Keir Bettley has received a Hillary Scholarship from Waikato University to help him on his way to playing international level cricket.
A former Hamilton Boys’ High School student, Bettley is in his second year of a Bachelor of Business Analysis degree. This year Bettley made his debut for the Northern Districts team, taking a wicket on his first bowl.
Bettley also captained the victorious Hamilton team which won the Hawke Cup – the most prestigious trophy in New Zealand district association cricket – in March. Next season he hopes to be reselected for the Hamilton team, and the Northern Districts team for the four-day competitions, as well as play club cricket for Melville. Bettley, who began playing cricket at age five, spent two seasons playing for English clubs during 2007 and 2008.
He returned to New Zealand after three years working in Melbourne and decided to concentrate on his cricket. “I’m passionate about cricket and realised I wanted to take it as far as I could.”
Bettley is one of 47 new scholars on the Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship Programme, which awards scholarships to academic high achievers who show significant leadership qualities and also excel in sport or in the creative and performing arts.
The scholarships provide full university course fees while studying at Waikato, comprehensive support for the recipients’ academic, sporting and/or arts activities and additional support in leadership and personal development.
Bettley is delighted to receive a Hillary Scholarship saying the mentoring and financial support will be a big help as he juggles his academic work with training and sporting commitments. His short term goal is to earn a full-time spot on the Northern Districts team and his ultimate goal is to represent New Zealand internationally.
