saturday 10 October.
Have-A-Go-Day for Canoe Slalom
October is the nation-wide Have-A-Go-Day for Canoe Slalom. CSBOP would like to invite you to join them and give kayaking and canoe slalom a go on the 18th of October.
We have three sessions available.
Sunday 18th October at 11am – under 14 age group
Sunday 18th October at 12pm – under 14 age group
Sunday 18th October at 1pm – 14 plus age group
If you’re interested, click on the form
https://forms.gle/
or email
coachekain@canoeslalombop.co.
🏀🔥 FROM ŌTC TO THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE! 🌏
A massive shoutout and GOOD LUCK to ŌTC basketballer BEAU MARSTERS! 🙌🏀
Beau is heading off today on an incredible journey to represent the Cook Islands Men’s National Basketball Team at the FIBA Polynesian Cup in Toahotu, Tahiti! 🇨🇰🌴
First stop ➡️ Rarotonga for a two-day national team training camp, before the tournament tips off on 19 October! 🏆
💪 Hard work. Dedication. Sacrifice. Opportunity.
This is what it’s all about! All those hours in the gym, the early mornings, the extra shots and the commitment to getting better are paying off.
The entire ŌTC whānau is right behind you, Beau!
Go make some noise on the international stage, young gun! 🔥🏀
🏑 ŌTC Hockey Stars Shine – Five Finalists, Seven Award Nominations!
ŌTC Hockey is making its mark, and we couldn’t be prouder! 💚🖤
A massive congratulations to FIVE outstanding ŌTC hockey players and coaches who have been named finalists for the 2026 Tauranga Hockey Volunteers and Awards Evening, being held at the Bay Oval Pavilion on Saturday 17 October.
🌟 Junior Women’s Player of the Year
Two of our very own hockey stars, Pauline Beetz and Izzy Duske, have both enjoyed exceptional seasons and now find themselves going head-to-head for this prestigious award! What an incredible achievement to have two ŌTC players recognised among the best in Tauranga hockey!
🌟 Secondary School Female Coach of the Year
Our fantastic 1st XI Girls coach, Mel Aitken, has been recognised for her outstanding contribution, dedication and commitment to developing our young hockey talent.
🌟 Small Sticks Female Coach of the Year
A special congratulations to Poppy Wallis, one of our talented ŌTC 1st XI hockey players, who has been named a finalist for her coaching contribution to primary school hockey.
Not only is Poppy making her mark on the turf as a player, but she’s also giving back to the sport by helping develop the next generation of young hockey players. What a fantastic example of leadership, service and the positive influence our student-athletes can have beyond our kura. Ka mau te wehi, Poppy!
🌟 THREE Coaching Award Nominations!
And then there’s Mark Aldcroft – YOU ABSOLUTE LEGEND! Our 1st XI Boys coach has earned an incredible THREE finalist nominations:
- Secondary School Male Coach of the Year
- Club Male Coach of the Year
- Male Coach of the Year
What an outstanding recognition of Mark’s passion, hard work and contribution to hockey both at ŌTC and throughout the wider hockey community!
From the entire ŌTC whānau, THANK YOU! Your dedication, commitment and passion for hockey at our kura do not go unnoticed. You are helping develop not only talented hockey players but also wonderful young people.
Five finalists, seven award nominations and a whole lot of ŌTC pride!
We wish all our finalists the very best at the awards evening!
Kia kaha, ŌTC Hockey! 💚🖤
🏆 2026 ŌTC WINTER SPORTS – UNIFORM RETURN 🏆
What a winter season it’s been! From the courts and turfs to the fields and gyms, our ŌTC student-athletes have represented the school with pride throughout 2026. 🖤💚
Now that the winter season has wrapped up, it’s time to get those uniforms back home!
👕 Please return your ŌTC winter sports uniform to SHED ONE as soon as possible.
Have a quick look in the wardrobe, sports bag, car, laundry basket… or wherever else it may have ended up! 😄
A massive thank you to all our players, coaches, managers, whānau and supporters for another fantastic winter of ŌTC Sport.
