Getting ready for our first inter-house at the ANZ Stadium was like getting closer to the Coca-Cola Games in April.

That was the view of Muaniweni College sprinter, Keleto Tacake, who won the senior boy’s 100metres final during the interhouse competition yesterday.

Tacake is confident of doing well at the Triple N Zone and has set his sight at the Coke Games.

The Nabukaluka, Naitasiri, lad clocked an impressive 11.01seconds in the final.

Speaking to SUNsports the 16-year-old said, it was the first time for him on the tracks.

“It’s something special for me,” he said.

“In 2019, I ran at school and qualified for the Triple N Zone meet but I did not run because I was injured.

“My feet hurts because I ran barefoot but it was worth it to come here and run on the tracks.”

Tacake said when he left home for school, he was feeling excited.

“With my friends we were talking about running here at the stadium.

“Coming from the highlands of Naitasiri and heading for the stadium for me personally is huge because this is the place where the Coke Games is played and everyone watches from home on television.”

Tacake said he could imagine the day of running at the Coke Games with the big crowd watching and the sound of cheering.

It’s going to be something special.”

He added that his preparations continued from last year.

“I was training very hard from last year. After the COVID-19 lockdown I continued and never looked back.  My goal now is to qualify for the Coke Games.

“It’s going to be tough but I’ve to focus and work hard.  The opportunity to come and run here at the stadium has given me ideas on areas I need to work on.

“While time is still on my side I’m keen of making that sacrifice to come down to the stadium again and do my training.”

The competition was won by Yellow House with 31 gold medals, 25 silvers, 22 bronze followed by Red House with 27 gold, 24 silvers, 25 bronze medals. Finishing third was Blue House with 21 gold medals, 22 silvers, 15 bronze.

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