Hi all,
The final update comes from the shores of Waikiki Beach, where I am currently sitting on the sand watching the boys enjoy their final time in the sun and surf ahead of a return to normalcy. I think shifting out of the 29 degree climate of Hawaii will have its challenges for everyone!
To bring you up to speed; yesterday was the last of the shopping madness with the group taking full advantage of the stores on offer at Ala Moana Mall. After 2 hours Coach Jones was overheard saying "Now that was the warmup, let the shopping begin" before O Clarke told him to pull his head in as it was home time. In the late afternoon sun several of the boys surfed and swam until it was dinner time at the famous Cheeseburger in Paradise Restaurant. Importantly with the team call to arrive in some form of clothing to pay respect to the Hawaiian culture, many (esp F Boswell and M Wallace) didn't disappoint- a photo of Matt below can attest to his attire. As a consequence we were all given various shocked expressions on the way to the restaurant by members of the public- however please note M Wallace failed on the task proposed by Coach Skeen, which was to find the biggest guy on the street and say "Hi Muscles" on the way to the meal. After dinner (and most significantly the haka the group ripped out topless for the restaurants staff and guests) it was a casual wander through the International Market Place before starting the big pack at 9:30pm. Lights out featured soon afterwards which was well received considering this morning started at 5:45am.
Wake up calls had the boys out of bed and in the lobby by 5:50am today as we ventured up to Diamond Head. Leaving from the hotel at 6am we reached the summit by 6:50am which was an impressive feat- we hope you get a sense of the iconic run by the photos provided below. After the run and a quick bite, it was off to Peal Harbour (a 3.5 hr outing where a local guide, followed by the usual National Park staff and shows, took us all on a journey back in time). The boys were able to get a real sense of what 7 Dec 1941 was actually like in Pearl Harbour and found the boat ride out to the USS Arizona, where 1107 naval personnel died on board that morning (most bodies are still in the vessel) very humbling. Waikiki Beach followed for the last time with R Lockhart and F Boswell having just enjoyed their belated birthday presents from the squad- an outrigger canoe ride with 4 people of their choosing. Coach Gordon suggested taking Japanese strangers with them in the spirit of 'forgiveness', however this was not accepted by the two boys- old grudges must die hard.
The boys are currently on target to be back at the hotel by 5:15pm to pick up the bags they so expertly packed last night (surprising a good effort), before we head to the airport at 6pm. We have an 11pm flight (NZ9) which will landed in Auckland tomorrow morning, being Wednesday obviously, at 7:30am. As an administrative note, the boys are keen to do the haka for those on pick up duties so we will be waiting until everyone has processed through Customs before releasing the boys (uniforms in hand maybe useful!). Wooden items, clean running shoes, MAF 'risks' are all in the top of the boys bags so wish us luck with a quick processing!
The Final Points of Note:
1. H Barclay (absolutely no lies), awoke last night standing in this underwear directly outside his hotel room door. When his room mates didn't wake up to his knocking he headed down to Reception to get security to assist in letting him back in- what a legend!
2. A Meltzer, said "If I knew now what this trip was going to be like 12 months ago, I would never have come!" Clearly making the formal speeches on tour has got to this guy.
3. T Batts has confessed he has been experiencing nightmares during the entire trip. These nightmares have always woken him from his sleep and he is now convinced no matter where he ever goes in the world he will never do a haka again.
4. R Martin, H Kerr and K Esterhuizen have all declared they wish to be single for the rest of their lives- the attention they received in the US clearly has got too much for them.
5. An anonymous group member was heard to say "those shorts wouldn't even fit on a small teddy bear" in reference to what a member of the opposite gender was wearing- kind of summarised Hawaii up pretty well.
6. Coaches Jones and Jordan are starting a satellite school in California called 'Auckland Grammar High School' where they are both teaching High Performance classes with themselves being the subject matter.
7. Coach Gordon has already emailed Mr O'Connor requesting a wave pool as part of the AGS facilities so that his surfing form doesn't slide upon returning home.
8. Coach Skeen couldn't be reached for comment on anything. Contrary to popular opinion he actually never returned to the US after this 'temporary' sabbatical claiming sick leave as a consequence of the spending excessive time with M Wallace.
