PNBHS Sports Hall of Fame
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Palmerston North Boys’ High School has a proud sporting tradition, and the achievements below are just some of those achieved by our Old Boys.
Old Boys’ who were recognised at the Sportsmans Dinner below are our inaugural inductees into the PNBHS Sports Hall of Fame. The event was well-supported with close to 200 members of the PNBHS community in attendance on the night and it was wonderful to hear some of the tales from the sporting careers of our inductees. MC Hamish McKay conducted a great Q&A session where the inductees were able to share their experiences from both their time at school and of their careers.
Our thanks go to Property Brokers for their support of the evening and their continued support of the school and to our dinner sponsor Bill Foster.
But while the focus of the evening was celebrating the achievements of our Old Boys, we were also celebrating sport at PNBHS; the history and traditions of sport at our school. So many of our young men are involved in sport and it is great to see the sheer numbers involved, many in two or three or more different codes.
It is envisaged that an area will be developed at the new school pavilion to house the Hall of Fame which will be constructed in the coming years.
2019 Sports Hall of Fame Inductees
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Four Olympians. 28 medals at World Championships, or Olympic and Commonwealth Games. More than 650 appearances for New Zealand. A double international. A member of a team who achieved a historic first. Two New Zealand Sportsman of the Year winners, three members of the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, a number of New Zealand titles…
Hosted by Old Boy Hamish McKay, the event celebrated the achievements of a group of 12 Old Boys, 10 of whom were either present or represented by a family member, from across a range of sports.
The Inaugural Inductees
Adrian Elrick (1964-67) – Football
Ian Ferguson (1966-71) – Kayaking
Bruce Hemara (1971-75) – Rugby
Craig Perks (1980-83) – Golf
Vic Pollard (1959-63) – Cricket/Football
Jacob Oram (1991-95) – Cricket
Jesse Sergent (2002-05) – Cycling
Phil Skoglund (1951-54) – Lawn Bowls
Ian Smith (1974) – Cricket
Bruce Turner (1945-48) – Hockey/Cricket
Charlie Waugh (1951-55) – Squash
Nick Wilson (2004-08) – Hockey
PNBHS 1964-1967 – Albion Club
Adrian was born in Aberdeen, Scotland and at school, he starred for multiples codes.From 1965-67 he played for the PNBHS 1st XI Cricket Team, he was the school Boxing Champion for three years and won the award for being the Most Scientific Boxer during this time.
In 1967 He has crowned the Senior Diving Champion and that same year he top-scored 129 against Napier Boys High School for the 1st XI Cricket where he won the All Rounders and Batting Cup.
Adrian made his debut for PNBHS 1st XI Football in 1964 and went on to being captain in 1967. His performances during his last year at school earned him selection for the NZ Football U23 that played against Scotland and Manchester United. At prizegiving in 1967, he won Dux Ludorum.
Adrian made his debut for the All Whites in 1975 against China. He played left-back or sweeper predominantly during his career. He was a member of the famous 1982 All Whites team that played at the FIFA World Cup in Spain. Adrian played in all three fixtures against Scotland, Russia and Brazil. Famously, Adrian got Zico’s coveted No. 10 shirt at the end of the Brazil game.
During his career, Adrian earned 92 caps for the All Whites, including 53 A Internationals and 1 goal. Further to this, he played over 301 matches for North Shore United. Adrian played his last game for the All Whites in 1984 against Bahrain.
We are very lucky to have Adrian here this evening, two years ago he collapsed and effectively died on a bowling green at his Matua Bowling Club, before being revived by a young club member who performed CPR, using a defibrillator. But this hasn’t stopped him from going to the bowling green on a weekly basis.
PNBHS 1971-1975 – Kia Ora Club
In 1971, Bruce played for the 4th Grade Rugby Team with Mr Thana Na Nagera. In 1972 he went on to play for the 3rd Grade A Rugby team with Mr Flannery. The Palmerstonian in 1972 reads, “B.Hemara proved an able hooker and rugged forward”. During his schooling years, Bruce was also a talented boxer and softball player.
In 1973, Bruce was part of the PNBHS A Softball Team who were the winners of the Manawatu Third Division and again in 1974, who became the winners of the Men’s Manawatu B Division. In that same year, Bruce participated at the school boxing championships and won the Middleweight Championships and in 1975 won the Light Heavy Weight Championships where he received the Hopwood Cup for the most scientific boxer.
Bruce made his debut for the PNBHS 1st XV in 1973 and later went on to become the captain in 1975. During these years he went on the Australian Tours in 1973/75. He won the Moascar Cup off New Plymouth BHS but lost it to Mount Albert Grammar. He was the recipient of the Secker Award – For Outstanding Contribution to Rugby.
After Bruce left school he joined Freyberg Rugby Club where he continued his rugby journey and played for Manawatu. In 1982 Bruce played for the New Zealand Maori team – presently known as the Maori All Blacks that did two major tours of Wales and Spain and in 1988 Italy, France, Spain and Argentina. In 1983 Bruce was named the Player of the Year for Manawatu.
