Sterling performances by captain Chederick van Wyk and his team ensured that NWU (31 277 points) walked away with the spoils to claim the 2019 Varsity Athletics title. The Potchefstroom-based varsity pipped Tuks (31 087) and UJ (30 870) to end Tuks’ three-year Varsity Athletics dominance.
The 23-year-old Van Wyk was naturally delighted with the result and spoke glowingly about his team’s efforts at the Kenneth McArthur track. “We made a few mistakes here and there on the night but we operated as a unit and made a success of it. We would like to thank Varsity Sports and the sponsors for giving us a platform like this. Thank you for believing in us athletes and giving us that extra boost – we are truly thankful,” Van Wyk told Varsity Sports in an interview.
“There were a few top performances by my teammates on the night and it was great that we showed BMT as a team. Joné Kruger in the long jump for ladies, Tsepang Makhete in the men’s hammer throw, our four-by-100 relay (Van Wyk ran a blistering anchor leg to ensure that NWU won the race), Ariane Nel in the ladies 200m, Tiaan Kleynhans in the 110-metre hurdles and Mpho Links in the men’s high jump were some of the stand-out performances on the night. To be honest, the whole team contributed to our success which makes me very proud as a captain,” said a delighted van Wyk.
The Prieska-born sprinter was also over the moon with his own performances. “I ran a season’s best in the 200m and I am absolutely delighted with my time in the 100m (10.23). I didn’t expect these kinds of times at this time of the season but with God everything is possible. After the meeting we said our prayers as a team and thanked God for our talents and for the win.”
According to the ecstatic captain they then had a jol at Club MVG to paint the town of Potch all kinds of red, or more accurately, purple.
By Shafiek Mouton
