EMERGING as a powerhouse in athletics, Orara High School has been named this year’s Zone Champion School for the Mid North Coast, and Champion School for the broader North Coast region.

Orara High physical education teacher Meggen Matthews couldn’t hide her delight at the school’s remarkable athletics achievements this season.

“This year Orara won the North Coast Athletics carnival with a total of 290 points, with Ballina Coast High School in second place on 227,” Matthews said.

“This includes schools from Port Macquarie, Lismore, Ballina and the Tweed Coast.

“Along with this, we had Robert Kisose win the Age Champion for the 14 years boys, and Alita Roberts (12 years girls), Henry Kleinschafer (12 years boys) Aylani Clark (14 years girls) and Wilfred Kleinschafer (15 years boys) all achieving runners up in Age Champion for their age group.”

Matthews attributed this success to the commitment of the athletes, many of whom have been honing their skills through the school’s newly established Orara Student Athlete Academy.

“These students have really stepped up their game this year,” Matthews explained.

“Being part of the Academy has meant increased training, coaching, and technique analysis across multiple disciplines.”

But the journey doesn’t end here, with sights now set on the upcoming State Titles.

“We’ve got 20 students preparing for the NSW State Athletics Championships, including three relay teams in the 15-year-old boys, 16-year-old boys, and 14-year-old girls categories,” Matthews said.

“In total, we’ve secured 30 individual entries, as many of our students have qualified for more than one event.

“And a huge thank you to Glenn from Fast Track Feet Athletics Squad for volunteering his time to come and coach our students,” Matthews added.

By David WIGLEY