THE HISTORY

THE BEGINNING:

When Spotswood College opened in 1960, there was no gymnasium built for Physical Education classes or indoor sporting codes. Major fund raising activities took place throughout the 1960’s and on the 11th March, 1970, the gymnasium was opened.(This gymnasium was closed by the Ministry of Education on Wednesday 29th May, 2014). The new gymnasium was opened on Wednesday 18th March, 2020.

Shortly after the opening, weekly Volleyball practises began for both boys’ and girls’ teams. The College has consistently entered teams in local and national tournaments since 1970, and has established a fine reputation. Spotswood College has been consistently ranked in the Top 10 nationally for co-educational high schools for Volleyball success since the late-1980’s.

THE COACHES:

Spotswood College has been lucky to have had some outstanding Volleyball coaches since 1970. These coaches have all contributed towards the success that the various teams and individual players have achieved. 

Teaching Staff:

John & Marilyn Kennedy    Girls           1970

Paul & Robyn Keown         Girls          1971 & 1972

Dot Andrews                     Girls          1973 - 1988

Craig Phillips                     Boys          1977

Phil Gayton                       Boys               1978 – 1996

                                            Junior Girls    1986 – 2022

                                            Senior Girls   1987 –

Antony Joe                        Senior Girls   1992 – 1995

                                          Senior Boys  1996 –

                                          Junior Boys   1997 –

Non-Teaching Volunteers:

Regan Potangaroa            Boys & Girls  1988 - 1990

Peter Terlinden                   Boys           1989 – 1995

Dick Borland                       Boys          1991 & 1992

Michael Mc Lorinan            Junior Boys  1994 – 1996

Mark Schmidt                     Girls           1998 & 1999

Robbie Booth                      Boys          1999

                                         Girls            2009 -

Paula Koot-Brennen             Girls            2016 - 2019

AWARDS- For Service to Volleyball:

Phil Gayton              

1998   Service Award to Volleyball New Zealand

1999   Taranaki Sports Awards- Outstanding contribution to Volleyball

2003   Awarded the O.N.Z.M (New Year Royal Honours)

2009   Awarded N.Z.S.S.S.C (School Sport New Zealand) Service to Sport Award

2014   T.S.S.S.A Service to Secondary School Sport Award

2017   Awarded Life membership of the Spotswood Volleyball Club

2017   Awarded Life membership of Volleyball Taranaki

2017  Awarded Life membership of Volleyball New Zealand

2022   New Zealand Local Hero of the Year - Taranaki medalist

Phil Gayton Spotswood alumni

Antony Joe

2018   T.S.S.S.A. Service to Secondary School Sport Award