On Friday, 26 March Rutherford sent a team of 12 athletes to the Auckland Secondary School Wrestling Champs.

With only Hassan Hussein having any wrestling background to speak of it was an eye-opener for the rest of them as they matched up against some of the best teenage wrestlers in the country.

What they lacked in experience they more than made for with their enthusiasm and after the official tournament concluded they stayed on to challenge other competitors in friendly bouts. The referees and coaches spoke highly of the Rutherford team spirit and positive attitude.