Last Thursday was a significant occasion for sport as the Dilworth 2024 Sports Awards winners were announced, celebrating record breakers, champions, recipients of full sports colours, and special awards.
In his opening address, the Head of Senior Campus, Mr Tom Murdoch, remarked that “2024 has been another year of growth for Dilworth sport with landmark successes in particular codes.” He emphasised the students' passion and pride in their athletic achievements and how sport has become an integral part of school life.
This year’s Sportsman of the Year award went to leaving student Ezrah Eagle for his outstanding basketball performance. Ezrah won the award in 2023 but has elevated his performance to an entirely new level in 2024. Not only has Ezrah captained the Dilworth Premier team to the Senior A title in an undefeated season. He has also excelled at the U20 nationals for Hawke's Bay, was part of the Auckland Tuatara’s that placed 2nd in the NBL season and the ultimate honour, he was selected to represent his country, playing for the New Zealand U18 men's basketball team, the “Junior Tall Blacks”, at the FIBA Asia Cup in Jordan, helping the team to 2nd place and qualifying for the Junior World Cup in 2025. Ezrah’s sportsmanship and character have made him truly deserving of the title of Sportsman of the Year again in 2024.
Several other special awards were presented during the evening:
The Ian Hart Award is given to a Dilworth Old Boy who is furthering his career in sport. Lorraine Walsh (Hart) attended this year’s awards in memory of her late brother, Ian Hart. This year’s recipient was Sam Michie, a 2017 graduate, for his aspirations in physiotherapy.
The Senior Satherley Award, first introduced in 1962, is presented to a Dilworth sportsman who demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship, a willingness to help others and true leadership. This year, the award went to basketballer George Hardie, an influential player both on and off the court.
The Tai Taioreore Award recognises all-around athletic prowess. The 2024 award went to Siosiua Vea, a dual-code athlete who excelled in rugby, volleyball, and athletics.
Summing up the evening, Headmaster Mr Dan Reddiex congratulated all the winners. He talked about how hard the students had worked and how “giving everything you’ve got is paramount to your success”. He also said he looks forward to another exceptional year in sports at Dilworth in 2025.
A huge congratulations to all the recipients of the 2024 Dilworth Sports Awards and to the dedicated teams behind them - coaches, managers, parents, and whānau - who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support each team and athlete on their journey.
2024 Award Winners
Record Breakers
Intermediate 200m - 23.74sec - Joshua Latu
Intermediate 400m - 51.70sec - George Kennedy
Junior High Jump - 1.74m - JM Ybanez
Athletics
Junior Athletics Champion - Leo Bryson
Intermediate Athletics Champion - Asher Boyd
Senior Athletics Champion - George Hardie
Swimming
Junior Swimming Champion - Harrison Hoyte-Friday
Intermediate Swimming Champion - Jole Watkins
Senior Swimming Champion - Nicholas Perano
Athletics
Most Improved Athlete - Asher Boyd & George Kennedy
Most Valuable Athlete - Siosuia Vea
Badminton
Most Improved Badminton Player - Lingi Tupou
Most Valuable Badminton Player - Kai Jie Taing
Basketball
Maniac Trophy - Most Improved Basketball Player - Tamati Schaumkel
Dian Grant Trophy - Most Valuable Basketball Player - Ezrah Eagle
Football
Most Improved Football Player - Felix Miller
Paul Mountfort Memorial Golden Boot Award - Alex Gage
Bryers Trophy - Most Dedicated & Sporting Football Player - James Shand
Hockey
Most Improved Hockey Player - Jake Burrows-Chatwin
Hobson Cup - Most Outstanding Contribution to Hockey - Leo Anderson
Olympic Lifting
Most Improved Olympic Lifter - Jamiel Resma
Most Valuable Olympic Lifter - Dallasyn Ngatuakana
Rugby
C. G. Gadsby Cup - Most Improved Rugby Player - Isaiah Silipa
Dean Thompson Trophy - Outstanding Contribution to Rugby - Mason Sands
The Cashen Cup - Rugby Player of the Year Zeph Lewis
Squash
Most Improved Squash Player - Alfie Walton
Most Valuable Squash Player - Jack Aitkenhead
Table Tennis
Most Improved Table Tennis Player - Jason Zhou
Most Valuable Table Tennis Player - LeBron Ah Young
Tennis
Most Improved Tennis Player - Mau Steves
Most Valuable Tennis Player - Quinton Roderick
Darren Bregmen Memorial Cup for Sportsmanship & Team Spirit - Kiowa Beukman
Volleyball
Most Improved Volleyball Player - Solomon Westerlund
Most Valuable Volleyball Player - PJ Ainoa
Wrestling
Most Improved Wrestler - Madhyn Tasmania-Ikitule
Dilworth Grizzlies Wrestling Trophy for Achievement & Endeavour - Keanu Oliver
Special Awards
Service to Sport - Sam New and Brendon Tse
Senior Satherley Award - George Hardie
Middle School Sportsman of the Year - JM Ybanez
Toa Taioreore, All-Rounder Award - Siosiua Vea
Sportsman of the Year - Ezrah Eagle
