The swimming sports is one of the few occasions when the whole college, staff and students, get together and enjoy friendly rivalry as well as high class competition. That’s what sport is all about. That’s what sport does for schools.
I often hear adults reminisce about their dislike for the school cross-country and swimming sports, back in their day. I reckon the JMC module of standard and championship events with the expectation that everyone competes is excellent. I’ve attended many other school swimming events where it’s optional to attend. They do nothing to build school moral and to me seem like a waste of time. Under our module, boys know the expectation and just get on with it.
What I see at our athletics, cross-country and swimming sports is plenty of boys with smiles on the faces enjoying each others company in a healthy environment. There is an opportunity for every boy to contribute to his house total and room for the cream to rise to the top. We’ve got plenty of cream in the JMC vat at the moment. The swimming standards have been high at the College for sometime now and still the records tumbled.
At primary level Max Wolf dominated proceedings with 6 wins including the diving. Tom Gold picked up 4 seconds. Grayson Westgate had one second-place and four third-place finishes.
At junior level the competition was intense and results were shared around. Geoffrey Kemp had three wins, one second-place finish and a third-place finish. Cameron Moran, David Cannon, Oliver Walker and Tim Chirnside all shared the podium.
At senior level the older bulls; Ronald Poon and Han Zhang were nudged aside by younger bull; Courtland Ellis. Courtland achieved five wins and four records. Courtland broke the senior 50m Freestyle, the 100m Medley, the 50m Fly as well as the open 200 freestyle.
The open 200 Medley was won by Ben Carr from Geoffrey Kemp and Cameron Moran. The open 200m Freestyle was won by Courtland Ellis from Ronald Poon and Han Zhang.
The diving was interesting and entertaining. Head and shoulders above all was International diver, Drew Schievink who put on a master class to win the junior diving.
Gilray won two relays, which emphasized their dominance in swimming.
The standard events were well supported and showed we are well above the national average in terms of boys who can swim. A big thank-you to all staff who helped run a very efficient event. Special thanks to Angela Button who did all the background work that ensured the day ran smoothly. A big thank-you to Robyn Chirnside who was our starter for the day. Her expertise is greatly appreciated.
Gilray with 919 points were 150 points better than their nearest rivals.
1st: Gilray - 919 points
2nd: Burns - 770 points
3rd: Balmacewan - 690 points
4th: Ross - 638 points
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