In 1985 Bruce was called into the All Blacks and became All Black No. 859 featuring in three games but unfortunately no tests. In 1986 he was selected to play against France, but had to withdraw because of injury and his replacement was Sean Fitzpatrick.
In 1998, Bruce began to pursue his coaching career. From 1998-2003 and 2010-2016 he coached in Spain for Santboiana in Barcelona. He became Andorra National Coach from 2004-2005. From 2006-2010 he was the Assistant Coach for Manawatu Turbos with Dave Rennie.
After playing a total of 108 provincial games for Manawatu, and becoming the Manawatu assistant coach, Bruce became the Manawatu Rugby Union President.
PNBHS 1959-63 – Albion Club
Born in Burnley, Lancashire. While at school, Victor played for the PNBHS 1st XI Cricket and the Football team.
Between 1960-63, Victor scored 52 goals for the 1st XI football team and was the captain in 1962-63.In 1961 he made his debut for the PNBHS 1st XI Cricket team and became the captain in 1963. During his time in the 1st XI Cricket, he scored over 2000 runs including the first-ever double century for the school of 216 not out v Napier BHS 1963. Altogether during his PNBHS career, he scored 4 Centuries in total and 80 wickets.
A special mention, only one other double century by a PNBHS player – Don Newton 202 Not Out v Kia Toa in 1968 and he is here tonight.
Victor was also the head boy in 1963 and became the Dux Ludorum. He also won the Hoddeers Brothers Cup for Outstanding Academic and Sporting Pursuits by a Senior Student.
When Victor left school Victor went on to become a dual International representing NZ in Football and Cricket.
Victor made his full All Whites debut in a 5-0 win over Fiji on 17 September 1968 and ended his international playing career with 7 A-international caps to his credit, his final cap an appearance in a 1-3 loss to New Caledonia on 14 October 1972.
In cricket, Victor played first-class cricket for Central Districts, Canterbury and New Zealand.
Lead Central Districts to two Plunket Shield victories. 1965-1973 – He played 32 tests for New Zealand. Scored 1266 runs including two centuries and seven 50s. Highest score 116 v England in 1973 and also 105 not out at Lord’s in the same series. 40 test wickets. Victor was described as a “Determined batsman who if the situation demanded could attack with enthusiasm. That, allied to his useful off-spin and electric fielding, usually in the covers, made him a great asset”.
In 1973, Victor played Three One Day Internationals and became the NZ Player of the Series. That year he was inducted into the Lord’s Honours Board for his 105 vs England in 1973
During his career he played 130 first-class matches, 5314 runs – highest score 146, 224 wickets – best bowling 7/65.Victor won a special place in the game’s history for putting the strength of his convictions ahead of his love of the game by not playing fixtures on a Sunday.
Victor also was the NZ Under 19s Coach against Australia in Australia during the 1970s. After retiring from cricket, he taught at Hillmorton High School and Middleton Grange School in Christchurch eventually becoming Vice Principal.
PNBHS 2002-05 – Kia Ora Club
Jesse was a member of the 2002 School Cycling Team with Luke McCarthy that placed 4th at National in the U14 Points Race. In 2003, Jesse was a member of 10VS with Mr Blair van Stipriaan as his form class teacher who is here tonight. In 2003 Jesse performed exceptionally well placing; 1st NZ Team Time Trial, 1st National U15 Points Race, 1st National U15 Time Trial.
In 2004 he placed 1st in the National U17 Points Race at the New Zealand Secondary School Points Race Championships which earned him a PNBHS Honours Tie.In 2005 Jesse really stamped his mark into cycling in his last year of school when he became a World Champion for NZ Junior Track Team in the 4000 m Pursuit. He won Gold in the U19 3000m Individual Pursuit at the Oceania Track and Road Championships. Gold in the U19 25k Road Time Trial.
Jesse became the Manawatu Secondary School Sportsman of the Year and Dux Ludorum at the PNBHS Prizegiving in 2005.
In 2008, Sergent was part of the New Zealand pursuit team that finished fifth at the world champs. However, the team – Hayden Roulston, Marc Ryan, Sergent and Sam Bewley – had improved significantly by the time the Beijing Olympics rolled around, and they won a breakthrough bronze medal.
The following year Jesse, Peter Latham, Wes Gough and Ryan picked up a bronze medal in the team pursuit at the 2009 world championships in Poland. Jesse was also fifth in the individual pursuit
Jesse had a busy time in Delhi at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. He won a silver medal, along with Latham, Bewley, Ryan and Gough, in the team pursuit, and picked up a second silver in the 4000m individual pursuit. On the road, he was ninth in the individual time trial.
In 2011, Jesse reaffirmed his place among the elite of cycling with a silver medal in the individual pursuit at the world championships. From then on until 2016 he rode for professional Teams
Including Team RadioShack,
2012-2015: Team RadioShack – Nissan and
2016: AG2R La Mondiale
His placing includes
2011 – 1st Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen – 3-day Classic in Belgium
2012 – 2nd
2015 – 3rd
PNBHS 1974 – Albion Club
Ian came to Boys’ High for his 7th form year in 1974. He played for both the 1st XI football and the 1st XI cricket teams. He scored three centuries for the 1st XI and won the Best Batsman award for the Manawatu Second Grade competition. He was a co-winner of the 1st XI Feilding Cup in 1974 with Gary Cunningham.1974 – 1st XI Football and 1st XI Cricket.
