February 19, 2010

Pickering College celebrates a history of athletic championships

On February 10 the entire school, along with members of the Pickering College community, joined in a celebration of athletics in Egan House. Recognizing the accomplishments of many students and coaches, the school unveiled banners representing over 60 championships in 11 different sports. 

Master of Ceremonies and chair of the Student Athletic Council, Jessica Shanahan, welcomed everyone to the event and introduced the members of the Athletic Council and Junior School Committee helping out in the ceremony.

Headmaster Peter Sturrup welcomed members of the board, corporation, alumni from across the decades and friends. He commented that he “didn’t think people realized that over the years Pickering College has stood out for its athletic prowess and accomplishment. And in the process given us a sense of school spirit and pride that in to be envied by any school we know…. year after year demonstrating incredible success at a range of sports and doing it consistently, with indomitable spirit, inspirational character and stirring sportsmanship.”

He asked all participants to take stock of how well we have done over the years; take deep satisfaction in the vital school community we have created and been a part of; raise our voices in pride to acknowledge the hard work and accomplishments of our fellow students, no matter their age; and be inspired to continue to strive for greatness in all that we do in the future.

Following Mr. Sturrup's welcome, members of the alumni who were on championship teams, current students on championship teams, and coaches joined members of the Athletic Council and Junior School Committee to unfurl the banners as long-serving staff member Charles Boyd and Pickering College mascot, PUMA, let the crowd in the Pickering College cheer.

Special guests included David Allan '02 - Basketball Champ Team '99 + '01, Soccer  Champ Team '01, Stone Avery '47, Jack Houghton '47, Jim Spring '47, Wilf Coutu '44, his wife and daughter - Basketball Champ Team '44, Bruce Foster '46 - Sports Day Captain, Silver, Ed Richardson '45 - Basketball Champ. Team 1944, Roger Veale '61, Corporation, Beth Egan, Board and Corporation, Jennifer Mitchinson, Board and Corporation, Edith Chin, Chair of the 100th Anniversary Committee, Board and Corporation, Don King, friend and member of the 100th Anniversary Committee, and Kevin Hogg '95, Volleyball Championship Team 95.

Following the unfurling of the banners each House demonstrated their school spirit by doing their House cheer.

PC Athletic Director Dan McClymont closed the ceremony with his personal reflections of sports over the decades.