Now for the sincere stuff . . . We have obviously all had a brilliant last two and a half weeks. The first and most important vote of thanks must go to the parents (and family members of all ages for that matter) for the fundraising efforts and amazing support you have given that has allowed the boys to experience the dream lifestyle of California and Hawaii. NB: The Editor also humbly thanks all of those who contributed to this blog by buying into the humour and thrills that have emerged daily.
Secondly, to the families and staff of the five fantastic schools that have provided such an authentic and richly entertaining experience for all of us, our appreciation in words is not enough. Please know you are welcome down under whenever you wish to cash in the payback chips. Without your welcomes and hospitality our time in the USA would have been a lot less memorable.
Finally, to our boys. What an outstanding bunch of young men. We can honestly say as staff it has been a pleasure to tour with each of you. We hope you remember the internal laughs we have all had, the personalities within our group, and the openness that has been extended to you by complete strangers from the USA. Don't ever forget the world is a massive place full of amazing characters- continue to go and find them!
Lots of love to everyone back at home from us here in Hawaii . . . proud members of the AGS Running Family.
See you soon. Maholo
Monday, October 15, 2012
Congratulations
Hi All
Congratulations! You guys did really well - you must be ultra fit by now. What a fantastic trip you've had! Many thanks to the awesome Messrs Skeen, Jordan, Jones and Gordon- now you just have to get the entire team home, with all their gear, that should be easy : ) Safe travels, looking forward to seeing you soon.
Kenrick Family
Congratulations! You guys did really well - you must be ultra fit by now. What a fantastic trip you've had! Many thanks to the awesome Messrs Skeen, Jordan, Jones and Gordon- now you just have to get the entire team home, with all their gear, that should be easy : ) Safe travels, looking forward to seeing you soon.
Kenrick Family
Race Photos
Hi All,
Here is a few photos of the great race in Hawaii.
Most of the team feature and look a little hot!!
Good to see you have some money left in your bank account...Not!
Well done to all and have a great flight back.
Cheers
Watt family
My highlight was . . .
Surfing and relaxing on the beaches of Hawaii. J Pallister
Hanging out and swimming at Laguna beach- Guy Kilmister
Chilling on the beaches in hawaii -M Wallace
San Benito high football game before the haunted house. - M.Haycock
Playing rugby with the Santa margarita school students. H. Barclay
Swimming and chilling at Huntington Beach- P Carter
Running up to the Hollywood sign In LA. J Ellis
Magic mountain roller coasters were awesome! M Pogson
Driving around San Francisco late at night with my host family. Ryan Martin
My billet in Hollister- H Kerr
Going for a surf in Hawaii with my billet - Esterhuizen
Swimming at Waikiki beach in Hawaii - R Lockhart
Meeting so many new friendly people in Hollister - K.Madgwick
The people. Hawaii. - Tom batts
Meeting on the beach at 7 and going for burger before meeting friends. Tobias Lorimer.
Billeting in Hollister with San Benito High School. James Grieve.
Hanging out with my billets from San Fran and Hawaii. Andy Xie
Billeting in Hawaii - Henry Watt
Everything in Hawaii especially billeting and the race - Asher Meltzer
Surfing with Mr Gordon and Hamish at Waikiki- McDermott
Finishing the races and Hawaii in general -Sungwoo Baek
Chilling at Laguna Beach -Oscar Clarke
Tatsu rollercoaster ride at Magic Mountain - James Kenrick
The commercial vibrancy of the Universal Strip - Fletcher Boswell
Hanging out and swimming at Laguna beach- Guy Kilmister
Chilling on the beaches in hawaii -M Wallace
San Benito high football game before the haunted house. - M.Haycock
Playing rugby with the Santa margarita school students. H. Barclay
Swimming and chilling at Huntington Beach- P Carter
Running up to the Hollywood sign In LA. J Ellis
Magic mountain roller coasters were awesome! M Pogson
Driving around San Francisco late at night with my host family. Ryan Martin
My billet in Hollister- H Kerr
Going for a surf in Hawaii with my billet - Esterhuizen
Swimming at Waikiki beach in Hawaii - R Lockhart
Meeting so many new friendly people in Hollister - K.Madgwick
The people. Hawaii. - Tom batts
Meeting on the beach at 7 and going for burger before meeting friends. Tobias Lorimer.
