TOUGH is how Marist Brothers High School athletics coach Antonio Raboiliku regards the other schools aiming to extinguish the school’s distinct “Red Fire” spirit at the Fiji Finals this week.
Raboiliku has credited the likes of Suva Grammar School, Queen Victoria School (QVS), Natabua High School and Xavier College as schools to look out for in their campaign to defend their seat as champion of the boys division once more.
“It’s tough in the boys category; we never write out our brothers from Suva Grammar, they are natural champions and coached by one of the greatest coaches for Fiji (athletics), Jone Delai,” Raboiliku remarked.
“At the same time, QVS coming into the picture after 11 years in the (Tailevu) Zone. Looking at their results, they are here to stamp a mark so we know that they will give everyone a good run for their money.”
While the spotlight is fixed on the overall performance of all schools, he emphasised the strength and grit emerging from the rural and maritime schools eager to make a mark at the games.
“And what we’ve seen today (yesterday), just like what we saw in the senior boys javelin; the small schools that will take out one and two (medals) from the giants and that will make things interesting,” he stressed.
He was referring to the winning throw of 54.09m placed by Semesa Kalikalisui of Cicia High School in the senior boys javelin event during the Maritime Zone athletics meet yesterday.
When asked what were the strengths he observed from the teams mentioned, he said the difference in the manner schools have prepared for the Fiji Finals over the years is an apparent factor.
“There is no shortcut, but I think it’s just the preparation compared to other schools,” he said.
“A lot of schools have been much better over the years so you cannot expect that the same winners from last year will continue to dominate.”
“There will be a lot of surprises and at the same time, excitement making athletics better.”
Marist won the boys division last year with 16 gold, six silver and nine bronze.
QVS, Natabua and Xavier are winners from their respective zone meets.
Meanwhile, the Fiji Finals willstart on Thursday and will end on Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
