Ah Hudson! Hu-u-u-udson! Right up there at number 17 on the SA Schools Top Coed Sports Rankings released a few days ago.
Looking below, we can see 253 coed schools fighting and hustling for excellence.
Keep in mind that the rankings are calculated according to performance totals counted up across eight sports played by SA’s schoolgirls and schoolboys — netball, rugby, cricket, football, hockey, water polo, basketball, athletics.
This context, plus tough conditions in the Eastern Cape where Hudson is ranked second, brings the achievement into sharper focus.
Is there a secret, we asked? It appears Hudson is following the hot trend underlying SA’s incredible sporting successes, all of it fired up in the kiln of long-term planning.
The school has been years in the kitchen, cooking up strategic plans, stirring the investment pot and serving it all up on a cultural platter of excellence, said school spokesperson Donna Bartlett, though not exactly in these words!
Long form planning, rotation and team depth has seen the Springboks replacing Rudolph’s reindeer as they blaze a Christmas trail across the skyline of a hemisphere dominated by wealthier, more powerful nations.
It was deliberate, she says of Hudson’s glittering showing.
“Our success in the rankings comes from consistent long-term planning. We’ve strengthened our coaching structures, focused on athlete development across all levels, and created more opportunities for competitive exposure.
“Most importantly, every pupil receives quality support, whether in a top team or a development squad.”
All of this happens under the banner of “Tentando Superabis” — by attempting, you will succeed”, she said.
Pupils and teachers live by this motto which emphasises the importance of fanning the coals of sustained cultural excellence.
“Our culture is built on pride, discipline and heart. Staff and coaches model professionalism, and our athletes follow that lead.
“We celebrate both major achievements and the everyday commitment that happens behind the scenes.”
The list is comprehensive.
Significant investments in sporting facilities had laid a fine platform.
The school recently upgraded its aquatics facilities and now training is year round.
Conditioning spaces have also been expanded to support athletes’ performance.
“We’ve also strengthened coaching systems and performance, creating a more professional environment for our athletes.”
She paid homage to coaches and support teams which were “central to this achievement.
Their expertise, long hours and mentorship create a high-performance environment for our athletes.” The accolade belongs to this dedication, as much as it does to the athletes’ efforts, she says.
Sports which showed remarkable progress this year were boy’s hockey, water polo, cricket, soccer and athletics.
“Better preseason preparation, improved conditioning and strong development pathways played a major role, along with several athletes competing provincially and nationally,” she said.
There were barriers. The academic-sport scale had to be balanced, injuries had to be managed, and then there was the weight of competing against larger, well-resourced schools which tested Hudson’s grit.
But there was always the cheery, noisy presence of supporters who also contributed to resilience through fundraising.
Parents, always in the supporter mix, had flown the flag, encouraging and, vitally fostered a sense of belonging.
“Our parents and supporters contribute far beyond the sidelines. Their involvement builds a strong sense of belonging that motivates our athletes,” Bartlett said.
Sponsors and external partners elevated the school’s sporting programme, and helped pay for specialist coaching and they were there at major tournaments.
“Their support elevates the sporting experience for all our pupils,” she said.
Looking at that SA Schools list, sizing up the 16 above, she said their vision was getting stronger, adding structures to support performance at a higher level, expanding competitive opportunities, and ensuring “every pupil has access to quality coaching and mentorship”.
The ranking is a triumph, but the school sees it as a foundation for becoming stronger, going higher.
Kingswood College is ranked 24th, Stirling High 31st, Cambridge High 73rd, Lilyfontein 132nd, and Union High 152nd.
