Athletics Sport
alf-way through Term 3, the athletics team commenced training with a burning desire not only to retain the Alcock Shield, held by Trinity for the past three years, but also to make Trinity the first school in ninety-six years to achieve the ‘Big Five’ – the Mr Stephen Leahy three whole school events Director of Sport of rowing, swimming and athletics and the highly sought after summer and winter trophies for cricket and football. With four of the Big Five secured, it was down to the athletics team to close the deal.
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From the outset, over one hundred boys attended training and the level of competition within the team was high. In a season of only four weeks duration, intensity was high and gut-wrenching effort was standard fare. The Trinity age championships is the first real event where strengths and weaknesses within the team can be identified and is also an opportunity to scrutinise the performance of the new Year 8 boys. It was soon evident that we would again feature prominently at the inters providing we went injury-free and error-free on the day. There followed the traditional meet with Aquinas and Hale at Coker Park. In what can only be described as appalling weather conditions, the boys pushed for team selection – while the coaches kept a wary eye on the lightning – noting that Aquinas had a strong team and would be a major force the following week. Whilst this year’s trial introduction of an additional two relays – 4 x 400m events – induced additional headaches for selectors, it provided an opportunity for more athletes to get a run on inters day. Both relays provided great racing and will likely remain a part of the program into the future. For most of inters day it was a nip and tuck affair between Trinity and Aquinas, with neither able to gain a significant lead. As the day progressed Aquinas slowly gained and Trinity was finding some difficulty in pulling back the margin, but then the real pain kicked in. Aquinas would win an event and Trinity would come in sixth or seventh. Then Trinity would win an event but Aquinas would minimise the damage by coming in second or third. At the end of the day, Aquinas was the deserving winner of the Alcock Shield. Although obviously disappointed, in testimony to their character the Trinity boys conducted themselves with great sportsmanship and dignity in defeat. Whilst I am reluctant to highlight individual performances, Matt Cowie must be recognised for his efforts in the under 17
shot-putt. He equalled the PSA record, but when the officials checked the weight of the shot it was discovered that Matt’s was too heavy. An hour later the officials had found the correct weight shot and the event was run again. With each throw outdistanced by the next, Matt threw three consecutive records. Accolades also to the reserves who did not get onto the track on inters day. They pushed their peers to better performances and are integral to the success of the Trinity Athletics Team. And so we farewell the 2007 Year 12 athletes. They have made a great contribution over the last five years and can be proud of their involvement in three wins and two seconds. Team Captain Brad Shaw and able ViceCaptains Anthony Lipari and Dean Foley, were fine leaders by example and unfailingly supported by the entire open age group. Despite carrying an injury, for the fourth consecutive year Anthony won the Old Boys Trophy for the most points scored by an individual athlete at the inters – an outstanding effort. I conclude by recognising all involved – athletes, coaches, ground staff, parents – who made such a great effort to get the team across the line. It was not through lack of effort or support from any quarter of Trinity that Aquinas took the Alcock Shield on inters day. Mr Stephen Leahy Director of Sport
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