Clash of the Colleges

By Jacqueline Irving | Posted: Thursday September 19, 2024

On Friday, September 13, eight students represented Otago Boys' High School at the inaugural Otago Southland Clash of the Colleges.

Fortunately, this took place under cover at SIT Telford. On an early morning van ride south Mr Ashdown joined us as we travelled to compete with schools from around Otago and Southland. Students competed in 16 compulsory activities that tested their knowledge and practical skills.

Agri Futures ran this event in conjunction with SIT Telford to connect rangatahi with study providers and employers in the food and fibre industry through competitive fun events. In teams of four, students had just six minutes at each station to resolve the activity. Our students completed a range of activities that included moving bee hives, wool breed identification, identifying grass and crop seeds, fencing wire tie-off: termination knot, and insulator, identifying native fish and plants, drenching set up, assembly of crutching pieces, CPR and First Aid, ATV tyre replacement and safety, primary industries equipment ID, farm recycling, moving a sulky through an obstacle course, break fencing, and the much-anticipated gumboot throw.

Being undercover in the equestrian arena at Telford provided great protection from the elements. Fun activities between schools provided judges with the time to process some pretty close scores. A sausage sizzle and a chance to catch up with parents and even grandparents preceded the prizegiving. I am proud of all eight boys for their efforts and for ensuring this opportunity continues for schools in the future.

Our students all walked away with prizes and our Year 11 team took out first place overall. This was a great way to spend Friday the 13th. We look forward to taking more students to compete in 2025.

Results:

Year 11
Dustin Young, Charlie Hore, Henry Chittock and Toby McClean

Top Team at Competition
First Place - First Moving a Sulky Module Team Award

Year 13
Hayden Drummond, Shamus Young, Hunter Burgess, and Jack Tisdall

First Fencing Module Team Award

Hunter Burgess Top Fencer Award.