The success of our Boys' Athletics team over the past two years stirred nothing less than elation for John Stafford (OW1947), the oldest surviving member of our victorious 1947 team.
75 years is a long time to wait to see the cup raised again, and John was so keen to share in the celebrations that he contacted the College to pass on his congratulations and asked to have a photo taken with the current team’s youngest member, Anton (Year 8).
Together with Wesley’s Head of Athletics, Tim O’Shaughnessy, Anton paid John a visit, bringing the trophy along for good measure. ‘John was incredibly passionate about his time at Wesley and the athletics program,’ said Tim.
Both field athletes – John was a high jumper while Anton’s focus is shot put and discus – they enjoyed discussing the contrasts between the athletics of then and now. ‘In those days, the high jumpers used a sandpit instead of a landing mat,’ said Anton. ‘John said you really had to know how to land properly – the technique was very different.’
But they didn’t just talk shop, with Anton discovering before the visit that John’s mother had been a keen violinist. A violinist himself, he brought his instrument with him to the meeting. ‘I did a small performance for him – it was a very special moment,’ said Anton.
Sadly, John passed away before this edition of Lion was printed. We pass on our sincere condolences to his family.