Billeting in Hollister with San Benito High School. James Grieve.
Hanging out with my billets from San Fran and Hawaii. Andy Xie
Billeting in Hawaii - Henry Watt
Everything in Hawaii especially billeting and the race - Asher Meltzer
Surfing with Mr Gordon and Hamish at Waikiki- McDermott
Finishing the races and Hawaii in general -Sungwoo Baek
Chilling at Laguna Beach -Oscar Clarke
Tatsu rollercoaster ride at Magic Mountain - James Kenrick
The commercial vibrancy of the Universal Strip - Fletcher Boswell
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Boys on tour
Hi Ryan
I just caught up on your run results in Hawaii what an awesome run buddy all that hard work paid off. Congratulations all you boys and staff fantastic to see the Kiwi spirit being displayed so proudly. I am eagerly awaiting all the stories when you get home Ryan see you Wednesday.
Bryan Martin
Update
Hi all,
May I first start by thanking Coach Jordan for his entry yesterday providing you all with the race report. I managed to upload the photos but was so overcome by R Lockhart's win (Roddy is my utter hero, ever since I was 5 years old I've wanted to be like him), that I admitted myself to A&E to have my blood pressure checked. Now that the state of the nation has been restored to normal, I have the following to update you on:
Obviously, the Editor wishes to restate the fantastic effort of the entire squad yesterday. Every boy ran with total determination in the difficult heat they were confronted with. In particular, to gain places 1-5 in the Junior Varsity race, coupled with a gutsy effort by injured J Ellis started the afternoon off well. Then in the big stuff, K Madgwick and H Watt had fine runs, as to did G Kilmister, who racing up a grade due to his excellent form, placed an extremely credible 25th. Collectively we were so proud of the boys. After the races it was then back off to their billets for the final night of hosting. For many, the unbelievable experiences continued, with tickets been purchased on their behalf by the Punahou parents to head to the University of Hawaii vs New Mexico College Football game at the Honolulu Stadium. A casual 50000 people were in attendance so the lucky boys that went can really say they have experienced something quite special. Then it was sleep time, with the boys now being in the process of being dropped to us at our hotel 300m from Waikiki Beach. They have between 10am and 1pm to arrive, with the early comers having already dropped their bags and scootered down towards the waves. At 1pm it is off to Ala Moana, the worlds largest outdoor shopping centre, for the last of the shopping sprees. All will then be looking forward to then hitting the beach again in the late arvo prior to a team dinner out (Hawaiian Burgers!).
Points of Note:
1. T Batts is claiming that the pottery he made (yes, approx 20 of the boys attended a Friday night pottery class with their billets- because that's what you do!) was the greatest contribution he has ever made to the world. Young Tom created a 'bagel' with his gifted imagination.
2. Coach Jordan entered into a local race that occurred at 6am this morning. He ran an average 4th across the 10mile course (5 miles straight up, 5 miles straight down). None of the other coaches joined him because they are all normal.
3. H Kerr volunteered to lead the stretches for the Junior Girls Varsity squad prior to the race start. He claimed that the 'C' for effort in his former Form 3 AGS PE report made him well qualified for the job.
4. Coach Gordon is still missing in action. He was seen on the bus from the airport but since that time there have only been reported sightings of a half naked man in bare feet walking around the surf shops, and the occasional glimpse of a ox on a surf board.
5. M Wallace is in paradise. He was heard to say "The day when I get my first kiss will be no where near as good as today". He was referring to the fact his billet gifted him two Babolat tennis racquets as a going away present (seriously heading back to reality is going to be difficult for everyone)
6. G Kilmister is demanding a serious conversation with his parents upon his return. He needs to know what actually happened after Coach Skeen found Guy's twin brother (without a word of a lie- an identical match!) who was also running at the race meet yesterday. Photos will confirm there is much to be explained.
