Ihaka Tangaroa from Hastings Boys’ High School pitched over sixty innings at the National Secondary Schools junior softball championships in Palmerston North recently.
His side won the tournament after finishing fourth last year. Tangaroa has been a Hawke’s Bay rep at under 13, 15 and 17 levels. Additionally he is a member of the Hastings Boys’ Junior A basketball side and Under-15a rugby team.
His feats at the recent Nationals in softball are especially noteworthy.
How did you handle the heavy pitching workload?
I don’t know. We only trained a couple of times before the tournament so it was real good to win it. I guess the boys backed me up in the field and made a lot of runs which lessened the pressure.
What were the conditions like for pitching?
It was pretty cold on the first couple of days, lots of wind which made it tough. When it got warmer it got easier.
How do you see your role as Captain?
“My role is to make the boys’ feel comfortable. I have more experience than most of the team. I have to encourage a lot and give out advice when needed.
Why was Hamilton such a tough opponent in the final?
They were a real good side because they batted deep and challenge me. They could hit the ball a long way.
What was your personal highlight of the tournament?
Just the way the boys come together. The coaching was great and I hit a couple of home runs.
Hastings BHS National Junior Champions
Hastings BHS: 8 v Kapiti College: 1
Hastings BHS: 11 v Tai Wananga: 1
Hastings BHS: 5 v Hamilton BHS: 4
Hastings BHS: 9 v Gisborne BHS: 3
Hastings BHS: 10 v Hato Paora: 0
Hastings BHS: 5 v Tauranga BC: 2
Hastings BHS: 4 v Hamilton BHS: 2
Hastings BHS: 7 v Hamilton BHS: 5 (Final)