Scotch College

School Captain's column June 2002

School Captain's column

No Pain, No Gain

What makes a Scotch Collegian different from anybody else? Is it the ability to fly down the 100m straight or score a high TER score? Or is their ability to undertake and meet new challenges, placing their bodies and minds under pressure to perform and believing that success will only occur with much hard work?

Imagine an activity where the boys voluntarily put their name down to walk, run or jog or crawl as far as they can in twenty four hours, with the ultimate goal of being able to reach a 100km barrier. There is no point in imagining such an activity, because at Scotch, through the twenty four hour hike, this is reality.

I talked to a friend of mine from the same neighbouring APS School about this activity and he commented to me that if the same activity was to be introduced at his school, then he would be surprised if five people put their names down.

But what is it that makes so many Scotch Collegians (one hundred and twenty a year), willing and eager to partake in an activity of this nature? The quest for testing your limits is partly the answer. Every day we can see Scotch students and teachers undertaking activities where they challenge their bodies and their minds, placing them in demanding situations.

For the first time this year, I was able to be part of this great activity. Many who know the school would say that this type of activity has 'Scotch' written all over it. The temptation to become complacent and self-satisfied is always present. But the Scotch spirit fights against it, so that we are constantly seeking new challenges both individually and collectively, whilst raising thousands of dollars for the given charity, this year being the Leprosy Mission.

Respect undoubtedly develops not only for the high achievers, but also for the people who push their self limits and try to pass the pain barrier. You admire these people, and it amazes me how they are able to reach 100km. These people are not only students.

Further respect and admiration must be expressed for Dr Slade and Dr Boydell who also joined in the hiking party, and indeed must be given a special mention. The fact the two Scotch teachers are willing to undertake such an activity and both reach the 100km barrier, gains not only respect from the student body but reinforces that the 'no pain no gain' motto rings true for all parts of the Scotch community.

What can we gain from looking at a group of Scotch Collegians and teachers undertaking an activity of this nature and magnitude?

We must marvel at their accomplishment and begin to understand what undoubtedly is the 'Scotch spirit'. Everyday we see boys and teachers striving and challenging their bodies and minds to new and exciting levels.

This is perhaps what makes the Scotch community different; the ability to pick up the challenge with both hands and push past all difficulties, to complete a task that most people would find difficult to even contemplate.

Sam Webb, School Captain

Pictured below: School captain, Sam Webb (left), with Duncan de Crespigny and Rob Hunwick on their way to 100km.