Congratulations to Zeb McFarlane, a Year 10 student who is achieving great success in softball. Zeb plays club softball for Pukekohe in the U15s and U17s (at just 14 years of age) and later in the season for the U19s – each of these teams won the Auckland competition titles. Zeb played in the U17 grade at the recent Easter Classic tournament, with the team coming third equal.
Zeb was also selected for the Franklin U15s and U17s teams and then the U14 NZ International Softball Academy who travelled to Australia to compete (sadly Zeb was unable to attend due to a clash with club finals). Additionally, Zeb has just been selected for the U15 NZ International Softball Academy who will travel to Australia in October to compete.
His talent has now been recognised beyond Franklin as Zeb has also been selected for the U15 New Zealand Development Sox team – a huge achievement.
Zeb’s commitment to his sport is inspiring – he practices every day, either at club trainings or at home with a T and net. He can be found at the fields an hour before his team trainings helping other teams and assisting younger players in the catching role, passing on tips he has learnt. Although Zeb’s preferred position is catching, he has enjoyed the exposure of other positions he is placed in during higher grade games. Most weekends Zeb can also be found umpiring for adult division games.
It is clear to see why Zeb was recently awarded the Junior Male Player of the Year – a well-deserved achievement.
The Pukekohe Softball Club have ‘recognised Zeb’s talent and passion’, said Mel & Derek, Zeb’s understandably proud parents. They are ‘so grateful to everyone in the club who’ve nurtured his skills, supporting and guiding him throughout the season’. We wish Zeb every success and applaud his tenacity and commitment to his craft.