REGISTER NOW
The 2026 NEW ZEALAND SECONDARY SCHOOLS TRACK & FIELD, & ROAD RACE CHAMPIONSHIPS are on 11th, 12th, & 13th December 2026 at Cooks Gardens – Whanganui.
If you’re interested in entering for Ōtūmoetai College, please fill in the below registration form.
https://forms.gle/aMwoWDCr1CfY5iVj6
Any questions, please email sport@otc.school.nz
🏀 ŌTC 3×3 Basketball Academy – Term 4 2026!
Calling all young ballers! It’s time to hit the court, sharpen your skills and have some fun!
Ōtūmoetai College is excited to launch the ŌTC 3×3 Basketball Academy this term, giving young basketballers the opportunity to LEARN, DEVELOP, COMPETE and HAVE FUN in a fast-paced, exciting environment!
Designed with busy families in mind, the Academy offers Saturday morning basketball right here at ŌTC, taking the pressure off those already packed weekdays!
Each two-hour session combines one hour of skills development, focusing on individual skills, basketball IQ and decision-making, followed by competitive 3×3 games where players can put their learning into action.
Not sure if 3×3 basketball is for you? Come along on Saturday 17 October for our FREE “Have a Go” session! No fee, just a great opportunity to experience what the Academy is all about!
🏀 Programme Details:
- Where: Ōtūmoetai College Action Centre
- When: Saturdays, 8:00am – 10:00am
- Dates: 17 October – 5 December 2026
- Cost: $75 for the season
- No session: Saturday 24 October (Labour Weekend)
- Grand Finale: End-of-season 3×3 Tournament – Saturday 5 December
Whether you’re looking to improve your game, gain more court time or simply enjoy basketball with others, the ŌTC 3×3 Academy is a fantastic opportunity to get involved!
Stay local. Play 3×3. Grow your game! 🏀💚
Ultimate Frisbee Term 4 League
Are you interested in playing Ultimate Frisbee for Ōtūmoetai College in Term 4?
And the massive bonus… GAMES are here on our fields.
Please contact the Teacher in Charge of Ultimate Frisbee, Mr McMahon
pmcmahon@otc.school.nz
⚽️ 2027 TERM 1 FUTSAL GIRLS – EXPRESSION OF INTEREST ⚽️
Keen
Calling all ŌTC girls who are keen to represent Ōtūmoetai College in Futsal in Term 1, 2027! 🙌
We’re getting an early start on preparations, with Lilly Muspratt running three Selection Squad sessions in the Action Centre during Term 4.
📅 Saturday 31 October | 3.00pm–5.00pm
📅 Saturday 7 November | 3.00pm–5.00pm
📅 Saturday 21 November | 3.00pm–5.00pm
Whether you’re an experienced futsal player or keen to put yourself forward for the 2027 squad, we’d love to hear from you.
Interested? Complete the Expression of Interest form.📧 Any questions, please contact dplayford@otc.school.nz
Get involved, get on the court and put your hand up to represent ŌTC Sport in 2027! 💪⚽️
🏏 CRICKET IS BACK AT ŌTC FOR 2026/27!
We’re excited to announce that ŌTC Cricket is back for the 2026/27 season, with Sam Owen taking the helm and leading cricket here at ŌTC.
Sam has been at the heart of ŌTC Cricket for a number of years and brings a genuine passion for growing the game at our kura. His focus is on creating more opportunities for our student-athletes to train, compete and represent ŌTC, while building a cricket programme that can continue to grow in the years ahead.
This season we are looking to field 1st XI Boys, 1st XI Girls, Junior Boys and Junior Girls teams, with a programme designed to provide considerably more cricket for our players.
What are we working towards?
🏏 Regular school-based cricket training
🤝 Four or more school exchanges, including opportunities against schools such as St Peter’s Cambridge, Rotorua Boys’ High School and Waikato Diocesan
💪 Cricket-specific Strength & Conditioning, beginning in Week 7
🏆 BOP Secondary Schools Cricket Championships
🏏 1st XI Cup competition
Whether you have represented ŌTC previously or are keen to get involved in cricket for the first time, we want to hear from you.
