1970 Junior School Athletics
Athletics – or simply ‘sports’ as it used to be called – has been a feature on the Waverley College sporting calendar since 1907, when the first full day of competition was organised by a special committee of parents and interested friends. Held on the Waverley Oval, the carnival in 1916 attracted over 1000 spectators, who watched the boys compete in a wide variety of ‘disciplines’ that included high jump, long jump, hurdles, short- and long-distance races and a string of ‘novelty’ events including wheelbarrow race, potato (sack) race, musical chairs, egg-and-spoon races, tug of war (between classes) and the ‘Siamese’ race. Prizes were also awarded for those who could best demonstrate skills more often used in other sports, such as football kicking, cricket-ball throwing and bicycle riding. Judging by the smiles in this photo of the 1970 junior athletics team, participation in and enjoyment of such a variety of events has not changed very much, even if some of the events have evolved over time. The college now conducts both a junior and senior athletics carnival and representatives go on to compete at inter-school, state and national championships.
