This week we had A Conversation With... our wonderful Director of Sport, Mark Griffiths. Mr Griffiths finishes his first year here at the College, and we have seen improvement in all sports throughout the school.
What does your average day entail?
My day always starts with answering emails, and this term has included planning the cricket training and fixtures, although due to the weather has also meant dealing with some cancellations! I will then teach various year groups, and I do try and fit in some exercise at some stage during the day or evening. My day often involves loud words of wisdom from the Headmaster as well! The thing that I love about my job is that I am able to come to work in my tracksuit, still be involved in teaching and work with some brilliant pupils.
How has cricket at Shiplake developed over the past few years?
Shiplake has definitely been building up at Shiplake over the years. Jonnie Howarth made some great developments and the connection with Performance Cricket and Chris Ellison, has also helped. There are some really talented players, many excellent coaches and dedicated parents as supporters. This all helps to increase the time and focus spent on a game that really requires intricate and individual skills. It has been great fun being a part of it this year, and I am already looking forward to what next year’s season holds.
What sporting match from throughout the year has been your favourite?
I really enjoyed watching the U14 7s team play some great rugby when they beat Trent in the Rosslyn Park tournament on their main pitch. It was also lovely to hear that so many pupils and staff back at school had watched the game via the live link. Of all the sport I have seen, I really enjoyed watching the 1st XI football team, who played superbly and were genuinely impressive to watch. From a cricket point of view, I would pick either the U17 Cup victory at Marlborough or the 1st XI extraordinary win against Abingdon.
What has been the most memorable thing for you at Shiplake so far?
I absolutely loved the talk that Old Viking, Will Satch, gave recently for the sports scholars and elite rowers, he was so honest and inspiring. It was a privilege to be there and listen to him.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love spending time with my family and walking our two dogs. I also enjoy kayaking when I have some time on the river. It is great to simply spend time with friends, with a good bottle of wine and some great cheese, always helps. I am also lucky enough to be Chairman of a lovely little children’s charity, with meetings and fundraising events. I still love playing and watching a variety of sports, especially with my children. We also enjoy, as a family, travelling and spending time by the sea when possible.
What does the future hold for Mr Griffiths?
I am looking forward to watching the sport thrive and develop further at Shiplake. I also look forward to watching my children grow up, but not too quickly! I cannot really imagine my life without sport, as it has always been such a significant part of it. I can imagine my wife and I enjoying lots of walks along the beach with our dogs as well.