If you would like to play cricket for ŌTC this season, please complete the short registration form below. If you have already registered, thank you — you’re all sorted!
Cricket is back. Pull on the jersey and be part of what we’re building at ŌTC. 🏏
🏋️ Term 4 Strength & Conditioning
The Term 4 S&C timetable is ready. Sessions run from Weeks 1–9, with options for athletes competing now and those preparing for next season.
Summer sport athletes can attend their weekly sport-specific session to maintain strength and speed alongside training and games.
Winter sport athletes can use Sports Academy to build strength and movement skills ahead of next season. There are five session times to choose from; attending twice a week is recommended.
Game Ready offers coached speed and agility development on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 4:15–5:00 pm.
View the Term 4 timetable and sign up for S&C or Sports Academy through the Strength & Conditioning page.
🥏 Ready to Run, Throw, and Dive? Ultimate Frisbee for Year 9 & 10!
Looking for a fast-paced, high-energy sport on Term 3 and Term 4? Whether you’re a seasoned player or have never thrown a disc in your life, Ultimate Frisbee is the place to be! It’s non-contact, beginner-friendly, and all about awesome teamwork.
• Training Starts: Wednesday, 12th August (after school on the school field) for 10 weeks
• Competition: Term 4 – BOPSS Junior Champs
• Who Can Join: Open to all Year 9 and Year 10 students
Grab your friends and come along to see what it’s all about.
👉 Got what it takes? Complete the Expression of Interest form today to secure your spot!
https://forms.gle/3p6EJJzHmb5QS8366
Got a question – chat to Mr McMahon, English Dept.
Tauranga Archers – Schools Archery Program – Term 4 2026
Class Times Term 4 2026
Wednesday : 4:00 to 5:30pm
Saturday : 9am to 10:30am
Saturday : 10:30 to 12pm
Tauranga archers is offering lessons for year 7 to 13 students (11yrs+) at Graham Park.
This will be a weekly lesson run over six weeks where students will learn the basic safety and techniques for shooting a recurve bow.
We are Happy to have re-signups for those who have already attended a course.
We would be happy to answer any questions for interested students, or any questions you may have.
Here is a sign up form for those who would like to join
School Physio
Care for your body with our school physiotherapy service…
STRONGER TODAY. PERFORM BETTER TOMORROW. 💪🏽🟢
At Ōtūmoetai College Sport, we believe physical development is not an “extra” — it is an essential part of helping young athletes thrive.
New research reviewing 17 randomised controlled trials across team sports found that structured strength training can:
✅ Reduce injury risk by 30–70%
✅ Improve sprint speed, jump height and power
✅ Enhance movement quality and resilience
✅ Support long-term athletic development and wellbeing
Most importantly, the evidence shows these benefits are especially valuable for youth athletes involved in sports such as football, netball, volleyball, rugby and basketball.
Our ŌTC Strength & Conditioning Programme is designed to do exactly that:
🏋🏽 Build stronger, more resilient athletes
⚡ Improve movement efficiency and athletic performance
🧠 Develop confidence, discipline and physical literacy
🛡 Help reduce preventable injuries and time away from sport
High performance is built over time — not just during a season.
That is why we strongly encourage all ŌTC student-athletes to commit to year-round physical development alongside their sport-specific training. Consistency matters. Quality movement matters. Long-term development matters.
Whether students are aiming for representative honours, premier sport, or simply wanting to enjoy sport for longer and perform at their best, structured S&C training provides the foundation.
- Stronger athletes.
- Healthier athletes.
- Better prepared athletes.
For more information regarding our Strength & Conditioning programme please use the following link – Strength & Conditioning at ŌTC
To read the research paper in full please use the following link – Strength Training : Injury & Performance
SPORT Noticeboard and Digi Screen
All your current Sport information is on the Action Centre Sports Noticeboard and Digi Screen. Location is opposite the netball court.
Ōtūmoetai College Alumni
We are looking to start an alumni of any previous students of Ōtūmoetai College – if you would like to be included, please click on the link below.
