The Last Word
By Eddie Burgess | Posted: Thursday October 9, 2025
Otago Boys: the Castle on the Hill, the Blue and White hoops, OB’s — there are many names people call this place. But for some, these names mean nothing. Otago Boys’ is just a name to them.
People who haven’t attended this school don’t know what it means to carry the crest on their chest. And one day, our time wearing the OB’s crest will come to an end.
Some people wear the crest for five years, some only one, but whenever we put that crest on, we always give 110%. Even if our team is losing by a score we know we can’t catch, we’re still giving it our all for the crest. Even if people think we’ve given up, they don’t know the time and effort we boys put in for the teams we play for.
For us Year 13s, in a few weeks’ time, our five years at Otago Boys’ will come to an end. We’ll soon be walking through the archway like we did in Year 9 — but this time, it will be our last as students. Yet we will always be Otago Boys’ boys, and our time at this school will always be a big part of us, because it has helped shape who we are today. This is a very special place, and it’s a special feeling when you realise what it truly means to be an OB’s boy. It is a privilege to attend this school, not a right.
Even though our five years as Otago Boys’ students are coming to an end, that doesn’t mean this is the last time we’ll be here. There will always be opportunities to come back — whether that’s watching interschools, attending reunions, or helping out.
My grandad came to this school in 1953. Seventy years later, showing his loyalty to the school, he has been named Patron of the Otago Boys’ Foundation — something he is truly humbled by.
In true OBHS fashion, I shall end with a quote:
“The hoops is more than a jersey; it gives you a certain urge that makes you feel you can run through brick walls. It demands respect, but takes loyalty, courage, and bravery. When we’re in the jersey, we’re not only representing the school, but ourselves, our families, the community, and everyone who has given everything into the jersey before us.” — Richie McCaw