Upon leaving school Ian played for Central Districts for many years, Auckland and, of course, New Zealand. He made his test debut against Australia in 1980 and his last test in 1992. He played 63 test matches and scored two centuries, including a world-record score for a no.9 batsman of 173, which he scored off just 136 balls against India in 1990. He made 176 dismissals as wicket-keeper, a then-record.
Ian played 98 one day internationals where his strike rate of 99.43 placed him amongst the very best in terms of runs per balls faced. Overall, Ian played 178 first-class games, 154 List A or Limited Overs matches. He made 602 dismissals during his career. Cricinfo ‘s description of Ian as a dogged late order batsman is damning him with faint praise given nearly half his test runs were scored in boundaries. Ian was awarded an MBE for services to cricket in 1994 and has become one of New Zealand’s best sports commentators in a long broadcasting career.
PNBHS 1951-55 – Gordon Club
Charlie first made the school’s Senior A tennis team in 1953 and was part of the school team that won the Manawatu Junior and Slazenger Sheild in 1954. He was in the Gordon tennis team with one Phil Skoglund. In 1955 he lost in the school double final with Warren Satherley as his partner but he and Warren were able to have their revenge in the final of the Manawatu Secondary School Championships.
But it was in squash, of course, where he was to make his mark. Only 5ft 3in, he became a giant of the game in NZ through the 60s. Charlie won the national title on five successive occasions, 1960-1964 and was runner up 1965. He became the first New Zealand squash player to be a nationally noted sports star. Charlie’s wife, Megan (nee Burmeister), was also a national champion. He was a national representative from 1961-71.
Controversy erupted when Australian, Dick Carter, was given 50 pounds by an over-enthusiastic NZ Squash Management Committee, toward his expenses to get to Masterton in 1965, which stopped Charlie’s inevitable 6th title.
In 2010 Charlie was inducted into the NZ Squash Hall of Fame.
PNBHS 1966-71 – Kia Ora Club
Ian Ferguson was born in Taumarunui and was a successful sportsperson at school achieving in running and rugby. He was also good at water sports, becoming a Palmerston North Boys High School’s swimming champion. In 1966 Ian was in 3 Comm with Ray Hewer and Don Newton. During his schooling years, Ian was part of the Kia Ora Swimming Minor Intermediate Relay team, Water Polo team and Walgerave Cup Winning Rugby Team. In 1968 he came third in the 220 yards Freestyle Major Intermediate and 100-yard freestyle Major Intermediate which earnt Kia Ora second in the Relay.
In 1970, Ian won a number of swimming titles at school and they included; 1st 1st Senior 200 m Freestyle.
2nd 100 m Freestyle; 2nd 50 m Freestyle; 3rd 200m Breaststroke; 2nd 200m Backstroke; and 3rd 133 1/3 Medley.
In 1971, he was in form class 7D with Bruce Graham who his here tonight. In 1971 he also won; 1st Senior 200m Freestyle and won the Old Boys Cup; 1st Senior 100m Freestyle; 2nd 50m Freestyle; 2nd 200m Breaststroke; and 3rd 200 Backstroke.
Five years after he left school, Ian made his Olympic debut in 1976 at the Montreal Olympics. This became one of five Olympics that he later attended. Four years later, after gaining experience on the European circuit, he was one of just four New Zealand athletes who defied the western boycott and competed at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. There Ferguson showed the benefits of his experience by making the K1 500 and K1 1000 finals.
In 1983 Ian went on to win a Silver medal for K1 500 World Champs in Finland. By this time Ferguson was part of the core of world-class kayakers. This was amazing considering there were only about 50 competitive kayakers in the country during the time. At the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, Ferguson was unstoppable, winning the K1 500 and just 90 minutes later to win the K2 500 by more than one second. The next day he was part of the K4 1000 gold medal team with Paul McDonald, Alan Thompson and Grant Bramwell, later became known in kayaking circles as the Dream Team.
In 1985 Ian went Gold again in the K2 500 at the World Championships in Belgium. In 1987, at Duisburg, he went to on to win another world title in the K2 1000 and landed a silver in the K2 500. Leading to the 1988 Seoul Olympics, Ferguson was 36. He and MacDonald retained their K2 500 title, as well as winning a silver in the K2 1000. Ferguson was given the honour of becoming New Zealand’s flag-bearer at the Seoul Olympics.
In 1990 Ferguson and MacDonald, still defying the ageing process were crowned second in the K2 1000 at the world championships in Poland and carried on through to the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona where Ian got to the final of K2 1000.
Adding further to his list of accolades, he is heavily involved with Surf Life Saving and won a number of titles including; 1972 NZ Ironman, Surf Ski and Long Board titles. 1974-1976 Ironman titles. 1976, 1977, 1990 Surf Ski; 1976: Malibu Board Race. Four Gold medals in the 35-40 age group at the 1991 Life Saving World Masters.
In 1979, 1984 & 1985, Ian won with Lonsdale Cup.
