Scotch College

Mackenzie's outstanding runs continue

In 1996, Old Scotch Collegians Athletic Club member Cameron Mackenzie ('75-'87) travelled to the Atlanta Olympic Games as a 400m relay runner.

This season, Cam has emerged as Australia's leading individual 400m runner with a string of outstanding performances.

The Victorian Relay Championships were held at Olympic Park in December. Cam ran twice, anchoring Old Scotch's medley and 4 x 400m teams to gold medals. The medley team of Aaron Russell (800m), Mark Moresi (400m), Chris Cornish (200m) and Mackenzie (200m) set a Victorian record.

Club record

The 4 x 400m team of Cornish, John Dawson, Moresi and Mackenzie set a club record of 3:11.45 (around 47.8 seconds per lap!). Cam then turned his attention to the Grand Prix track and field series, where he won in Adelaide over 400m. At the Victorian Track and Field Championships in mid February, Cam was the outstanding athlete, winning the 200m/400m double, a rare feat. He ran superbly in the 400m, clocking 45.97 seconds, breaking his own club record and becoming the first Old Scotch athlete under 46 seconds for the event.

State medal

There have been many other outstanding individual performances over the summer. Schoolboy Tom Cade is an exciting talent, also medalling at the State championships in February. John Dawson ('88-'93) has finally begun to fulfil his potential with some fast 400m and 800m races. Michael Taylor ('90-'95) has improved his 800m and 1500m times significantly. Michael Smith ('74-'79) continues to shine in the pole vault. Peter ('88-'93) and Andrew Simm ('88-'96) have finally been seen on the same athletic track at the same time.

The winter road and cross country season is now approaching. As usual, the club offers prospective members a smorgasbord of exciting and challenging courses around Melbourne, commencing with a 5 km race around Scotch College on Sunday, 5 April. The APSOC competition also offers sumptuous afternoon teas for those who enjoy the social aspect of the sport. New members, male and female, fast and not so fast, are always welcome - telephone Mark Purvis (9534 5105) or Peter Simm (9818 0900) for more information.