1952

After much arduous preparation, which showed signs of a revival of the keenness to do well, the athletic season culminated in another most successful Sports Day. Again the sports were most efficiently organised by Mr. Ninnim, and all events ran true to programme. The standard of running was again high; indeed, no fewer than six new records were set up. In all, one can safely say that Sports Day went off with all its customary sparkle and enjoyment.
Under the new arrangement one lesson a week was given to general training, but in addition Mr. Ninnim ran a training course for House leaders who afterwards acted as his assistants after school hours. It was very disappointing to find that so few Intermediate and Senior boys supported this training scheme, with the consequent poor placings in the Russell Cup and the Bickersteth Cup meetings. However, the junior section gave every support to after-school coaching which resulted in the welcome return to the School of the Walthamstow Schools' Athletic Cup after an absence of three years. It is only when we are prepared to train that we will regain our old position in first class competitions.
Colours for their work throughout the season were awarded to Barron and Keeler; Wyton was appointed athletics captain at the beginning of the season.

We can look back on last year's Athletics with considerable satisfaction, because not only did the School attain a new level of achievement in the School Sports and especially in athletic meetings in which it competed, a reflection of the untiring work of Mr. Ninnim and Mr. Crispin, but for once it did not rain on Sports Day. In fact, the day was calm under a clear sky, which led to nine new records being established. The complete success of Sports Day was due once again to the high degree of organisation achieved by Mr. Ninnim.
The School was 3rd in the Bickersteth Cup, 3rd in the Walthamstow Schools' Sports, and 9th in the Champion Russell Cup, and in the Essex Sports, Walthamstow was represented by many Monoux boys. The following boys were successful in gaining places. Horlock, who was undoubtedly the School's best athlete last year, was first in the intermediate 100 yards in 10.7 seconds, Grimley was second in the intermediate long jump with 19 feet 1 inch, McColgan was placed second in the senior shot with 41 feet 2 inches, and Black was cheated of second place in the javelin by three inches with a fine throw of 158 feet 5 inches.
The prospects for next season look promising, and with the introduction next year of a scheme where seniors will train juniors in one particular event, and with winter athletic training organised by Mr. Crispin, our athletics should be even better.