1984 Ian was named the NZ Sportsman of the Year and later in 1985 made a Member Of The British Empire for his services and achievements in canoeing. In 1993, Ian Ferguson was inducted into the NZ Sports Hall of Fame.
PNBHS 1980-83 – Gordon Club
In 1980 Craig was in 3FR with Paul Woodhead and in 1981 he was in 4FB with Robbie Laird (who is here tonight). Craig won the trophy for the best individual score at the Manawatu/Wanganui/Horowhenua Inter-Collegiate Golf Championship for three years in a row.
In 1981 as a fourth former he was playing off an 8 handicap. The first time this event was held. PNBHS team Craig Perks, Nigel McCabe, Lincoln and Steve Charles. In 1982 as a fifth former he hit One over par 72 at Feilding Golf Club and the following year hit a four-over-par 74 at the Marton Golf Club.
Craig was awarded a Golf scholarship to the University of Oklahoma (followed Grant Waite) and University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette, Louisiana. He turned pro in 1993 and played on the second tier Nike Tour.
In 1999 Craig qualified through Q School (Qualifying School) for the PGA Tour for the 2000 season. At age 35 in 2002, he won the Players Championship, one of the most prestigious tournaments on the PGA Tour, often regarded as the 5th major. He played the final three holes, 3 under par. Chipped in for eagle on the 16th, 25ft birdie putt on the famous Island Green 17th and par by chipping in on the 18th and famously held off a characteristic charge from Tiger Woods on the home stretch.
In 2002 Craig was named NZ Sportsman of the Year. He represented NZ in the 2002 and 2004 World Cups.
PNBHS 1991-1995 – Vernon Club
Jacob can only be described as an all-round sportsman. Jacob was a member of the Third form specials Football team in 1991 which was undefeated. 1992 in fourth form, Jacob was a member of the U15 A Football Team that was also undefeated. He came second in the Cricket Ball throw and was a member of the 3rd XI cricket team with coach Phil Gosling. In 1993 he was a member of the 2nd XI Cricket and made his debut for the PNBHS 1st XI Football team.
Jacob went on playing for the 1st XI from 1993-95 and was star player for the team. The late Steve Burnley wrote in the Palmerstonian after back to back National titles – “Jacob Oram – A talented sportsman with a long career in front of him. Deceivingly nimble for nearly two metres and brilliant on crosses to narrow angles. Pushed into the team and never looked back”. Jacob scored a goal against St Pats Silver Stream and in 1995 made the NZ Tournament Team at Nationals.
Jacob made his debut for the PNBHS 1st XI Cricket team in 1994 and played till his last year of school in 1995. During these two years, Jacob was selected for the North Island U16 NZ Development Squad (1994) and Central Districts Under 18 Cricket 1995. He scored 3 centuries for 1st XI Cricket. Highest score 150 v Rathkeale College.
He captained the Indoor Cricket – Schools Internal Competition. Was appointed the Deputy Head boy, winner of the Dux Ludorum and captain of the PNBHS 1st XI cricket team.
After school finished, Jacob played 1st class Cricket for Central Districts from 1997-2014.He was a left-handed batsman and a right-arm fast-medium bowler. His ability with both bat and ball made him a regular member in the New Zealand international sides playing 33 tests was Cap no. 222.
From 2001-2012 for New Zealand, his highest score was 155 and his best bowling was 6/45. Jacob scored Five centuries. Highest score 133 v South Africa, 60 wickets. He has played over 160 One Day Internationals – scoring One century and 173 wickets. One of six New Zealanders to have scored over a thousand runs (2,434) and taken over 100 wickets (173) in ODIs. He played over 36 T20 games included a hat-trick v Sri Lanka and has caught over 114 catches in all cricket.
Jacob considered having an injured left ring finger amputated in order to attend a World Cup, but did so in a jocular context in order to convey his strong desire to participate.
In 2009 Jacob picked up 3/20 against Pakistan in the nerve-wracking final of the Cool&Cool Cup in Abu Dhabi.
Oram made his 12th ODI half-century after 14 months against Bangladesh in Napier on 5 February 2010. He scored a rapid 83 off just 40 balls and hit 8 fours and 5 sixes. Oram returned to international action in the 2010 ICC World Twenty20. During the 2011 World Cup quarter-final he took arguably the best catch of the tournament, off Jacques Kallis, a blinder on the mid-wicket boundary to prevent a six and with 4 for 39 helped the Black Caps take a well-deserved victory.
While working at Massey University, Jacob is pursuing his cricket coaching career firstly as the bowling coach for the White Ferns and the NZ A-Team. Jacob is also the current head coach of the Manawatu Men’s Team.
Just to recap for all the cricket players; 33 tests; 160 ODIs; 36 T20; 85 first-class, 250 List A and 105 T20 matches and Played in the 2003/2007/2011 World Cups.
PNBHS 1951-54 – Gordon Club
In 1952 Phil played for the 7th XV rugby team and the third XI cricket team. He played for the 2nd XI in 1953 where he took 7/35 against Wanganui Collegiate – well done.
