OKGA E-News 17th October 2014 Vol.1 No. 36

Old Boys Rugby Club Recognition

At the NSW Suburban Presentation Night earlier this month two members from Knox were recognized for their services to rugby. Keep in mind that there are six divisions in Suburban Rugby encompassing over 60 clubs. Marilynn Buchanan received the Peter Kelly Medal for Service to Rugby in recognition of her 40 years’ service to the game, and Knox Rugby in particular, becoming only the second woman to do so. The citation read: “Marilynn’s service to rugby can be traced back 47 years to 1967 when she assisted with the fund raising and construction of the Killara-West Pymble clubhouse at Lofberg Oval. Ironically, it is now the same canteen and shed which Knox Rugby Club occupies having recently moved from Barra Brui Oval in St Ives. Marilynn’s services to Knox rugby have been recognized over an extended 20 year association with the club, from Committee, to Club Secretary to Operations & Canteen Manager. Her unwavering dedication, professionalism and level of efficiency have been consistent over the years. Marilynn has been awarded Life Membership at Knox for her dedication and in recognition of her involvement over the years. She is currently Knox Rugby Secretary and Canteen Manager, a joint role she has held for the past 15 years. Without the Marilynn’s within our clubs the roles and functions of the day would never be achieved. Marilynn is a rugby tragic and ardent supporter of the club rugby fraternity and I cannot think of anyone within the Knox Rugby Club who would be more deserving for the Services to Rugby Award.” Marilynn is the mother of two Knox Old Boys, Andrew (OKG ’96) and Nicholas (OKG ’99)

Bill Beaumont (OKG ’11) was a finalist in the Colts Medal. His citation read: “Driven, decisive and direct, Bill Beaumont is a devastating back rower who has delivered time and time again for Knox Rugby Club in a stellar season as Captain of the Colts team in 2014. Bill is the consummate Captain. A complete player who galvanizes his troops through determined running, courageous defence and assertive leadership. He is a thinking man’s player and possesses maturity beyond his 21 years. His intensity and enthusiasm towards the training paddock is infectious and his composure under pressure when playing is admirable. Not only an impressive player, but an impressive young man.”

We congratulate both Marilynn and Bill on their significant achievements and the distinction they bring to Knox Rugby Club.

Bill Beaumont & Marilynn Buchanan

Knox Sporting Stars

Whilst on the subject of rugby, we should recognize three other Old Boys who are receiving recognition on both the international and local scene. Cameron Clark (OKG ’11) is a rising star in ’s Sevens Rugby Team, and was recently named in the IRB Sevens World Series ‘Dream Team’ (Team of the Year) for the 2013/14 season. He also won a Bronze Medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in Sevens Rugby and no doubt has his sights set on Rio 2016. These days Cameron sports ‘Prince’ as a nickname from team-mates because of his growing reputation as a game- breaker.

Cameron Clark in action against New Zealand

And Nic Stirzaker (OKG ’09) is currently Captain of the Rising team in the NRC Championships. They have wrapped-up the minor premiership in the inaugural year of Australia’s third-tier competition. He also started in most games for the team for the past two seasons and also enjoyed a stint with Manawatu at the end of 2013 in New Zealand’s ITM Cup. It’s a pity he faces such stiff competition from Will Genia, Nick Phipps and Nic White for the half-back position.

Nic Stirzaker clears for the Rebels

And Tim Leathart (OKG ’07) competed for Australia in the 100m sprint at the last Olympic and Commonwealth Games in London & Glasgow respectively. He is the current National 100m Champion and ran the final leg against Usain Bolt in the 4x100m relay at this year’s Commonwealth Games. Tim has his sights set firmly on Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

Obituary: Mike Miller (OKG ’61)

It is sad to report that Michael Murray (Mick) Miller passed away on 5th October aged 70. Mike attended Knox from 1956-1961 and was a Senior in his final year, a member of the 1st XV in 1960-61 and Captain of the 2nd X1 in 1961. He was also an excellent athlete, winning the Open Long Jump, Triple Jump & High Jump as well as anchoring Adamson House to win the 4 x 100m Relay. He was one of the very early members of the Old Boys Rugby Club and played in the Burke Cup team that won the Grand Final in 1962. Mike had a lifelong love of rugby and played until his early 40’s, even establishing a team in Copenhagen when based there for business. He spent most of his working life in advertising, mostly in Sydney but with postings to , Melbourne & Copenhagen. He worked for the big conglomerate Young & Rubicam (Y&R) who also own Wunderman, Burston-Marsteller & Sudler& Hennessey. He went on to become the CEO of Y&R as well as their direct marketing off-shoot Wunderman. His funeral was held yesterday and was attended by a number of Knox friends including David Stark & son Conrad (OKG’90), Bruce Taafe, Richard Munnings, Rob Henry, Don Smith, Jack Shute & Bruce Kennedy. Mike was a proud Knox man as the piper at his funeral will verify.

More on Nauruans

We continue to receive feedback about memories of Nauruan boys who attended Knox. Peter Hawkes (OKG ’71) wrote: “There was another boy who went to school with me, Doke Cecil whose father was Chief of Police in Nauru. I remember he was an excellent rugby full-back and also used to hit a cracking ball off the bat. When in a jovial mood, his favourite ‘waste time in class’ activity was drawing sketches of the various teachers. I remember Doke as being a very nice, genuine and well- mannered fellow.”

Party Night Just a reminder of the party being held at the WIP BAR, 50 King Street in the City tomorrow night in support of “U-In-Mind” & “Beyondblue” commencing at 7pm. U-In-Mind is designed to raise awareness about mental health issues in society, in particular youth depression & anxiety. It is the brainchild of Edward Martin (OKG ’05) and will have Rod McGeoch (OKG ’63) as the guest speaker.

Business Breakfast Don’t forget to attend the Business Breakfast at the Grace Hotel in the City on Wednesday 29th October. There is a flyer at the end of the E-News that will give you all the details. And it is simple to pay on-line via the OKGA portal. The cost is a modest $34.

Golf Day Likewise, there is a flyer attached that gives you all the information on the OKGA Golf Day on 19th November, and which is open to Old Boys, parents, teachers and family members. It is a great afternoon which last year attracted over 100 participants. Make sure you register early.

Sports at Knox

In E-News No 32, I talked about the wide variety of sports now available at Knox. One that has started in the recent years is shooting. The team (nearly all cadets) compete in the long- bore competition, and train weekly under the guidance of Mr Vern Norrgard (OKG ’67). Just two years ago, our team had the privilege of attending the international cadet shooting competition in Bisley, UK.

M Liu (Y11) & Capt Rod Wicks (then MIC Shooting) on the 400 Yard mound

The Knox Team, also representing the Australian Army Cadet Corps.

Obituaries

Keith Jocelyn Thomas – OKG ’46 01/05/28 – 07/08/14 Attended Knox: 1940 -1944 (Class of 1946) House: School Original School No: 1055 He was an OKGA Life Member Keith lived at Cambooya, south-west of Toowoomba

John Kearsey Shannon – OKG ’51) 25/12/34 – 10/10/14 Attended Knox: 1943-1947 (Class of 1951) House: North He was an OKGA Life Member & Senior Knoxonian His sons also attended Knox: David Shannon (OKG ‘84) Matthew Shannon (OKG ’88)

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Knox OKGA Bruce Kennedy OKGA Manager | Knox Grammar School P: +612 9487 0449 | 7 Woodville Ave, Wahroonga NSW 2076

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