16.09.2008 – Rohan Williams
Sydney University
Athletics Club celebrated their 130th Anniversary with a black-tie function
at MacLaurin Hall on Saturday night.
The club, founded in
1878, celebrated the success of its current athletes, and its history as one of
the oldest in Australia and foundation club of the University Sports Union in
1890.
Sydney University
Sports athletes who were present included Olympian Lachlan Renshaw, four-time
National 110m hurdles champion Justin Merlino, and 1500m National champion
Nikki Molan. Also present were Deputy Vice Chancellor (Community) and former
Dean of Medicine Andrew Coats, and Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Vice
Chancellor Bob Kotic.
A special certificate of appreciation was
awarded to SUAC patron Eric Wilson for his service to the club. Wilson, 92, is
a former Sydney University athlete and ex-POW.
The night also
comprised the famous Quad run, the tradition between Sydney University and
UNSW athletes of racing around the Main Quad. The event was won by Sydney
University athletes Lachlan Renshaw and Justin Merlino, who crossed the line
simultaneously in a show of solidarity.
The club has a long history of success, including
many past Olympians and Commonwealth Games representatives and former Wallaby,
composer and lawyer Myer Rosenblum. The last 15 years has included a string of
strong performances at the Australian University Games (with wins for the both
men’s and women’s teams, including a string of six in a row from 1992-1997 by
the women) and more recently the NSW Club Championships, which the men have
taken out for the past four years.
SUAC President Megan
Donnelly said the night was a success and a testament to the club.
