In 1963 two pupils approached Mr Cliff Larter, an athletics coach at the time, and asked him if there was any possibility of introducing some other "running sport" in winter, other than hockey and rugby. "Clandestine Cross Country" was born, with Larter, the two boys (Breckell and Muggleton) and the help of three adult runners from East London, where all the events took place, making up a team.
In 1964, after much deliberation from the powers-that-be, cross-country became a recognised sport at Queen's College. The newly formed club comprised of six members, three of whom represented Border that season.
In 1965 the club membership rose to 20 and over the years has averaged 30 plus members.
Better facilities could not be wished for than at Queen's with the challenging mountain runs, meandering footpaths through the veld and quiet farm roads right next door to our beautiful campus. The Queen's College Cross Country Club has produced provincial runners aplenty, including Springboks Tony Frost and Neil de Jager.
Oh to be in the solitude of the countryside, breathing in that invigorating, fresh country air!
CRITERIA FOR AWARDS IN CROSS COUNTRY
First Team Blazer
The first 6 Queenian runners in at least 7 of the season's races will be CONSIDERED for a first team blazer.
Colours
The runner must have qualified for a first team blazer.
He must complete the following run twice in one season: Start at the gate between the Junior School fields and tennis courts entering into Kingsway. Run to the entrance to the Longhill Game Reserve Drive. Run along the full length of the drive into Jan Smuts Avenue, turn right into Emerald Avenue then turn into College Avenue. Turn right onto the Queen’s College Field and cut across the HQ Davies Field finishing at the obstacle course. This run must be completed in 39 minutes or less.
Honours
The runner must be of average national standard in the U/17 and U/19 groups and must make an exceptional contribution to Cross Country.
Guidelines
No hard and fast rules as terrains differ considerably. Running performance plays a major role.
Overall contribution of the Queenian to Cross Country is VERY IMPORTANT, e.g Captain, secretary, example set, attitude, consistency and attendance.
