The Ricoh Southland Coach of the Year continued a strong Awards week for athletics, with Chris Knight recognised for his feats both home and abroad.

Selected as both the coach and manager of the New Zealand team for the Pacific Games in Samoa, Knight's talents as both a jumps and throwing technician continued to be recognised at the national level.

“It’s always a great time to be involved, working with that 12 to 19 age group,” Knight said.

“It’s always an honour, because you are not only shaping them as athletes, you are also having some influence over what their personality is.”

Knight said Sam Colyer’s silver medal at the Oceania Championships, and the outstanding progression of Quinn Hartley, were highlights over the past year.

“There’s also many others that I’m working with who have done well at national championships, winning medals and it was a good effort all round really.”

Article added: Thursday 02 July 2020