The Spike or Victoria College Review 1940
Athletic Club
Athletic Club
As is usual with a 'Varsity Club, the majority of active members did not commence training operations until well after the New Year. A few, however, succeeded in overcoming their natural lethargy and made their appearance comparatively early. Notably among them were E. L. Irving, A. B. Cochrane and Ryan. However, as the season progressed, the number of active members rapidly increased and the high standard of sportmanship was kept up until Tournament. Again our thanks goes to C. B. Allan and S. G. Eade, those two stalwarts whose valuable coaching has placed many young 'Varsity athletes along the right road to success.
The Club, in the use of Kelburn Park and Weir House, has facilities which few other clubs possess. The members should, therefore, avail themselves of this opportunity to train close to the College instead of trudging out to Hataitai. The residents of Weir House, too, should take a more active part in Athletics. Weir has produced some outstanding athletes—admittedly only one or two in each year—but if the residents bestir themselves, and we shall once again have athletes of the calibre of S. G. Eade, M. Leadbetter, L. A. Tracy, C. H. Jenkins and C. B. Allan. Remember, Weir! We look to you for our future athletes!
This year the Club was quite successful in outside competitions. The outstanding performance was at the Provincial Championships, when 'Varsity was second in total points and was successful in winning the relay race. The Club members responsible for this success were: J. Sutherland, V. P. Boot, A. Cochrane and J. Stacey.
Mention should be made here of John Suther-land, who so brilliantly carried aloft the 'Varsity colours throughout the season and who at the New Zealand National Championship meeting won the 100 yards. The time (10 3/5 sec.), was disappointing, but allowance should be made for the strong head wind which so adversely affected his time. Sutherland crowned his successes by defeating the Australian Champion, J. Dunn, in a keenly contested race at Christchurch.
We take our hats off to the following members of the Club who performed so creditably during the season.
V. P. Boot, who, although in military training out at Trentham, retained his National and Provincial titles in the 880 yards.
K. Patience, who retained his 120 yards hurdles Provincial title and won a N.Z. University Blue at Christchurch.
J. Adams, R. Scrymgeour, A. Cochrane and Ryan, for their fine performances throughout the season.
Although we were not completely successful at Tournament this year, we should not be down-hearted, as the standard among University athletes was the highest for many years, and many of those competing also held National titles.
One of the disappointments at Inter-faculty this year was the attitude of indifference displayed by the Massey College athletic team. There were in this team several excellent middle distance men, and their possibilities as representatives should have been further displayed.
Owing to a heavy programme of open competition this season and the inclement weather, very few Club meetings were held, but each of such meetings brought a good attendance of members and competition was keen for the Old Members' Cup, awarded for most points scored at these meetings.
The Club's trophies have been awarded for the season as follows:
Old Members' Cup—D. Tossman.
Ladies' Cup (for best performance at Inter-faculty)—J. Sutherland and K. Patience.
Oram Cup (for most points at Inter-faculty)—S. Gribben.
Heinemann Cup (for most improved athlete)—K. Smith.
Dunbar Cup (for most points scored in open competition)—A. Cochrane.