Orienteering

In term one I took part in the Western Secondary Schools Orienteering Competition.  This competition was to be run after school on Monday afternoons at several of the local high schools.  I was excited but nervous at the same time as I didn't know what to expect and I was scared that I might get lost!  This competition is for secondary school students but this year has allowed year 7 and 8's to enter as well.

 The first event was held at Rutherford College and I surprised everyone, including myself, by coming first for my age group!  I was so excited and this gave me confidence for my next race the following week.  The second race was held at Kelston Boys.  I had a lot of confidence and ran my best.  Again I came first.  Now I knoew the first time wasn't beginners luck or a fluke and that I was actually quite good at orienteering.  The third race was held at Waitakere College.  This time I had the pressure of being expected to win from my team mates and my Mum!  Luckily I didn't disappoint and once again came first.  Each week I was improving on my time. This was because I was getting better at finding my way around and reading the map as well as improving my fitness.  I was sad that I wasn't going to be able to race in the fourth race at Green Bay High as I was going to be away on camp.  I was excited to hear that Christina van der Velde, another Rangeview student won.  I couldn't wait for our fifth race at St Dominic's College.  After getting a stitch and having to walk part of the race, my good friend Aimee Grogan ended up beating me by 7 seconds.  I was happy for her, but more determined than ever to win the sixth and final race at Kelston Girls.  I ran hard and really pushed myself and once again won the rac e.  I was so proud of myself and because of my efforts I had won the overall competition for year 7 and 8 girls.  Aimee came second and Cheye Chisholm was placed third in the boy's event.  Because the Rangeview students had done well at these races, we had nine students that were eligible to  enter the Auckland  Secondary Schools final that was to be held on Saturday 2nd April.

 The final consisted of two races, one in the morning at Wesley College in Tuakau and one race in the afternoon at Lynfield College.  your times from both races were added together to get your overall score.  After my race in the morning I was sitting at fourth place.  I know that I was going to have to do my very best in the afternoon so I could be placed.  After an agonising wait, my total time put me in third place.  I was so happy!  The girl who won my grade was from Thames and the girl who came second was from Bombay, not even Aucklanders!  I was awarded a medal at the prize giving and I was so proud to receive a secondary school award as an intermediate student! 

 Because of our efforts, Mr Latimer allowed Christina, Aimee and I to particiate in the Auckland Secondary Schools team relay event on Wednesday 13 April at Ambury Park in Mangere Bridge.  This was a great experience for us, as this time we were competing in the Junior Grade against years 9, 10 and 11 students instead of other year 7 and 8's.  This time our team times were to be added together to get a total time.  We raced and gave it our best shot.  Overall we came fourth behind Diocesan, St Cuthberts and Epsom Girls.

 I can't wait to compete again next year as a secondary student.  I am so glad I had this opportunity to have a taste of secondary school orienteering as an intermediate student.  I know that I will have an advantage by having already competed this year and I'm glad I found out now that orienteering is something I do really enjoy and am successful at.

Emilie Taylor
Room 31