He won the senior cricket ball throw in 1954, the same year he played for the 1st XI where he “always bowls well. Safe in the field and has made some useful scores”. He took 6-37 against Napier Boys’ High and was selected for Central Districts School Boys to play the New South Wales Colts. In 1954 he was also the Platoon Sergeant for C Company.
Phil was the son of a politician, cabinet minister and former PNBHS staff member Philip Oscar Skoglund, and nephew of champion lawn bowls player, Peter Skoglund.
His first national title came in 1958 at age 20, the youngest NZ National Bowls Championships Singles Champion. He went on to be the National Singles Champion in 1966, 1970, 1971, 1972.
He competed in five World Championships (1966, 1972, 1980, 1984, 1988)
In 1988: Won Gold in the triples; 1984-1988: Two Silver medals in the fours; 1980: Two Bronze medals – pairs and fours; 1984: Bronze medal in the triples.
He competed in five Commonwealth Games – 1970, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1990 Commonwealth Bronze in the pairs 1974, in the fours 1990 and Silver in the fours 1978.
In 1988 Phil was awarded an OBE for Services to Bowls and in 1990 he was inducted into the NZ Sports Hall of Fame. In 2013 he was an inaugural inductee into the Bowls NZ Hall of Fame.
Phil was a four-time Manawatu Sportsman of the Year and PNBHS Staff member, Denis Duffy wrote his biography. Phil passed away in 2015 and it was an honour to be able to hold the funeral service in our school hall.
PNBHS 1945-1948 – Gordon Club
Bruce was also an all-round sportsman during his time at PNBHS playing both Cricket and Hockey.
From 1945-47 Bruce was part of the 1st XI Hockey. Played in 1945 with his brother Harry who later became an international Hockey Umpire. In the 1946 Palmerstonian, it reads “The best player of the year was Turner who is to be congratulated on being selected in the Manawatu team that challenged for the New Zealand Hockey Shield. In the game against Christchurch Bruce showed great skills and stamina!”
In 1946 Bruce was a member of the Gordon team that beat Albion in the first-ever Mummery Cup. In 1947 Bruce was the vice-Captain of the PNBHS 1st XI Hockey Team. A Palmerstonian article reads “Bruce Turner – Centre half. Stickwork was excellent. Very reliable on defence and powerful on the attack. Manawatu right half.”
Bruce was also a member of the Gordon Swimming and Athletics Relay teams. Part of the Gordon Club Committee 1947/48 and played in the Waldegrave Cup for Gordon who was the winners in 1946.
Bruce also played 2nd XI Cricket in 1946/47 with Erol Brookie and his Highest scores were 98 & 94. In 1948 he played for the 1st XI Cricket and the Palmerstonian reads – “Bruce Turner was developing into the best batsman of the team but unfortunately both he and Noel Harford (who later played for New Zealand) left at the end of the first term.”
After Bruce left school and went on to represent New Zealand at Hockey between 1950-1962. He was selected for the Olympics Games in Melbourne in 1956 and became NZ Olympian 124. He later played Hockey at the Olympic Games in Rome in 1960 as well.
Bruce later became a selector for the 1976 Montreal ‘Gold Medal’ winning NZ Black Sticks team.
Bruce and his brother Harry, a former International Hockey Umpire are both life members of Hockey Manawatu.
It is also worthy to mention that Bruce played 15 first-class cricket matches as an opening batsman for Central Districts between 1952 and 1956. He also represented Manawatu in the Hawke Cup from 1952 to 1968. He later became Patron to Manawatu Cricket Association at the time of his death. His achievements and support is recognised by the Bruce Turner Pavilion at Fitzherbert Park.
Bruce was also inducted into the Manawatu Legend of Sport.
PNBHS 2004-08 – Gordon Club
In 2004, Nick was playing for both third form Specials Cricket and Hockey during his first year at PNBHS. In cricket, he top-scored 82 runs and was the winner of the Page Trophy for the best 3rd form Cricketer. He was also named the “Most Promising 3rd Form Player” for his 3rd form hockey team coached by the Tim O’Connor.
In 4th Form, Nick began playing for the PNBHS 1st XI. From 2005-2007, Nick scored over a 138 Goals for PNBHS. Nick won the Parsot Brothers Cup for “Most Goals” 2005, 2006, & 2007. Was named the MVP at the Champions Trophy in 2006 & 2007 and won the John Dentice Cup for the “best Forward” 2005, 2006 & 2007. He led the PNBHS 1st XI to two consecutive Rankin Cup Finals where the team lost in strokes in both 2006 & 2007. The 2006 Palmestonian reads “2005-2006 Third XI Cricket – Nick has given up cricket to concentrate on Hockey and if he chooses not to come back to cricket, it would be a huge waste of talent”.
In 2007, at the age of 17. Nick made his international debut for the Black Sticks while still at school.
In 2010 he had a stellar year. He won a bronze medal at the 2010 Common Wealth Games. He was nominated for the International Hockey Federation’s Young Player of the Year Award. He was named in the FIH All Stars team of players who “lit up the hockey world over the past year”. He played at the Champions Trophy in 2012 and played for the played for Ranchi Rhinos in the Indian Hockey League. Nick represented New Zealand at two Summer Olympic Games in both 2012 & 2016 becoming NZ Olympian 1231 and during his career played over 170 International matches for the NZ Black Sticks.
