NZ squad for Campbell | Taranaki Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Taranaki

Campbell Bower of Stratford has set his sights on a lucrative hockey career and is well on the way to the top, recently being named as one of 16 field players in the New Zealand Tiger Turf Under 16 Boys' Hockey Squad. Campbell was selected for the squad after stand-out performances for Taranaki at a recent national tournament and the skill he showed at regional coaching clinics. Campbell was the only player from Taranaki to be selected for the national side and is now preparing for a three-game tournament against a team from Queensland, Australia, in September. "I'm pretty stoked to have made the team. I'm intensifying my training now, working on my stick work and fitness," he said. Success was imminent for the talented young player, who began his hockey career at the age of seven, playing for Ngaere School. He went on to represent the province in primary age tournaments such as the Curtis and Hatch Cups. Most recently, Campbell has played for Taranaki in the under-15s and 18s. He also plays for the New Plymouth Boys' High School 1st 11 and is playing super league hockey for Tukapa in the coming season. To ensure his fitness for hockey season, Campbell competes in road gaining, a demanding multisport event that encompasses orienteering, mountain biking, running and kayaking. Recently, he competed in the Hillary Challenge, a five-day adventure race that tests endurance and skill as part of the New Plymouth Boys' and Girls' High Schools team. Campbell was asked to step into the team only a few days before the event, an offer he readily accepted, and with his assistance, the team went on to take out second place. To top off his recent run of success, Campbell was awarded a jacket from his school in recognition of his sporting and academic efforts, the culmination of years of hard work put in by an up-and-coming sportsman.