Memoirs - Bruce Milne

I am really excited to hear about the new sports centre. I have photos of the schools athletic in 1963 on that ground with presentations being made after the meet.

 

I also have shots of me winning the 440, 880 and mile events. I won the EFFORT Trophy, set records in the 440 and mile,won the Auckland A grade 440, 880, & Champion of Champions in the same events.

 

I also played for the Rugby 1st 15 that got 2nd in the Auckland Schools Comp with photos. I was taught History by "Dog" Pringle, Geography by Ken Gillies, and Biology by Owen Boscowen.

 

I was a prefect and Captain of Seddon House. I was also eventually a Chief NZ Coach to the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland, and was responsible for selecting Barbara Moore as Team Captain of the NZ Athletic Team.

 

I was NZ Coach at the Commonwealth Games in Victoria in 1994 and Olympic Marathon Coach to the Olympics in 1984. I have coached over 100 NZ Champions and have been a Qualified Physiotherapist in private practice since 1977.

 

As an addendum, Rex Corbett ran 2nd to me in the School sports in 1964, when I broke the record. None of this information is part of the School's history...BUT, I AM A VERY PROUD MEMBER OF YOUR OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION, & very appreciative of the work that has been accomplished in bringing this site to us.

 

Because I live in Christchurch I cannot be intrinsically involved in the Old Students Association, but I want to encourage all my old friends and more recent old students to make our association strong, by giving your time and energy.

 

I used to live on Fort Richard Road on the right of way leading up to Sturgess Park. I shed my blood on this land when I was a kid, hoping to change the world. I lost a kneecap in road works in Penrose, while riding a mororbike, training for the Commonwealth  Games in Jamaica in 1965. I still did all those things that I have described, without a kneecap.

 

I have done a lot since, with disabled athletes, and coaching coaches. OTAHUHU is still huge in my mind. The culture has changed....BUT, the aspirations of the young people the are moving through the school are the same. LET'S SHARE OUR EXPERIENCE!!! Bruce Milne