7. M Haycock was cautioned by the Race Organiser yesterday. Apparently you can't trash talk your opponents over here- Matt was heard to say "Hawaii is hot, clearly you are not". Coach Jones disciplined Matt by demanding he sing Coach Jordan's favourite song "Call Me Maybe" at which point Coach Jones' acquired ear for tone rubbished Matheson for his feeble attempt.
I hope the above assists in providing another picture of the comings and goings. Obviously knowing that school has started again has made several of the group smile while they still live in this dreamworld.
May I first start by thanking Coach Jordan for his entry yesterday providing you all with the race report. I managed to upload the photos but was so overcome by R Lockhart's win (Roddy is my utter hero, ever since I was 5 years old I've wanted to be like him), that I admitted myself to A&E to have my blood pressure checked. Now that the state of the nation has been restored to normal, I have the following to update you on:
Obviously, the Editor wishes to restate the fantastic effort of the entire squad yesterday. Every boy ran with total determination in the difficult heat they were confronted with. In particular, to gain places 1-5 in the Junior Varsity race, coupled with a gutsy effort by injured J Ellis started the afternoon off well. Then in the big stuff, K Madgwick and H Watt had fine runs, as to did G Kilmister, who racing up a grade due to his excellent form, placed an extremely credible 25th. Collectively we were so proud of the boys. After the races it was then back off to their billets for the final night of hosting. For many, the unbelievable experiences continued, with tickets been purchased on their behalf by the Punahou parents to head to the University of Hawaii vs New Mexico College Football game at the Honolulu Stadium. A casual 50000 people were in attendance so the lucky boys that went can really say they have experienced something quite special. Then it was sleep time, with the boys now being in the process of being dropped to us at our hotel 300m from Waikiki Beach. They have between 10am and 1pm to arrive, with the early comers having already dropped their bags and scootered down towards the waves. At 1pm it is off to Ala Moana, the worlds largest outdoor shopping centre, for the last of the shopping sprees. All will then be looking forward to then hitting the beach again in the late arvo prior to a team dinner out (Hawaiian Burgers!).
Points of Note:
1. T Batts is claiming that the pottery he made (yes, approx 20 of the boys attended a Friday night pottery class with their billets- because that's what you do!) was the greatest contribution he has ever made to the world. Young Tom created a 'bagel' with his gifted imagination.
2. Coach Jordan entered into a local race that occurred at 6am this morning. He ran an average 4th across the 10mile course (5 miles straight up, 5 miles straight down). None of the other coaches joined him because they are all normal.
3. H Kerr volunteered to lead the stretches for the Junior Girls Varsity squad prior to the race start. He claimed that the 'C' for effort in his former Form 3 AGS PE report made him well qualified for the job.
4. Coach Gordon is still missing in action. He was seen on the bus from the airport but since that time there have only been reported sightings of a half naked man in bare feet walking around the surf shops, and the occasional glimpse of a ox on a surf board.
5. M Wallace is in paradise. He was heard to say "The day when I get my first kiss will be no where near as good as today". He was referring to the fact his billet gifted him two Babolat tennis racquets as a going away present (seriously heading back to reality is going to be difficult for everyone)
6. G Kilmister is demanding a serious conversation with his parents upon his return. He needs to know what actually happened after Coach Skeen found Guy's twin brother (without a word of a lie- an identical match!) who was also running at the race meet yesterday. Photos will confirm there is much to be explained.
7. M Haycock was cautioned by the Race Organiser yesterday. Apparently you can't trash talk your opponents over here- Matt was heard to say "Hawaii is hot, clearly you are not". Coach Jones disciplined Matt by demanding he sing Coach Jordan's favourite song "Call Me Maybe" at which point Coach Jones' acquired ear for tone rubbished Matheson for his feeble attempt.
I hope the above assists in providing another picture of the comings and goings. Obviously knowing that school has started again has made several of the group smile while they still live in this dreamworld.
Congratulations to all
Hey team awesome, congrats!
You guys did great and you deserved it after all that training in the heat!!
Thank you once again to the teachers for making all this possible for the boys!!
