The John Walton rugby players that donned the beloved jersey (all teams, and not just first team players) between 1973 and 1989 will gather for a long weekend reunion event from Friday, 5 August to Tuesday, 9 August.
The main objective of the reunion is to acknowledge the unparalleled commitment and sacrifices of the teachers and other persons involved in coaching, administration and mentoring of the rugby players in the 70s and 80s at the school, affectionately known as Mama Walton amongst alumni of the school.
In the case of teachers who are deceased, the Old Boys have invited family members to attend the gala event where the teachers will be acknowledged for their outstanding work during difficult times. Amongst the first-generation pioneers/coaches in this category are the late Gordon Jenneker (first principal), Oom Alec Booysen (caretaker), Pieter Meyer (Oom Peet), Anthony Petrus (Toeba), Joseph van Heerden (Mr Van), Steven Radcliffe (Blom), Errol Kimmie and Herbert Terblanche. May their beautiful souls rest in peace.
Representatives of the Old Boys, all of whom obtained SA Secondary School Association (SASSSA) colours and Deon Kayser also received Springbok honours, as well as teachers/coaches will be acknowledged during the reunion event.
Three of the Old Boys, Victor (Viva) Nelson, Eric Meyer, and Abraham (Bill) Swartbooi were part of the founding first team members in 1973, with the late legendary Pieter Meyer (Oom Peet) as coach.
Two of the other members of the 1973 team, Ron Reed and Morgan Philander will also receive awards for their pioneering work in initiating the introduction of the code of rugby at the school.
The school was fortunate that several of its teachers that were involved in coaching had serious pedigrees themselves as players, coaches, and administrators. For example, Eric Sauls and Ronnie Korkee were the half-back pairing for two provincial unions, as well as SARU in 1986.
Farouk Wicomb is not only a decorated EP & SASSA schools/UDRU coach, but also a provincial player, and captained the EP team in 1970, in a team that included several other household legends in Kariega, like Raymond Kilian, Pieter Swartz, Botjie Adolph and Gert Whitebooi.
Reunion programme
The Mama Walton family must prepare themselves for an action filled programme starting with a meet and greet Golden Oldies at the Jubilee Hotel.
The Saturday morning will be a rugby day at the school (08:45) with the traditional derby between Mama Walton (Bulle) and Uitenhage High (Bye), with the clash of the first teams scheduled at noon. The winning team will receive the Anthony Petrus floating trophy.
There will also be a game for the 1990 to 2010 Old Boys, whilst the Old Boys of 1973-1989 will conclude the day in a much-anticipated game between the cohort of 1973-1984 versus the 1985-1989 young old crocks. Old Boys that want to participate must please submit their names to Reece Maarman.
The gala dinner where pioneers, coaches, administrators, and some players will be acknowledged, takes place at the VW Pavilion at 19:00. A thanksgiving and memorial service will be held at the Roselane UCC (14:00). Candles will be lit in memory of all the teachers, support staff and Old Boys who played between 1973 and 1989, who have passed on. Family members and the Mama Walton family, as well as the community at large are invited to attend.
The programme will conclude with a fund-raising golf day at Wedgewood on Tuesday, 9 August. Profits generated will be donated to the school to support the promotion of rugby at school as part of the school’s counter measures to mitigate societal ills, including drug abuse amongst our learners.
- For general enquiries, including sponsorship opportunities, contact the PRO Jeffrey du Preez on 082 9032694. For tickets for various events contact the following persons: Reece Maarman (Gala Dinner) 072 155 7282; Edwill Kilian (Golden Oldies) 081 436 4122 and Manie Daniels (Golf Day) 082 490 8140.
