Athletics - Hurstpierpoint College

Athletics

Hurst Athletics is a truly co-educational sport where boys and girls not only train but compete together. We have a blossoming programme which is moving to an all-year-round model where we aim to give all pupils an opportunity to compete no matter their level or ability.

Training

Athletics is a major sport in the Summer term for all students and Hurst runs three teams: Juniors, Intermediates and Seniors.

Fixtures and tournaments

Our pupils compete in inter school meets and at the Sussex Schools Track and Field Championships. Many go on to compete for Sussex Schools at regional level. We encourage our pupils to take part in meets but are also aware that some pursue athletics for conditioning benefits that link with our other sports.

In our quest to make Athletics more accessible for all Hurst, we were the founders of the Sussex Independent School Diamond League which does not limit the number of events pupils can enter.

 

Fixtures take place on Saturdays, with some arranged midweek, and we also compete in meets against other schools.

Our athletes compete in the Sussex Schools Championships, Sussex Track and Field Championships and the Sussex Independent Schools Diamond League. Our Shell (Year 9) and Remove (Year 10) athletes also compete in the Track and Field Cup. Since we first entered this competition our girls’ team have progressed through to the regional round every year and our boys have also qualified for the regionals on three occasions.

Hurst has a strong tradition of hosting athletics meets across the season and our sports staff were instrumental in the creation of the Sussex Independent Schools Diamond League competition, which started in 2018.

Cross Country

In the Michaelmas term our Shell (Year 9) and Remove (Year 10) students compete in the Cross Country National Cup. In 2019 both teams progressed through to the regional rounds.

At the start of the Lent term we enter the Sussex Schools Cross Country competition. We always have a strong representation and some of our students have been chosen to represent Sussex at the English Schools Championships. In 2018 our Year 9 girls’ team were awarded the Sussex Champions trophy.

Inter-house competitions

Our summer Sports Day gives students the chance to compete in their houses in all athletics events. This is also a wonderful event for parents to attend, cheer on their children and celebrate the end of the school year with us.

In the Summer term we hold an Inter-house Cross Country competition. All students also take part in Hurst’s annual Cross Country ‘Santa Run’.

Facilities

For running events we have a full-sized 400m grass athletics track, plus separate hurdles and sprints tracks. Our throwing and jumping facilities include a throw area, two tartan long and triple jump run-ups and a tartan high jump fan.

We have a strong tradition of hosting athletics meets on our 400m grass track and we also use the facilities of nearby track such as K2, Withdean and Lewes.

Notable Alumni

Notable Alumni include Beth Crocker who represented England at the Hexham international.

Sport can bring out the best in people and watching young sportsmen and women develop is a great reward Mr May, Master in charge of Boys' Athletics