2021 Sports Hall of Fame Inductees
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Hosted by Old Boy James Oliver, the event celebrated the achievements of a group of 9 Old Boys. We had 8 inductees for 2021, however also officially inducted Nick Wilson who was unable to be present at the 2019 Sports Hall of Fame.
The 2021 inaugural inductees were:
Eskell Dundas “Buster” Andrews (1917-1922) – Tennis
Bob Burgess (1964 -1966) – Rugby Union
Don Burmeister (1958-1961) – Squash
Gary Hermansson (1954–1958) – Sports Psychology
Stu Jacobs (1979-1982) – Football
Levi Sherwood (2005-2007) – Freestyle Motorcross
Mathew Sinclair (1989-1994) – Cricket
Bryan Yuile (1955–1959) – Cricket
PNBHS 1917-1922 – Gordon Club
Buster was a fine all-round student with a strong academic record and sporting talent. In athletics he was an expert high jumper, played A Grade rugby for Gordon, was a School Librarian and platoon sergeant in the school’s Cadet Unit. In 1921 he was the NCO in charge of the squad which won the Monrad Cup, a special physical drill competition. The Cup was presented by Mr O Monrad in 1919. This was the first year of the inter-club competition and hence Buster was a foundation member of Gordon Club.
It was tennis where he made his sporting fame. Tennis had started in 1917 at the School when a tournament was arranged to be played at the conclusion of the cricket season. Mr Hodder, Chairman of the High School Board, kindly presented a silver medal to be competed for in the championship singles event. Buster won this from 1920-1922 and was runner-up in 1918-1919.
While at School he became the NZ Junior Champion on two occasions. He was the Senior Champion of the Wellington Provinces in 1922. He was NZ Champion on two occasions and represented NZ four times in the Davis Cup. The first time he won the NZ title was after a tour of Australia where he learnt very rapidly the impact of the serve and volley game.
On moving to England in 1927 he continued to play Davis Cup for NZ and had an excellent record at Wimbledon. In 1928 he defeated 4th seed, American Frank Hunter in the first round; Hunter was the 1923 Wimbledon runner-up and the 1924 Olympic Champion. Buster staved off three match points to win 7-5 in the fifth and, to quote the press at the time, had “stunned the tennis world”. In 1929 he won the South of England Championships at Eastbourne overpowering England’s best to show he was world class. Buster would go on to reach the singles quarter-finals twice at Wimbledon, as well as the doubles and mixed doubles quarter-finals. He competed in the US National Championships, later the US Open, in 1935 while on a business trip. His final hurrah came in the doubles at Wimbledon in 1947.
Buster is remembered annually at the School with the Andrews Cup which is competed for as an inter-club tennis competition and part of the Shand Shield rivalry. Buster presented the Cup to the school in 1934 while on a home visit.
PNBHS 1958 – 1961 – Gordon Club
Don was an outstanding athlete at school. He was later able to transfer his aerobic fitness onto the squash court. He was regularly in the top three in the school road races and in the middle-distance events during the school’s Athletic Sports. Don ran successfully for the school at the Manawatu Inter-Secondary cross country. He also played basketball and cricket. He was a versatile and able five-eight on the rugby field and played in a well-performed 8th Grade A team where he was the captain.
Don was a NZ Squash representative from 1966-1971 including three World Championships. He was the NZ Champion in 1967,1969 and 1970 and was runner-up to Trevor Johnston (a PNBHS Old Boy) in 1966 and 1968. He was ranked number 1 in 1967, 1969, 1970 and 1971. Don was North Island Champion in 1969. His brother-in-law, Charlie Waugh (a PNBHS Old Boy) was also a NZ Champion. During the 1971 World Championships held in NZ, Don’s Egyptian opponent collapsed with exhaustion when he left the court in Palmerston North. The final three rallies were over 60 shots each. This was an indication of Don’s fitness levels. He was a great mover and retriever on the court wearing down many an opponent. Contemporaries labelled him as the player of the time in NZ, forming a formidable Palmy trio with Charlie and Trevor. NZ placed 3rd in the 1967 World Championships in Sydney, with Don the number 4 player. In the 1969 and 1971 World Championships in London and Palmerston North respectively he was the number 1 player. NZ was placed 5th in both these championships.
During the 60s and early 70s, Palmerston North men dominated Men’s squash in NZ. Other PNBHS Old Boys international players from that era include Don Mochan, Allan Johns and Bryden Clarke. Gerald Haddon, who is here tonight, was also nationally ranked. Don’s sister Megan won a NZ Championship and, uniquely, Don and Megan won a NZ Championship on the same day.
PNBHS 1979 – 1982 – Vernon Club
The 1st XI Football coach Steve Robb said “Stu was born to play football”. He also had other sporting talents including athletics where he was first in the Junior 800m and 3rd in the Intermediate Pentathlon. He played cricket in Mr Doyle’s talented 8th XI. Stu also won a Junior Freestyle swimming event.
