The Spirit of Intercol
As we approach our annual winter Intercol next week, I have a confession to make. For many years, as the parent of two Pembroke students, my allegiance was very clear. I know from personal experience, watching school sport, football and netball in particular, just how much Intercol means to Pembroke students. Some of my children’s most memorable school experiences came through winter Intercol victories.
Now that my children have graduated and I am halfway through my third year at Westminster, my passion for Intercol is every bit as strong. Some of my favourite memories at Westminster have come through these contests, none more so than the summer Intercol earlier this year. The final game of the competition, our Senior Boys Volleyball match, would decide the overall Intercol winner. After dropping the opening set and facing five match points in the second, the team produced an extraordinary comeback to win in three sets and secure the overall Intercol Cup for Westminster.
One of the things that makes Intercol so special is its competitive nature. Every game and contest matters, from our youngest teams in the Prep School through to our First teams, with each result contributing to the overall success of Westminster in our pursuit of the winter Intercol Cup.
With this in mind, the focus for some sports and activities may look slightly different during Intercol. Throughout the season our coaches work hard to provide students with meaningful and equitable opportunities to participate and contribute. During Intercol, there may be occasions where team selection and playing time place a greater emphasis on team performance and the final result. Where possible, coaches will continue to provide opportunities for all students, however in closely contested games, decisions may be made with a stronger focus on achieving the best possible result for the team and ultimately for Westminster.
While we will certainly be doing everything we can to win as many fixtures as possible and bring home the winter Intercol Cup, Intercol is also about bringing our School community together in support of our students. Having experienced Intercol from both sides of the rivalry, one thing that has stood out to me is the way the Westminster community gets behind every Intercol team, regardless of the sport or activity. In my time at Westminster, I have been continually impressed by the strong sense of belonging and the way our community rallies behind one another.
I encourage all students, families and Old Scholars to make the trip to Pembroke throughout the week. Wear the Westminster green with pride, support your team and celebrate the spirit of Intercol. Together we can create an atmosphere that our students will remember long after the final whistle.