Scotch College

Scotch 3rd at APS Athletics

Athletics has gone from strength to strength this season under the guidance of our Head Coach Chris Beechey and TIC, Helen Feutrill. Supported by a team of expert event coaches, an enthusiastic parents support group and an intensive training schedule, our athletes have performed exceptionally well throughout the season culminating in an impressive third place behind St Kevin’s and MGS at the Combined Athletics Sports in October.

After a most pleasing day on Wednesday at the athletics heats, there was much anticipation about how the team would go at the APS Athletics Finals. Lachie Hill set the tone of the day by clearing 1.9 metres in the high jump to claim 2nd, and soon after he placed 5th in the Open 100 metres. This was followed by some other exceptional performances including Peter Jacob’s 2nd in the Open Shot Put, Seb Woodard’s 2nd in the Under 16 800 metres and Harry Borthwick’s victory in the Under 15 100 and 200 metres. This is the first time a Scotch sprinter has won a 100-metre event at the APS finals in any age group since 1982 so the magnitude of Harry’s performance should not be under-estimated.

In the third last event of the day, Harry was joined by David Knight, Seb Woodard and Mitch Woods in the Under 15 4 x 400 metres. This quartet missed the APS record by 1.5 seconds in the heats on Wednesday and were keen to go one better at the finals and that is exactly what they did, crossing the line in 3 minutes 26.64 seconds, bettering the old record by three seconds. This is a fine achievement and all of the boys are to be highly commended.

There were many other great performances by Scotch athletes on the day and the endeavour shown by all of our athletes was unquestionable. Our Shot Putter’s all finished in the top 3 in their events, as did all of our 4 x 400-metre relay teams. In a fitting conclusion, our open 4 x 100-metre relay team flew home to take 2nd place, which was a very satisfying result.

Overall, our team competed with distinction and their consistent efforts throughout the day enabled Scotch to accrue the 2nd highest points tally since we last won the athletics in 1978 and, as an added bonus, it is the first time in 24 years that we have beaten the very dominant Caulfield. The conviction and spirit of the team was unquestionable and their resolve to achieve the best result possible was plain for all to see. The entire athletics squad represented Scotch with distinction and should be commended for their efforts.

As an added bonus, the results of the Year 7 and 8 boys in the Junior APS Athletics were also most impressive this year and, with the addition of these boys into our squad next year, we are anticipating an even better result in 2007. A big thank you goes to all staff and external coaches who have worked with the team this season. You efforts were most appreciated.

James Lamont
Captain of Athletics