Athletics

Athletics at RGS originated at Rye Hill 140 years ago. In 1885, the first- ever RGS Sports Day was held. Other than an annual race at South Shields, it was the only athletic competition on the calendar until after the First World War. 

Photograph of relay race, RGS Sports Day c.1930s. RGS Archives [ref: SUR/125]

The earliest Sports Days took place at the South Northumberland Cricket Club, with the Police Band providing musical entertainment. There were around 20 events, which included: 

  • Rugby goal kick 

  • Cricket ball throw 

  • Races 

  • Bicycle races 

  • Jumping events 

  • Old Novos race 

Fees for taking part had to be paid according to the number of events entered, ranging from 6d. to 2s. 6d. Around the year 1893, weekly games became compulsory for RGS students, bringing sport into the core of the RGS curriculum and extra-curricular life. 

Early trophies awarded included the Daubeney Mile Challenge Cup in 1892 and the Walton Cup in 1896 for a half-mile race. With the move to Jesmond in 1906, the school field and the introduction of Houses allowed the first inter-house athletics competition to take place in 1907. These early annual events were evidently incredibly popular - reportedly, 3000 spectators attended the 1913 event. 

Photograph of the RGS Running Club, c.1932. RGS Archives [ref: Sports 8 Album]

Photograph of students at RGS Sports Day, c.1930s. RGS Archives [ref: SUR/125]

Photograph of the school field on Sports Day 1961. From Novo magazine, July 1961. RGS Archives [ref: RGS/NOV/281]

The Miller Cup was first awarded in 1928 for a cross-country race, which is still held today. A running club was started in 1931. However, before the 1950s, athletics was not a major sport at RGS, and field events were fairly basic.  

TRACK AND FIELD WITH MR ELLIOTT 

One RGS teacher was instrumental in establishing track and field here. William ‘Bill’ Elliott (RGS 1952-88) was appointed initially as Woodwork Master and later became Head of Technical Studies. He was also asked by Headmaster OW Mitchell (RGS 1948-60) to introduce a full range of field events to the sporting curriculum.  

Illustrated poster for a lecture 'Champions in Action' by Geoffrey Dyson, Chief National Coach. 20th January 1953. William G Elliott Papers. RGS Archives [ref: 579] 

RGS Sports Day, July 1983. Photographer: Nicholas Posner. RGS Archives [ref: RGS/ONS/42/518/18]

Elliott introduced a standards’ system whereby every pupil was able to contribute towards House points. New sports were added: pole-vault, discus, javelin and shot put. After the innovation of a pole-vaulting pit, JR McManus (1945-54) achieved a Cambridge Blue and the indoor British record in the sport. 

In 1955, Mr Elliott invited the touring Achilles Club to visit the school.Made up of top athletes from Oxford and Cambridge Universities, twelve members came to coach the RGS students and demonstrate their skills - a memorable visit for all involved. Other prestigious and inspiring visitors in this era included national coach Denis Watts (1920-2005) and Geoff Dyson (1914-1981), British Olympic Athletics Coach. 

Programme from RGS Athletic Sports event, 21st July 1939. Walton Telfer Papers. RGS Archives [ref: RGS/ONS/3]

Photograph of RGS athletics event, c.1920s. RGS Archives

Athletics event summer 1983, at an external stadium. Photographer: Nicholas Posner. RGS Archives [ref: RGS/ONS/42/517/03]

The Athletics Team competed regularly with distinction at numerous championships at top level in City, County, All England and Public Schools Championships, around the UK.  

©RGS Newcastle

Map of the athletics track for Sports Day, c.1959. William G Elliott Papers. RGS Archives [ref: 579]

Athletics Hall of Famers 

  • Jim McManus (ON 1945-55) Pole Vault (England and GB) 

  • Ian Chipchase (ON 1963-70) Hammer (GB Athletics, Commonwealth Games 1974) 

  • David Conway (ON 1973-82) Long Jump (English Schools Long Jump Champion) 

  • Peter Eyre (ON 1982-92) Pole Vault (England Schools Athletics) 

  • Kieran Flannery (ON 1996-05) Running (England U20s) 

  • Niall Flannery (ON 2000-09) Hurdles (World Championships 2015, British Champion 2014 European Games, Commonwealth Games 2014) 

  • Sarah McDonald (ON 2006-11) Athletics (GB Athletics European and World Championships) 

  • Jonny Currie (ON 2007-14) Athletics (Scottish U20s 800m Champion 2015)