Oh and a massive thank you for looking after my baby brother with the utmost care throughout the trip!
Sungwoo - sorry for bombing you with all those questions on fb.. I was just pretty excited 'cos you seem to have improved a lot! So proud of you :D Hope your not too unhappy about returning home! xx
- SJ Baek
You guys did great and you deserved it after all that training in the heat!!
Thank you once again to the teachers for making all this possible for the boys!!
Oh and a massive thank you for looking after my baby brother with the utmost care throughout the trip!
Sungwoo - sorry for bombing you with all those questions on fb.. I was just pretty excited 'cos you seem to have improved a lot! So proud of you :D Hope your not too unhappy about returning home! xx
- SJ Baek
On the home straight
I expect you are all still revelling in the satisfaction of a job well done. Congratulations to you all and a huge thanks to Coaches
Oh, and Tom, I’ll bring your school uniform and lunch out to the airport so you can go straight on to school if there are any delays coming through, the switchblade trick probably won’t work twice!
Lots of love
Phillipa
Well done Guys!
Great effort racing today - congratulations to you all!
Enjoy your last few days. I am sure you'll have the books out now in
preparation for a full day of lessons on Wednesday. ;-)
Coaches - an outstanding effort on your part too! Thank you for making
sure all these young men have had the trip of a life time.
Stacey & Robbie
Enjoy your last few days. I am sure you'll have the books out now in
preparation for a full day of lessons on Wednesday. ;-)
Coaches - an outstanding effort on your part too! Thank you for making
sure all these young men have had the trip of a life time.
Stacey & Robbie
Wowee
We have just returned from dinner with the Barclays and have read the blog , Wow!! what a fantastic result for Grammar. As for you Rod we are especially proud to see those white skinny legs extending across the line in first place. Must be the diet and training....
Enjoy your last days in paradise.
Lockharts
Enjoy your last days in paradise.
Lockharts
Great Effort!
Well done on the race today – it must have been very hard going in that heat! You would have been battling gale force winds here. And rain. More rain. Pleased to hear that you recovered your composure in time for photos and autographs. Sigh. Let me guess - you could get used to this? Enjoy your day on the beach, or will it be more "gift" shopping?? Back here we are all ready for school tomorrow. William can't WAIT! Jack–Jack is missing you terribly Fletch … shedding hair, prowling round the house all hours of the night, waiting patiently at the front doorstep. You will need earplugs on your first night back. And it's been said a hundred times before but thank you again to the coaches for all your attention and care on this trip. And for the blogs. Love the blogs!
Fantastic results
Fantastic running and amazing results. Well done to the who team. Thanks to the exceptional 4 teachers for taking you all on this amazing trip of a life time. See you all on Wednesday morning.
Travel safely
The Meltzers
Travel safely
The Meltzers
Congrats!
Well done Grammar! Couldn't be more pleased for all of you - great
effort. Enjoy the sun, surf and palms trees.....
And I agree with Mummy Skeen's sentiments - look after the coaches who
made all this possible and walked that extra mile for you all. We are
looking forward to seeing you home from your amazing trip.
I'm sure all the other mummys out there agree.
effort. Enjoy the sun, surf and palms trees.....
And I agree with Mummy Skeen's sentiments - look after the coaches who
made all this possible and walked that extra mile for you all. We are
looking forward to seeing you home from your amazing trip.
I'm sure all the other mummys out there agree.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Race Report: Honolulu
Greetings all,
Today saw the squad assemble on yet another dry and dusty "cross country" track 40 minutes outside of Honolulu for their second American invitational. After a tough week's training with a rest day on the north shore yesterday the team was focused and ready for the challenge. A strong breeze brought some relief from the day's heat but the start times of 3 and 4 pm were not ideal. Coach Skeen managed to dissuade the boys from running the course and warming up two hours before the start time despite the actions of the local teams. A rest under some shade was reckoned to be a much more sensible approach.
