A SCHOOL athletics team has achieved “phenomenal” success by becoming North East champions and reaching the finals of a national competition.

The Intermediary Boys team from Hummersknott Academy, Darlington, made it to the national finals of the English Schools Track and Field Cup.

A total of 470 schools were registered for the competition, with Hummersknott Academy winning the area heats at Monkton Stadium, in South Tyneside, before winning the regional final in York to secure a coveted place in the national finals.

Head Teacher Nick Merifield paid tribute to the boys, saying: “What you have achieved is something very special – for a North East comprehensive to compete at that level is phenomenal.

“You have done it as a team, with the incredible support of the PE staff at the school, and together you have created memories that will last a lifetime.”

Mr Merifield thanked the team members for their care and support of Max Staniforth, who was part of the team for the area finals, before being diagnosed with bone cancer.

“The most moving thing is the amazing way you rallied round a member of your team who is facing the biggest challenge of his life,” said Mr Merifield.

During the competition, each athlete had to accumulate points for their team by taking part in two disciplines from a wide range of track and field events.

(Image: Hummersknott Academy)

Hummersknott Academy, up against competition from a host of private and grammar schools, finished 11th, with Hugo Douglas Reeves equalling the competition record for the 80m hurdles in a time of 10.6 seconds.

Hugo said: “The biggest congratulations goes to the 11 boys in a 14-strong team who don’t compete in athletics outside of these school competitions – footballers, rugby players, swimmers and even a freestyle BMX rider – who really stepped up to the challenge against experienced athletes.”

Head of PE Sam Edwards said: “It’s such a fantastic achievement to get to that standard, with a group of boys who have come together and shown incredible resilience and support for each other.”

PE teacher Alasdair Tatham, who oversaw the team’s training, added: “We are so lucky to have a wonderfully talented set of young athletes who have worked hard for four years to reach this pinnacle.

“In my 20 years at the school, I have never known a team to achieve something like this. They have driven themselves to improve, set high standards, and what they have done is overwhelmingly positive.”

Both teachers thanked Darlington accountancy firm, Wecount Ltd, for sponsoring the team vests, as well as local people who contributed to a GoFundMe page to cover the cost of transport, hotel, kit and equipment.

The school is appealing for further support to help maintain the high levels of extra-curricular sporting activities. Anyone who can donate money, equipment, or volunteering time is asked to contact the PE department at: ped@hummersknott.org.uk

(Rohan Elder was also part of the team but was away on the day the photograph was taken.)