The 2021 Sportsman of the Year: R. O. Williams
The Sportsman of the Year is awarded to the student who is the highest performing sportsman in a single code, and the 2021 recipient is Senior Prefect R. O. Williams.
Williams has demonstrated sporting prowess and earned national recognition in both Rugby and Touch Rugby this year.
In his primary sport of Rugby, Williams has been a member of the 1st XV for three years and this year was named as captain. He was asked to play out of his preferred position of halfback for two years and was able to play his first-choice position at halfback this season.
He was also bestowed the responsibility of the kicker, which in the many tight games played over the 1A season provided in-valuable, none more than the successful penalty and three conversions in the 24-21 win over King’s College at home. In a rear achievement for a halfback, he was also the top try scorer for the 1st XV in 2021.
In October, Williams was selected in the 2021 New Zealand Secondary Schools team and ranked as the number 1 halfback within this squad. This reward at the end of his secondary schooling is a fine reflection of the hard work and determination he has applied to his sport. Additionally, he was selected in the Blues Under 18 squad and in 2022 will join the Auckland Academy.
Williams’ athletic prowess assisted in his selection into the National Under 18 Boys’ Touch Rugby team, a sport that he has played and supported throughout his time at the School.
Impressively, he has also been an instrumental member of the School’s Athletics squad. In his specialist event of the 110m hurdles, he has never been beaten in his five years of secondary school competition; winning this year’s Auckland Championships in a time of 15.88s. Notability, he also finished second in the 100m final with a time of 11.28s.
Williams received Rugby and Touch Colours in 2021, along with winning the all-rounder award in the College Sport Young Sportsman of the Year Awards for 2021.
In an interrupted sports season, Williams has remained dedicated to rugby and touch enabling him to achieve the highest of levels regionally and nationally.