The start of the Autumn Term means that the winter sports are back – pupils have returned to the sports fields or the river playing rugby, hockey and rowing. Alongside the excitement of starting winter sports, the announcement of the sports captains has been hotly anticipated.
After much deliberation between coaches and Director of Rugby Mr Sam Beckett, a decision was made. Congratulations to Finn Arbuckle for being appointed Captain of Rugby. Ross Johnstone has been appointed Vice Captain of Rugby. Finn, a sports scholar, joined the College as a Year 9 in 2012 and quickly found his passion on the rugby field. Ross, a sports scholar, also joined Shiplake in Year 9. Ross has been avidly involved with rugby at the school since arriving, and is now heading a campaign to introduce touch rugby to the school cohort, encouraging both boys and girls to take up the sport. Mr Beckett commented on the appointment: ‘I am thrilled to announce this captaincy. It was a tough choice as we have so many great players, but I am really confident that Finn will do an excellent job as the captain. He is a very committed rugby player and excels in communicating on the field – a key element for a captain! Ross is also a fantastic player, and I think these two together will do great things for rugby at Shiplake. They are great role models and leaders.’
Alongside the rugby captaincy announcements, Director of Rowing Mr David Currie announced Christian Hjortland-Marks as Captain of Rowing, and Claudia Adams as Captain of Girls’ Rowing. Mr Currie commented: ‘Christian has been incredibly involved with rowing since joining the College. He has rowed in the Henley Royal Regatta, and organised a crew to row the Queen’s Barge, the Gloriana, during a prestigious boat festival on the Thames. Christian is a brilliant role model for his peers and younger rowers, and will excel in his role as leader. Claudia, too, has made a great impression since joining the College. Joining the school with a rowing exhibition, it was clear that she would be very invested in rowing and she has certainly done that. Claudia is very committed to fitness and being the best that she can be on the water, and I am thrilled that she will be leading girls’ rowing this academic year.’
The Shiplake cohort eagerly anticipate the announcement of the Captain for Girls’ Hockey.