Scotch College

Aths Team of the Century takes Shape

There have been many recent meetings, conferences, discussions and arguments between various wise heads from the Old Scotch Collegians' Athletic Club in order to select the club's Team of the Century. The team will be announced in a special presentation at the club's 75th Anniversary Dinner on 20 October 2001.

It has been a tough task to compare athletes from different eras. For example, is Boreham Mason's ('18) high jump of 1.88m (6'2") on grass, a leap that stood as a club record for forty-seven years, superior to John Knight's ('74) huge clearance in 1978 of 2.13m (7'0")? Twenty-three years later, John's jump remains the club record.

Some athletes stand out as automatic selections in the team. The conditions imposed upon the selectors, however, require that each athlete can only be selected in one event. This creates more selection conundrums, as athletes such as Bob Grant ('53), Craig Hilliard ('74) and Roger Glass ('66) have excelled in several events over the years.

The final selection will remain a closely guarded secret until the big night. The team's announcement will be a highlight of the 75th Anniversary Dinner. Another will be the presence of His Excellency the Governor of Victoria, Mr John Landy, former world mile record holder. If you have not received a booking form for the dinner and wish to attend, please contact Mark Purvis on 0407 526622 or 9534 5105.

Old Scotch athletes have continued to perform well in the winter cross country races. James Atkinson ('83) and Peter Simm ('93) in particular have enjoyed good seasons. Michael Taylor ('95), Ross Becroft ('88) and Peter Iser ('99) have also been regular contributors. Meanwhile in Brisbane, club legend Andrew Jamieson ('64) has walked his way to a World Veterans' Championship gold medal in the M55 age group, a truly outstanding effort.

The summer track and field competition begins in October. New members are eagerly sought and should contact Andrew Simm on 9818 0900 or Mark Purvis on 9534 5105 for further information. The club's website is at www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Track/2423.