Scotch College

Back-to-back third placings for our athletes

Words: NICK WALLACE-SMITH AND MARK PURVIS

The Old Scotch Athletics Club has claimed third position overall in the APS Old Collegians’ championship for the second year in a row, behind Old Haileybury and Old Xaverians.

The team was placed sufficiently well in the middle two races of the season to hold off a late challenge from Old Wesley.

We featured in an exciting finish at the Geelong relay in June, where Old Scotch was placed third. The team consisted of Rob Schwerkolt, Andrew Pirie (’01), Sam Curry and reigning APSOC champion Peter Simm (’93). Peter reeled in a 2 minutes 32 seconds deficit to overtake an Old St Kevin’s athlete within sight of the finish.

The Alan Hooley Relay at Gilwell Park, Gembrook in July was once again the team highlight of the season. Old Scotch ran one of its strongest teams, and despite surpassing last year’s result by one minute, had to settle for second place. The team featured the cream of the club’s talent in Adrian Wallis, Darcy Long (’05), Schwerkolt and Simm.

Other season highlights included Schwerkolt claiming second position in the APSOC Athlete of the Year award. This was a great achievement for one of the association’s fiercest competitors. Club President Stuart Facey (’69) received the handicapper’s award. James Atkinson (’83) and Schwerkolt both won scratch races during the APSOC season. Colin Findlay (’53), who celebrated his 70th birthday during the season, won a handicap race and Andrew Aitken (’79) was twice placed second on handicap.

In the Athletics Victoria championship series, competing under the banner of APS United, Rob Schwerkolt starred in the premiership-winning men’s over 40 team. Facey, Tarquin Oehr (’68), Peter Dodgshun (’70), Bruce Wilson (’63) and Rob Wilson (’67) all ran in the over 50 competition. It was not all about the older runners, however, with Long, Simm and Wallis putting in some strong performances.

The Old Scotch Athletics Club is open to runners of all standards. Our summer competition offers a full track and field program, while the winter season has races over distances of 3.3km to the half marathon. If you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact Mark Purvis (0407 526 622) or Nick Wallace-Smith (0438 925 591); or visit our new website – www.oldscotchaths.com.au.