Coaching an Olympic Star | Taranaki Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Taranaki

'THE heart and soul of Taranaki hockey' is how coach Allister Thomas describes his former prot?g? Black Stick, Ben Collier.

Reflecting on his time as Ben Collier's coach, Allister said "Ben was always goal-focussed. When he set his mind to doing something he did it."

Allister coached Ben through his early years in Stratford hockey, including the three years Ben played for the Hatch Cup, the national primary school hockey tournament.

"He was always in a league of his own and he always really wanted to strive for success."

Ben himself has had enormous success in his adult hockey career, but this year has seen his first Olympic experience.

"It always his dream to play for the Olympic team, because of the event's prestige and the exposure it gives him."

Despite his hectic schedule of playing and studying, according to Allister, Ben continues to be very supportive of hockey in Stratford.

"He regularly comes down from Auckland and still takes an interest in the local hockey scene. It's great."

Allister himself is still active on the local scene too and is presently Chairman of the Umpire's Council.