26 August 2021
The historic Intercollegiate competition between St Peter’s College and Prince Alfred College concluded last week with the 150th Football fixture. This is a significant milestone for our community, as it also marks the sesquicentenary of the first ever sports fixture played between our schools. It is wonderful to see how the initial Football match, contested in 1871, has blossomed into the constructive rivalry that it is today.
I am beyond grateful for the opportunity for our two schools to come together and celebrate our connection among a sea of blue and red blazers, particularly in an unpredictable and volatile COVID world. I am certain I mirror the sentiment of many when I express gratitude to both schools for their continued adaptability, flexibility, and innovation in the face of the pandemic. It was clear that, despite the restrictions placed by COVID, the heart of Intercol was still very much alive as the sense of community and school spirit was heightened to exhilarating and spectacular heights. Having had the pleasure to speak to many old scholars, the significance of Intercol in your time as a student becomes immediately apparent, a season known for generating unforgettable memories that shape and define your experience even after you venture beyond the grounds. I ask that all students, especially those Year 12s who participated in the competition or were on the side-lines cheering, take a moment to reflect on the amazing experience of competing alongside your mate or chanting together arm in arm.
The most heart-warming and meaningful aspect of Intercol, for me, is something that can’t be found in the score books. Instead, it is the rush of emotions you feel watching your peers care so deeply for representing our School to the best of their ability. I have personally been inspired and moved by the love, sweat and tears each and every boy put behind the responsibility of adorning the school crest while competing. Regardless of the result, the behaviour of all competitors was impressive and embodied the concept of ‘strong and lovely’ as included in our school prayer.
Intercol ultimately boils down to the idea of respect, a principle that SPSC competitors embodied. In my speech to student leaders at the Winter Intercol lunch, I broke down three key aspects of respect. The first being the role we have in respecting our peers, which looks like fervently showing your school spirit at sporting fixtures. Second aspect being our responsibility to respect Intercol as something that brings us together, more than something that separates our communities and finally respecting our opposition by ensuring that we leave everything out on the field, performing to the best of our abilities. I am humbled to report that the SPSC community epitomised these aspects to the highest degree.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to all students, staff and coaches who made my last Winter Intercol amazing. The time, effort and passion that goes into developing and honing your skills and strength throughout the season was clear and on brilliant display at every fixture.
An experience I will never forget.
Rushan Khurram
School Vice Captain