THEME: DETERMINATION
Maritzburg College boys have, since before the days of Mr RD Clark, prided themselves on being ‘a little different’ to the rest.
The precise reasons for this sense of being a bit different might have changed slightly over the last 140 years, and of course each one of us is different from the other in our own unique way, but, for generations, the stamp of being ‘a Maritzburg College boy’ generally meant that you were imbued with a certain self-belief, with a belief that you are not going to back down from a challenge, that you are bonded to one another as part of a bigger team, that you are prepared to endure, and that you are prepared to work hard over time for the grand prize.
All of these noble character traits point to a group of young men who are determined – who show the strong desire to follow a particular plan of action even if it is difficult.
Not for nothing has the First XI hockey for many years echoed a quote originally from President John F Kennedy: “We choose to do things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard”.
- You College boys follow rites of passage from 2nd Form, ones that are deliberately aimed at instilling in each of you a sense of camaraderie, humility, service and yes determination.
- 495 of you chose to live for much of your high school years away from the comforts of home.
- Many hundreds of you sweat or doggedly train under sweltering African skies like we had over the weekend in your favourite sports.
You College boys are continually urged to live out your lives according to a Code that includes the courage to never give up, the self-discipline to train and to then compete with all your might, commitment to each other, your team and your school, and, perhaps most importantly, the integrity to be honest with yourself about how hard you really are trying and how committed you really are.
The recent change-over from the summer codes to the winter ones will require a different kind of determination from every College boy – from the members of all the First Teams (as they taken on our most respected rivals DHS on the weekend), to the players in all our teams, down to the U14Gs, but also the supporters too.
Cricket bats have been exchanged for hockey sticks, and round, inflated balls for odd-shaped ones that defy all logic.
Long may College boys continue to strive with all their might to succeed across the board at all endeavours – in the classroom, above all. But, from this weekend onwards, a piercing focus will be placed on especially some you.
But all of you will need to show the determination that has been one of the great characteristics of our school for more than 140 years. Do your best, every one of you, and never give up.
Perhaps you all can take inspiration from this young man – the captain of the Clark House rugby team in 1930 and later a flying officer in World War II.
His name is HD Freakes, and he is regarded by many as College’s greatest all-round sportsman.
He was College’s captain of rugby and cricket in 1930, he was an athlete of skill and determination, and he was one half of College’s most famous, record-setting opening partnership.
At Rhodes University at Makanda, Freakes earned a master’s degree with distinction, and he also found the time to open the batting for Eastern Province, scoring a century on debut.
In 1935, he won a world-famous Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University, where he soon captained the Oxford rugby team and played fullback for the England rugby team just before the War.
He was famous for his tackling, his courage under the high ball and, yes, his determination.
Apparently, he was also a thoroughly decent bloke.
So, why do I mention HD Freakes today, you surely ask?
Well, he was killed at the controls of his Hudson III Bomber on this day, 10 March 1942 – exactly 83 years ago today.
I am sure you all agree – what a wasted life.
But, even so, although Freakes’ bright light shone only for a short while, what an inspiring example he offers to all College people.
In his short life, Freakes seized the opportunities and the challenges that faced him, strove to live a life that was worthy, and aimed to be a man of courage, service and determination.
In closing off today, young men of College, you have a proud record to follow – a record passed down by HD Freakes and dozens, no, HUNDREDS, even THOUSANDS of College men much like him.
INTER-HOUSE GALA RESULTS
The relay events of the annual inter-house swimming gala were held last week, and thank you and well done to the staff and swimmers who took part.
The relay points from last week will be added to the points scored during the individual events, which will be swum in the third term.
Well done to Lamond’s, who came first in those relay events – let’s have a look at the results from part 1 of the overall gala results.
CAPTAINS OF WINTER SPORT CODES
It is now my honour to announce the captains of the FOUR winter sporting codes for 2025.
We wish them well, as they lead their College teams over the next few months, against some of the very best teams in the country.
- Volleyball D Naidoo [Nicholson]
- Soccer CJ Sukraj [Barns]
- Rugby MS Vyambwera [Commons]
- Hockey EUA Dlamini [Calder]
Closure
It’s another very busy week ahead.
Let’s knuckle down in the classroom and also support Happiness Week.
Good luck with the Maths Olympiad, and let’s rally behind the OPEN DAY that is taking place on Friday. We are hosting 150 families, and I ask – no, I DEMAND – that we ensure that the classrooms, the Quads and surrounds look their best.
There is a lot of sport, of course, on the weekend – let’s do our old school proud.
I wish you all a busy and productive week.
Pro Aris et Focis
Mr M Marwick
ACTING HEADMASTER