Once again, Gayton's Cross Country team was organised by MR. GREEN who has given a considerable amount of time over the years to produce teams in every year of the school. Our boys owe a lot to him for his selfless hard work.
Gayton's season consisted of competition in two leagues; the Harrow Schools' League and the Hillingdon Schools' League. Years one to three were well represented, although Year four had to thank its sole representative of GARY WISE.
The third year were our most successful team. In the tougher Hillingdon League they competed in the top age-group which meant they ran against boys much older than themselves. Great enthusiasm and determination saw our side hold down third place overall, and were rewarded with bronze medals for the team competition. Our runners were: IAN WHITE, STEVEN ASHTON, GAVIN SMALLEY, PAUL QUICK, GAVIN COOK, and GARY FISHER. Further mention must be made of IAN WHITE, STEVEN ASHTON, and GAVIN SMALLET for they were ever-presents in the side. In addition. IAN WHITE'S individual placings of 5th-2nd-3rd-3rd-3rd earned him an individual bronze medal. We also contested the Harrow League and were placed second in the Borough. In addition to the above boys, STEVEN POLL and MICHAEL SMITH are to be thanked for their strong support.
The second year had a poor season. They managed six finishers only once. It was very disappointing for such loyal runners as RUSSELL SANDERS, DUSHMANTHA JAYATILEKE, and MARK SQUIRE who ran regularly without adequate support from the rest of their year. MARC O'KELLY reminded us of just how good he can be running third and first in his two outings. If only he would run regularly!
The first year tried hard, but so far seems to lack the depth of talent that other years seem to have. Nevertheless, the team was generally well-supported and finished mid-table in both leagues. Individually, GIDEON MULLINS led the team home every time with KEITH VINCE, DAVID ROGERS, STUART MCINTOSH, DEREK JOHNSON, PETER BINGHAM, and IAIN TAFFS lending their regular strong support.
Overall, across the school, 1981-82 was only an average year for Cross Country at Gayton. We look forward to 1982-83 with the hope that more boys will follow in the footsteps of IAN WHITE.
Source: Gaytonian 1983