WEST Hill School, Stalybridge, believe they may have created a world record after being crowned Tameside cross country champions for a 26th consecutive year.
They have landed the overall boys’ title which incorporates minor, junior and inter-boys sections which they all won with Ethan Sykes, who also runs for East Cheshire Harriers, featuring prominently.
Head of PE Ian Battarbee said: “We have always had a strong tradition for cross country, but nobody can put their finger on why.
“It has developed and today we have some kids coming here because of our cross country reputation.
“A few years ago, we finished fourth overall in the team event at the English schools where our runners were first and second in the individual competition.”
There has also been success on the track as the junior and inter boys finished first and second respectively in the first round of the English schools’ athletics to qualify for the North West A final which was held at Longford Park, Stretford, on June 13.
It has been another academic year of tremendous sporting achievements, none more so than the Under-14 B football team which won through to the English Schools’ final which was played at The Hawthorns, home of West Bromwich Albion.
They fell at the final hurdle losing 3-1 to Hurstmere, Kent, Jack Farys-Ball scoring their consolation goal.
The U14 A team was crowned Tameside schools’ champions while there was also football success for the U15s, borough champions and winners of the Greater Manchester Schools’ Plate.
West Hill also won the Tameside badminton championships at Under-13 and U15s with the U15s, representing the borough, finishing third in the Greater Manchester event.
The school also landed the U13 and U15 Tameside basketball titles.
While the teams have excelled, so have individuals, none more so than brothers Matthew and Dominic Goodwin who have represented England at basketball at U18 and U14 respectively.
Matthew has also been chosen to attend a Great Britain training camp.
Aarron Grimbaldeston and Rhian Masuria have represented Lancashire at cricket at U12 and U14 respectively.
Corey Kelly and Jake Makepiece have played rugby for Lancashire U16s with Jake also appearing for the Welsh Exiles.
Eden Mullholland has represented Great Britain at Taekwondo, Josh Borders Cheshire at archery and Lawson Yates Cheshire at U14 golf.
There were medals for Henry Shoesmith, Ethan Sykes, Lucas Rhodes and Callum Park at the Greater Manchester Club Athletics Championships with Callum selected to represent the county at pole vault in the English Schools’ Championships.
Kyle Pelling has also represented England at chess.