Scotch College

Strong individual performances by Old Scotch athletes

Words: Mr James Cathie

The summer athletics season opened on Family Day in October with the traditional Ewen Macdonald 800m handicap on the Main Oval at Scotch College. The friendly battle finished with young gun Chris Baker taking first position by a whisker with a 50m handicap.

This set the tone for the remainder of the season, with many new young recruits proving a strong force within the team. Unfortunately, these efforts were not matched by our final placing of fifth, putting the finals frustratingly out of reach.

While two rounds were cancelled due to extreme rain and heat, there remained plenty of opportunity for some strong individual performances. In the under 16 competition, Tony Crawford and Lyndon Green showed great potential while under 18s Harry Borthwick and Jackson Findlay competed strongly in the sprints and 800m respectively.

In the open competition, new recruit Attila Baranyay competed regularly, proving to be a fine sprinter. Peter Simm continued to dominate the 3,000m and reliable Peter Dodgshun performed solidly in the longer events. Peter Marshall’s gallant throwing, running and jumping earned him the position of highest point scorer for the 2008–09 summer athletics season.

The winter cross-country season opens at Scotch College on Saturday 4 April with the 5km Jamieson. This is a popular event and we encourage everyone to attend, with afternoon tea being served post-race. The winter season offers a wide range of events and the club welcomes competitors of every age and ability.

To register, download a form from www.oldscotchaths.com.au or contact Mark Purvis on 9534 5105 or email mdpurvis@optusnet.com.au. GS