About Athletics

Athletics team photos, includes Cross Country, Track and Field, Junior races

Athletics is a term covering a number of activities which have changed significantly since the first Wesley Sports Meeting in 1869. In 1870 there was a United Athletic Sports event in which Melbourne Grammar, Scotch College and Wesley competed. Prizes were awarded for Throwing the Cricket Ball, Putting the Weight and One Mile Flat Race. Junior boys participated in sack races and Siamese twin races.

After a few years flat races, pole vaulting, high and long jumps predominated. Inter-house sports as well as inter school meetings were held regularly, but due to costs Wesley did not always participate, preferring instead to put that money towards College prizes. It was not until 1904 that a commitment was made to hold a Combined Public Schools Sports Meeting annually between the five schools Geelong Grammar, Melbourne Grammar, Scotch College, Wesley and Xavier, starting in 1905. There was a points system which determined the overall winner and the Argus and Australasian newspapers donated a Challenge Cup which was passed on for year to year to the overall winner.

The first Captain of Athletics was JH Prout in 1906. Athletics was one of four sports that contributed to Triple Colours.