The junior varsity boys started strong with R Martin setting a fast pace and opening a 20m lead on the chasing pack of S Baek, R Lockhart and M Pogson in the first lap. The pack closed the gap over the next 2 laps and entered the last lap with Grammar in the top 4 places. A big push from the boys saw them widen the gap on their nearest rival and the battle for placings began. A big push by S Baek just before the finishing straight was not quite enough to hold off R Lockhart who kicked just before the line to take first place. He was followed closely by S Baek, M Pogson and R Martin. J Pallister finished strongly take 5th place with O Clarke in 7th (narrowly missing out on 5th place after a wrong turn on the final lap). H Barclay, T Lorimer, A Xie, P Carter, M Haycock, J Grieve, M Wallace and J Ellis (who ran despite substantial pain due to plantar fasciitis) completed the impressive performance from the juniors.
After a rousing haka the varsity runners were suitably fired up and the race started at a blistering pace. H Watt and K Madgwick started in the leading group but started to feel the pace and lost contact with the leading pack. Their training and commitment came through as they pushed thought the pain in the final lap and close a 30 m gap to take 3rd and 4th place respectively. T Batts followed closely after a very strong race (once again falling over the line but recovering quickly thanks to the attention of M Haycock) with captain A Meltzer, G Kilminster, A McDermott and F Boswell (stepping up to his first varsity race) completing the team. Although suffering from the heat and exertion the boys managed to recover quickly for photo opportunities with the Punahou Girl's squad.
We will have to wait for the final team results as a couple of Punahou runners requiring medical assistance (for heat exhaustion and an asthma attack) saw two fire trucks and three ambulances arrive to assist and all thoughts of results were forgotten. However, the coaches were very impressed with the overall performances and the boys should be incredibly proud of their performances.
For those of you despairing at the lack of scandal and tall tales in this blog, rest assured that Coach Skeen will blog tomorrow morning for a full update as only he can.
Coach Jordan
Today saw the squad assemble on yet another dry and dusty "cross country" track 40 minutes outside of Honolulu for their second American invitational. After a tough week's training with a rest day on the north shore yesterday the team was focused and ready for the challenge. A strong breeze brought some relief from the day's heat but the start times of 3 and 4 pm were not ideal. Coach Skeen managed to dissuade the boys from running the course and warming up two hours before the start time despite the actions of the local teams. A rest under some shade was reckoned to be a much more sensible approach.
The junior varsity boys started strong with R Martin setting a fast pace and opening a 20m lead on the chasing pack of S Baek, R Lockhart and M Pogson in the first lap. The pack closed the gap over the next 2 laps and entered the last lap with Grammar in the top 4 places. A big push from the boys saw them widen the gap on their nearest rival and the battle for placings began. A big push by S Baek just before the finishing straight was not quite enough to hold off R Lockhart who kicked just before the line to take first place. He was followed closely by S Baek, M Pogson and R Martin. J Pallister finished strongly take 5th place with O Clarke in 7th (narrowly missing out on 5th place after a wrong turn on the final lap). H Barclay, T Lorimer, A Xie, P Carter, M Haycock, J Grieve, M Wallace and J Ellis (who ran despite substantial pain due to plantar fasciitis) completed the impressive performance from the juniors.
After a rousing haka the varsity runners were suitably fired up and the race started at a blistering pace. H Watt and K Madgwick started in the leading group but started to feel the pace and lost contact with the leading pack. Their training and commitment came through as they pushed thought the pain in the final lap and close a 30 m gap to take 3rd and 4th place respectively. T Batts followed closely after a very strong race (once again falling over the line but recovering quickly thanks to the attention of M Haycock) with captain A Meltzer, G Kilminster, A McDermott and F Boswell (stepping up to his first varsity race) completing the team. Although suffering from the heat and exertion the boys managed to recover quickly for photo opportunities with the Punahou Girl's squad.
We will have to wait for the final team results as a couple of Punahou runners requiring medical assistance (for heat exhaustion and an asthma attack) saw two fire trucks and three ambulances arrive to assist and all thoughts of results were forgotten. However, the coaches were very impressed with the overall performances and the boys should be incredibly proud of their performances.
For those of you despairing at the lack of scandal and tall tales in this blog, rest assured that Coach Skeen will blog tomorrow morning for a full update as only he can.
Coach Jordan
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