The Flagpole

Cross Country Club athletes have surpassed their target for the June Challenge.  They ran, walked and cycled an epic 3,400km over the course of the month.   An outstanding effort from the 20 or so pupils taking part.

They have been sharing their Strava routes on Teams, which has certainly helped increase motivation and added a little healthy competition!  What was most pleasing to see was the engagement in outdoor exercise on their local patch.

The final breakdown of the activity was 1,192km running, 488km waking and 1,720km cycling.  It was a real team effort, but the following have shown particular endeavour:

Y7 Olivia Bacon – 77km

Y7 Caitlin Horan – 82km

Y7 Anna Johnson – 47km

Y7 Andre Barnett – 70km

Y7 Jesse Esler – 170km

Y8 Alex Bonsall – 57km

Y8 Kate Pomerleau – 53km

Y8 Alice Minshull – 110km

Y8 Liv Sarkies – 68km

Y8 Kaena Wasley – 88km

Y8 Albert Jackson-Bettles - 80km

Y8 Ollie Farquharson – 40km

Y8 Timothe Peyret – 154km

Y9 Ella Dunkley – 106km

Y9 Jess Evans – 59km

Y9 Amelie Hancock – 50km

Y9 Emma Sarkies – 41km

Y9 Zak Johnson – 64km

Y11 Molly Minshull – 95km

L6th Will Crowfoot – 501km

L6th Tom Crowfoot – 501km

Miss Callan – 447km

With fixtures currently on hold in September, Cross Country Club are making plans for next summer, on Saturday 5 June 2021, they plan to complete a 100km relay from Cleeve Hill Cheltenham back to Princethorpe via the Cotswold and Centenary Ways.  Still plenty of time to get fit for that.

Princethorpe has a proud tradition in endurance running, despite current conditions it has been heartening to see the continued efforts of our athletes.  Well done to all for your efforts! 

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education

Back in March, two Year 7 pupils, Henry Jeffries and Noah Granfield, competed in the Warwickshire County Schools Orienteering Championships. Organised by Octavian Droobers and open to pupils attending schools in Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull, the event took place locally at Ryton Pools just before lockdown on Saturday 14 March.

Competing in the Lower Secondary School category Henry took first place with Noah coming in just behind him to finish second. Despite only having two runners to contribute to the team score, of up to four competitors, the boys’ excellent efforts managed to secure an overall team third place.

The boys completed a 2km course using a map and compass and carrying an electronic timer. It was an exciting and challenging event that tested their navigational skills as they followed the course from point to point at speed across unfamiliar terrain.

Head of Outdoor Learning, Will Bower, said, “A huge well done to both Henry and Noah on an excellent performance. Orienteering is great fun for pupils of all ages. Do contact me if you would be interested in getting involved. I would love to see us enter a full team and take first place next time.”