Giving it all on the track or field for Newington in front of a crowd of thousands is a memory that will remain forever.

Newington’s Athletics team of 100 takes to the track and field this Saturday for the 130th AAGPS Athletics Championships at Sydney Olympic Park in front of 10,000 cheering spectators.

‘The event is live streamed and is as large in terms of turnout as the Head of the River, so it’s a wonderful experience for all of our athletes and supporters,’ says Mr Cameron Black, Director of Athletics and Head of Athlete Development.

‘Two-time Olympian and Old Newingtonian Morgan McDonald, who competed in the 5000m at Tokyo and Paris, has said that outside the Olympics, the AAGPS Athletics is the most impactful event he’s ever competed in because there are so many people in the crowd you know cheering for you.’

Across Saturday’s busy order of events, Mr Black says he predicts the Black and White team, captained by Year 12 Oscar N, will once again perform outstandingly.

‘Our team traditionally does exceptionally well with standout performances in both individual and team events recorded during the day. This is always a testament to our students’ love of running and competing, given athletics is not a compulsory sport at Newington.’

Mr Black says the depth of the program is due in part to Newington allowing students to train externally, as well as other students’ own commitment in opting in and choosing to take part in the Athletics program. This year the program has approximately 180 participants.

‘As AAGPS Athletics sits between the end of the winter sporting season and the beginning of the summer season, the program always attracts a range of students who understand the benefits of getting fitter and faster while having some fun,’ says Mr Black.

‘Coming from football, rugby, swimming and water polo, these students are interested in improving their on-field performances because the contribution running makes to your selected sport, in terms of carrying yourself across the ground, speed and acceleration, is phenomenal.

‘Also, running about with your friends at training, racing them and going flat out for 100m, is a great way to unwind after a really busy winter sports season.’

At Newington, Year 7 students enjoy athletics training in Term 1, and the program opens to everyone from the start of Term 3. In Term 4, students from Wyvern also train at Stanmore, and Mr Black says this year it will be terrific to see Prep girls training and competing alongside boys. Additionally, students at the Senior school also take part in athletics during PDHPE classes.

‘We are always looking to encourage our students to get involved in athletics for their own enjoyment and health, whether that’s to improve their running ability or simply to be a keen participant in something bigger than themselves,’ says Mr Black.

After nine years heading up the Athlete Development and Athletics Program, Mr Black leaves Newington shortly to relocate overseas.

‘It’s been so fulfilling to coach the athletics students at Newington who are excellent, the students who are always working harder to improve and everyone in between who opts in to compete with so much dedication and commitment for the College.’

Did you know?

• Newington is the only GPS school in NSW to field a 1st and 2nds team in six GPS sports.
• Approximately 180 Newington students are part of the Athletics program this year.
• Students can choose from more than 50 sporting and co-curricular activities.
• Newington students achieve excellence through a rigorous academic, wellbeing and co-curricular education that cares for every child and helps produce kind, curious and courageous global citizens.