Electricity was in the air as colleges from around the nation went head to head with one another for the title of this year's Champ of Champs (C.O.C.) national athletics competition.  

The schools battled it out at Apia Park stadium yesterday in track and field events, with 15 new national records set by the young athletes at the C.O.C 2021.

 The President of the Principals Association, Brother Siaosi Talega stated yesterday in an interview with the Samoa Observer that this is the first time ever that 15 new records have been recorded. 

"Today's milestone has never been done before, and all the glory should be given to back our heavenly father for giving us the strength to complete today's competition," he said.

"15 new C.O.C national records is a great result, and is evidence that competition amongst schools is improving every year. There wasn't a C.O.Cs last year, but the hiatus has not hindered the development of inter-school sports in Samoa."

A new feature of this year's C.O.C is a cash prize $500 awarded to the school that had the best cheer squad and supporters at the meet, which was given to the girls from Saint Mary's College in Vaimoso.

There was also a $500 cash prize for the best video uploaded by a school in Samoa Stationery and Books' Tik-Tok Challenge, won by Malua Fou College.

The coaching team of this year's victorious team for the Senior Boys and Intermediate Boys division, shared yesterday when speaking with the Samoa Observer that they are immensely proud of the team's achievement and performance at the national athletics meet.

Two outstanding runners from Saint Joseph's senior team, Johnny Key who won the Senior Boys 100 meter dash and Jireh Westerlund who was awarded the C.O.C Senior Boys MVP Award said that they were extremely proud of their achievements. They both credit tough training by the Saint Joseph's coaches for their success.

"I want to thank my family, and my coaches from my beloved school for their support and for pushing me while I was preparing for the competition. I did not expect to place first in the 100 meter event but I thank God I managed to clinch the 100 meter dash final for my school," said sprinter Johnny Key.

C.OC 2021 RESULTS

JUNIOR GIRLS - Church College Pesega

INTERMEDIATE GIRLS - A'ana No.2 College

SENIOR GIRLS - Don Bosco College

JUNIOR BOYS - Avele College

INTERMEDIATE BOYS - St. Joseph's College

SENIOR BOYS - St. Joseph's College

C.O.C NEW RECORDS

Ala Fatu (Safata College) - Jnr Girls 400m Hurdle - 1.10.87

Sayonara Alalatoa (SMC) - Jnr Girls 1,500m - 5.34.91

Seneuefa Sio T.C) - Snr Girl's 1,500m - 5.44.59

Ruby Keresona (W.C) - Intr Girls Discus - 28.83m

Ruhama Enele (A No.2) - Intr 100m - 12.33

Bangenette k. Pine (N.C) - Intr Girls 400m - 1.03.41

Laulima Pena (T.C) - Intr Boys 400m - 50.87

Willie Fao (T.C) - Intr Boys Shotput - 14.46m

Elisapeta Sa (A.O.T.C) Jnr Girls Javelin - 31.86m

Susana Agnes Reseni  (N.C) Jnr Girls 800m - 2.39.72

Intr Girls 4x100m Relay - A'ana # 2 (53.27)

Intr Boys 4x100m Relay - SJC (43.47)

Jnr Girls 4x400 Relay - N.C (4.37.28)

Intr Girls - 4x400m Relay - A No.2 (4.35.74)

Joseph Purcell (C.C.V)  - Intr Boys Triple Jump  11.79m