The school recognised his talents in 1980 when he was awarded the Hornblow Brothers Cup for All Round Excellence in Scholarship and Sport in the Junior School.
It was football where Stu shone, captaining both the 3rd and 4th Form Specials with Charlie Lake as coach. He was promoted to the 1st XI in Form 4 and immediately made an impact. He was regarded as the mid-field general with all the skills and scored 50 goals for the 1st XI. Steve Robb said “The greatest honour to ever befall a soccer player while at PNBHS was bestowed on one of our fine team – Stuart Jacobs” when he was named in the NZ Under 19 World Cup Squad in 1982. He was the youngest in the squad and the only one not playing in National or Regional Leagues. Since leaving school he has followed his football dream by playing overseas and returning to play 31 times for the All Whites between 1988-1997. He made 220 appearances for Miramar Rangers between 1984-2000.
Following retirement, Stu has embarked on an extensive coaching career including
Junior All Whites to the 2007 FIFA Under 20 World Cup in Canada
The NZ Under 23 “Olywhites” to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing
Team Wellington
Young Heart Manawatu
Central Coast Mariners (Youth)
Assistant Coach with both the Phoenix and All Whites
Coached with Hibernian in Edinburgh, Scotland
Currently Director of Football at Scots College, Wellington and coaching consultant with a number of clubs.
PNBHS 1989 – 1994 – Gordon Club
Mathew played a variety of sports at school but it was cricket where he excelled. If there were people prepared to bowl to him, he would bat anywhere any time. He received the Page Trophy for the Best Third Form Cricketer and a number of other awards for the 1st XI cricket including the Retemeyer Brothers Trophy for his magnificent 122 versus Auckland Grammar. Skippy had a great relationship with Phil Gosling who taught him and coached him cricket and rugby. 1st XI coach Alec Astle predicted he had the ability and mental attributes to reach the highest level of the game. He was PNBHS 1st XI Cap number 606. Mathew was vice-captain of the 1st XI, vice-captain of Gordon Club and a School Prefect.
His debut for the Black Caps against the West Indies on Boxing Day 1999 was a memorable one where he scored 214. He still holds the equal world record for the highest test score for a number three batsman on debut and holds the NZ record for the highest score on debut. The next season he followed this with another double hundred; 204 not out against Pakistan. He played 33 tests (Cap number 208), 54 One Day Internationals (Cap number 113) and two T20s (Cap number 8) accumulating nearly 3,000 international runs.
Mathew had 18 seasons with Central Districts.
Tied fourth on the list of most 1st class appearances for a NZ Association (119). Skippy has broken a number of records over the course of his career.
Leading run scorer in all formats for CD, scoring over 15,000 runs
Most 1st class runs for one association with 9148 runs. This is more than 2,500 runs in front of the next best.
A record 27 1st class centuries for CD. He took 350 catches, 3 stumpings as well as 24 1st class wickets.
Four times he was the leading run scorer in NZ first class cricket and during his career helped CD win eight trophies.
PNBHS 1964 -1966 – Kia Ora Club
Bob was an outstanding athlete and scholar at school. Middle distance running, road race and cross country were his strengths. In 1966 he broke the school’s Senior 880 yards record (2min 1.3 seconds) and went on to win the same event at the Manawatu Inter-Secondary Schools Athletics. Bob was the Club Captain of Kia Ora in 1966. He was a Platoon Officer and Company Commander in the school’s Cadet Unit and was a School Prefect. Bob also excelled at tennis and was in the A Team for three years. He was promoted to the 1st XV in 1964 after returning from a year at Hastings Boys’ High School and he was a member of the school’s inaugural 1st XV tour to Australia. He went on to play for the 1st XV over 60 times and scored over 300 points. Bob was vice-captain in the undefeated 1966 side, only the second team in the school’s history to do this. “The 1966 rugby season will be mentioned with delight at Old Boys’ gatherings wherever they be held” said Mr Colquhoun (IAC).
Bob represented Manawatu Rugby 24 times between 1967-68 and 1971-73 and he represented Southland in 1970 when he was teaching at Southland Boys’ High School. He was a NZ Junior and NZ Universities representative in 1968 and toured Japan with NZU in 1970.
In 1970 Bob refused nomination for the All Black trials for the tour of South Africa as a protest against that country’s apartheid regime. Picked for the All Blacks in 1971, he became All Black number 690 and played 30 times for the All Blacks including 7 tests. “Following the 2nd test against the Lions in 1971 several critics rated the Manawatu five-eight the best All Black 1st five for over 20 years. He was outstanding in the memorable 22-12 victory at Lancaster Park scoring two brilliant tries and displaying his class as a running passing five-eight” (NZ newspaper). Bob went on the 1972-73 tour to the UK, France and the US. It was the last of the long tours (32 games). In Belfast he received a letter of warning from the Sinn Fein, the political arm of the IRA, not to discuss politics. He played better outside Lyn Colling rather than the unpredictable Syd Going who never had the reputation of giving his 1st five an armchair ride. In 1973-75 he played for Lyon Olympique Universitaire in Lyon, France. One season he was voted the best 1st five in France. Two other members of the 1966 1st XV also became All Blacks; John Loveday and Ian Stevens.
