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.