After playing in the B-section in last year’s USSA Championships, Wits have come a long way in reaching their goal of becoming a recognised hockey team in South Africa.
The Joburg side punched above the weight in Varsity Hockey after finishing in sixth place, above more established sides like UCT and NMMU. Although they were nine points off a semifinal spot, striker Toni Marks says they are pleased with their performances.
“We are very happy. We played in the B-section at USSA so this (Varsity Hockey) was a great challenge for us and we are very happy with the result and with our performances against the bigger sides,” Marks told varsitysportssa.com.
“We did well against Kovsies and against Maties when we held them until the last chukka. The last chukka has been a problem for us, but we managed to overcome it towards the end of the tournament.
“We only have about four senior players, the rest of us are all first years. So we learning a lot, having lots of fun and working really hard.”
Marks, who played for Leonidas Hockey Club in Rotterdam in the Netherlands two years ago, feels that their team’s participation in Varsity Hockey this year will only help grow the sport at the university.
“The exposure was great for us and hopefully we attracted some new players for the next couple of seasons. I hope they saw what Wits is about, the fighting passion that we showed and how we never gave up.
“I hope the youngsters picked up on that and come and help us out for the next couple of seasons,” said Marks.
Wits are currently coached by former national star and world record goal scorer Pietie Coetzee-Turner and her influence has already had a positive effect on Marks, who was one of the tournament’s brightest young talents.
“She is a great coach and a great person as well. She helps me as a striker a lot obviously since she is one of the best in the world. She is a great motivation for the team,” added Marks.
Wits University was one of three host venues for the round robin stage for this year’s tournament with home team enjoying three games in front of their home fans, one of which was 3-2 win over NWU-Pukke.
“It was obviously good to be there with some home support. There were not as much support as we wanted, but we took what we got and we appreciate everyone that came out to support us and the messages we received from those who could not be there,” said Marks.
Marks’ experience overseas coupled with her rise on the national scene has seen her gain some toughness as a player and a person, which she aims to use to reach her ultimate goal one day.
“I would like to play in the Olympic Games like any other hockey player. This is what I want,” she added.
