A fantastic athletics spectacle

28 Feb 2017

Perfect weather and a very positive atmosphere made for a memorable Athletics Day on Friday 24 February.

Several weeks of preparation and some strongly contested heats leading up to the finals gave all boys the opportunity to get involved. “The boys have to be proactive, get out there,” says Master in Charge of athletics, Graeme Christey. “There’s something for everyone and the more they participate, the more chances they have to earn House points.”

Harper won the House competition, but was pipped at the post – by one point – by School House for the Field Events trophy. Five new College records were set in Under 14 1500m and 3000m, Intermediate 3000m and 100m hurdles, and Senior pole vault. There was a tie between Sam Idiens and Louis Gunn in the Under 14 individual championships. The prefects were victorious in the Staff vs Prefect Relay. While Old Boy and current parent Neil Allen won the Corfe Cup, in a race that has been part of the athletics programme since 1872.

Te Reo and Japanese teacher Mr Steve Everingham managed a well-timed walk to victory in the inaugural Ardi–Lucy race. Donated by retired biology teacher Graeme Worner, the Ardi–Lucy Cup for Bipedalism is named in honour of the first of our hominin ancestors to master the art of upright walking.

Graeme Christey says such an event relies on the enthusiastic support of all staff and he is very grateful to his colleagues who help make it happen. He was also thrilled to see so many parents come along. “It’s a fun day and a great way for the College community to get together and enjoy the spectacle.”

5 new College records

1500m Under 14 (4:41.00) – Sam Idiens

3000m Under 14 (10:01.53) – Sam Idiens

3000m Intermediate (9:31.25) – Dion Houston

100m hurdles Intermediate (14.79s) – Cody House

Pole vault Senior (3.61m) – Samuel Bennetts

House trophies

Overall House Champion – Harper

Field Events Champion – School

Relay Champion – Harper

Non-Championship Trophy – Julius

Individual champions

Under 14 – Sam Idiens and Louis Gunn

Junior – Luke Hamilton

Intermediate – Cody House

Senior – Sam Averill

Ardi–Lucy Cup for Bipedalism

Modern Languages – Mr Steve Everingham

Corfe Cup

Neil Allen (8444)

For full results, click here.