PNBHS 1954 –1958 – Albion Club
Gary was a fine all-round sportsman at school. He was a member of the 1st cricket XI and 1st XV rugby. While at school he represented Manawatu and Central Districts Colts as a wicket-keeper batsman. He appears on the School’s Cricket Honours Board for a century against Tech Old Boys. Gary also played hockey, was athletics shot put champion, Club Captain of Albion, vice-captain of the 1st cricket XI, a platoon commander in the School’s Cadet Unit and a competitive swimmer. Gary played in the ‘famous’ 1957 1st XV match against St Patrick’s Silverstream after nine members of the initial team were stood down for ill-discipline following the Napier Boys’ High School exchange. Gary’s contribution included two penalty goals and two conversions in the 16-9 win. He was a renowned goal kicker and scored 119 points in the 1958 season. His 1st XI cricket cap number is 374.
Gary went on to play 100 first-class games of rugby for Manawatu, Wellington and NZ Universities. He also had one game of first-class cricket for a NZ Under 23 side.
Gary has been the Sports Psychologist for 10 Games campaigns; five Commonwealth and five Olympic Games from 1998-2016. He has been on nine International and four Black Cap tours, including the World Cup in the West Indies. He has worked with Central Districts since 2004 and has been the Team Psychologist for the NZ Equestrian Team. He has also had three books and countless articles published.
In 2015 Gary was made an Officer of the NZ Order of Merit for services to Sport Psychology in NZ. In 2017 he was made a Member of the Olympic Order of NZ for services to the Commonwealth and Olympic Games.
Gary has been inducted into the Manawatu Legends of Sport and is a Life Member of Central Districts Cricket.
Gary caught the eye of deceased basketball superstar Kobie Bryant. He promoted Gary’s views when he posted a link to the Massey News website on his Facebook page for his 13 million followers. The video was an interview about what Professor Hermansson considers the key factors high-performance athletes need to focus on to achieve at the top level. They met at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
PNBHS 2005 – 2007 – Kia Ora Club
In 2005 Levi had a high number of absences from school due to his freestyle motorcross commitments with the ”Crusty Demons” in Australia and also to recuperate from injuries. His nickname is ”rubber kid”.
After successfully passing Level 1 NCEA he left school to pursue his international career in freestyle motorcross.
He started racing motor cycles at aged four following his father Dave who was a professional speedway racer. Trying freestyle at age nine put an end to motorcross. At age 12 he was invited to ride on the Crusty Demon’s Australian tour, giving him a taste of professional freestyle. He has since ridden in the X Games, Red Bull X-Fighters and Nitro Circus. He has won events all over the world and in 2017 won two gold medals at the X Games in Minneapolis, USA.
Levi has created his own Freestyle Motorcross playground at home on a hilly paddock with a state-of-the-art airbag. This he credits to have helped him become one of the most successful riders in the history of the sport.
In 2017 Levi became just the second rider to win the Motor X Freestyle and Best Trick at the X Games in Minneapolis and stunned his rivals with a second run that included three double backflips and three different variations in one run.
Levi is now referred to as a modern-day Bert Munro. He is a self-taught engineer who tinkers in his shed and was able to make his bike lighter and more responsive. Only 15% of his bike was not customised. He even made his own crutches! Towards the end of his career Levi said ”I have hurt myself too many times to take big risks on a daily basis”.
After retiring in 2019, his focus is now on producing specifically built FMX bikes.
PNBHS 1955–1959 – Kia Ora Club
While at school Bryan was an impressive performer both academically and on various sports fields. He was a member of the 1st cricket and hockey XIs for four years and was chosen for both Manawatu and Central Districts cricket while at school. He was selected for a NZ Secondary Schools Hockey team and narrowly missed final selection for the NZ hockey team which attended the Rome Olympics in 1960. Bryan captained both cricket and hockey XIs in his final year at school. He achieved a remarkable 13 Honours Board performances for the 1st XI cricket. He was Club Captain of Kia Ora and a School Prefect in his final year. He was a boxing champion, athletics field event champion, a CSM in the Cadet Unit, a leader in the Crusader Movement, a swimmer of considerable merit, thrice represented the school in annual cross-country events and played a good game at five-eight for one season (as well as his hockey). He was awarded the prestigious Dux Ludorum in 1959.
Bryan played 17 tests for NZ and went on three lengthy overseas tours. His Test Cap is number 95 and his PNBHS Cap is 372. He played 123 first-class matches with a highest score of 146 and best bowling 9/100. He played first class cricket from 1959-1972 amassing nearly 4000 runs and 375 wickets. For NZ he scored 481 runs and took 34 wickets.
Bryan played in the match when NZ first beat an Australian Cricket team, although it wasn’t a full test squad. His match figures were 69 overs, 34 maidens, 7/119. Victor Pollard took 11 wickets in the same match. His test debut was against England where he took Ted Dexter’s wicket and top-scored in the first innings with 64 which remained his highest test score. In 1969 he headed the batting averages in the NZ tour of England but was not selected in the tests. For religious reasons, he did not play cricket on a Sunday which ultimately curtailed his career.
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