Abingdonian 2017

50 The Abingdonian Athletics I must start by saying what a privilege it has been to be in charge of the athletics programme this year. Without the pupil and staff commitment, such a programme would not be able to be delivered, and for that I am extremely grateful. The acquisition of Tilsley Park has greatly improved our training facilities, and the aim is to host our own meets there as of next year. Athletes from first year to sixth form have tasted lots of success this summer. Tilsley park played host to the inaugural Lower School multi event. Athletes from four different schools competed in a combination of sprinting, middle distance running, throwing and jumping. Abingdon U13s came away with the gold medal, with impressive performances from Josh Broadbent, George Owen and Joshua Mensah. Third and fourth year athletes won the team gold medal when paired with St Helen’s and St Katharine’s at the Nitro Athletics meet in Headington. Senior athletes have competed at Harrow, Bedford, Marlborough and Radley, as well as the prestigious Achilles Relays held at the Sir Roger Bannister track on Iffley Road. ESAA Track and Field Cup Abingdon continued their tradition of competing in the English Schools’ Track and Field Cup. On Friday 19 May, a group of junior and intermediate athletes travelled to Horspath Athletic Stadium to compete in round 1. It was the first real test for the junior athletes at a big competition, with numerous other schools in attendance. There were some valiant efforts but unfortunately the junior squad failed to qualify for the regional round. The intermediate boys however performed superbly, with impressive performances from Archie Turnbull (High Jump), Liam O’Hickey (100m) and Will Sishton (Shot Put). A special mention must go to Henry Insley and Freddie Cunningham who blew the competition away and had their own head to head battle in the 1500m, running shoulder to shoulder until the final 200m where Henry was able to kick away and take first place. So it was off to the regional final, held at the Norman Green Athletics Track in Solihull. After last year’s event being cancelled due to torrential rain, thunder and lightning, the athletes were keen and eager to perform well and take the regional title. The weather could not have been better, the sun was shining and there was not a breath of wind to be felt. Congratulations must be extended to Liam O’Hickey (100m), Archie Turnbull (200m) and Will Sishton (Shot Put) who each scored over 20 points in their respective events. Overall it was a superb team performance with every athlete contributing to Abingdon’s total score of 390 points. The school narrowly missed out on first place to Waddesdon Church of England School by 8 points, but the effort shown by the boys was very commendable. Stand-out performances at senior level included winning the overall competition at Radley and Marlborough (remaining unbeaten on the track at the Marlborough Invitational meet), as well as a sensational win in the 4 x 400m at Harrow. After a full programme of events, the meet culminated with the senior boys 4 x Summer 2016