Great Scot December 2019 Great Scot 158_December_ONLINE | Page 46

SPORT 1. 2. 1. HENRY MCCREERY AND EDWARD CUTINELLI (BOTH YEAR 9); 2. JEAN-PHILIPPE SOULIE (YEAR 10), JACK POLKINGHORNE (YEAR 11) AND BENJAMIN BEISCHER (YEAR 12); ATHLETICS SEASON Scotch enjoyed a very positive season of athletics, which included our fifth place finish in the APS finals and our fourth place in the All Schools Relay Championships. Most importantly we saw some significant steps forward, with significant participation and interest from within our younger age groups. While the season is relatively short, the squad achieved a great deal, with lots of development and a strong showing at the junior and senior APS finals. That our under 14 age group recorded the most points of any school on APS finals day in their age group, and the under 15s were third, suggests we have some exciting times ahead. Our athletes broke four school records, including an APS record. Ronghao Chen (Year 8) broke the under 14 school and APS records with a time of 24.22 seconds in the 200m. Cameron Mackenzie (Year 11) and Hugh Bailey (Year 8) broke discus records, with throws of 37.40m and 33.93m respectively in the open and under 14 events. Thomas Schmerl (Year 7) also set a new under 14 record in the triple jump with 10.67m. On heats day, Scotch made 14 ‘A’ finals from the 24 events, setting the team up for a strong Saturday, and our boys stood up when it counted most. Highlights of the day included Ronghao Chen winning the individual 100m and 200m sprint events, and combining with Hamish Hudson and Harrison Lodge (both Year 7) and Jagga Smith (Year 8) for second in the under 14 4x100m relay. 46 Great Scot Issue 158 – December 2019 Jean-Philippe Soulie (Year 10) won the under 17 1500m in a time of 4.11. This was an outstanding effort, as he bravely fought out the race against his gallant St Kevin’s opponent, winning by the narrowest of margins – 0.01 seconds. Hugh Bailey continued his brilliant first season in our program, finishing second in both the under 14 shot put and discus. He was awarded the Chris Commons Medal for best performed field athlete, and has a bright future ahead in the sport. Fred Leeton (Year 9) ran an amazing 1500m in the under 15 age group, taking the race right up to his opponent. He finished second after leading for most of the race, but his tenacious run turned heads as his aggressive tactics split the field. After a challenging season, Joshua Rubins (Year 11) stepped up with some remarkable performances on the track. He finished second in the under 17 100m, third in the 200m and second in the 4x100m relay, along with Robbie Beckworth, Angus Morrissey (both Year 10) and Sam Mclellan (Year 11). Joshua was recognised for his fine performances with a Wickens Medal for our best performed under 17 athlete. Joshua Juggins (Year 8) also showed a great deal in the sprints, with three ‘A’ finals in his events. This included finishing third in the under 15 100m. William McNamara (Year 8) emerged as a talent to watch, with his third, fourth and fifth in the under 15 triple jump, long jump and hurdles respectively. The middle distance team performed