A Letter from a St Peter's Old Boy
Dear Greg and Rob
I must congratulate you and your staff for the space that St Peter’s Boys Prep is currently in. It has been a good 14 years since my time at the Prep ended and the physical changes and additions are too long and impressive to list.
The reason for my mail is to pass on my impressions of your sports department. Over the last few months I have been working with the 1st XV rugby boys preparing for the festivals they participated in as well as the regular season. I have been highly impressed with the structures that have been put in place by Barry as well as the staff he has, executing the sessions on a day to day basis. You most certainly have a great resource in Barry and what he has to offer to the staff and boys. His way of thinking, when it comes to developing sporting skills, is unrivalled. I think the rest of the sports department staff are aware of this and feed off him brilliantly. This is such a joy to see as the ultimate winners are the boys and one only needs to spend a bit of time out on the fields in the afternoons to see this.
To provide some context, in the 6 years, since graduating from University, I have been fortunate enough to spend time working with some of the top sporting teams and individuals that this country and continent has to offer, providing sport science and strength and conditioning support in various roles. From working with the National rowers in 2011, that went on to win gold at the 2012 London Olympics, to the challenge of National youth academy soccer; Nigel Amos, 800m Silver medallist in London, from Botswana, before taking a position at Kaizer Chiefs Football Club working under now National coach Stuart Baxter. I have worked with men and women- enjoying a stint with our National Women's Football set-up as they attempted World Cup qualification while enjoying local Premier League success with Chiefs.
Ultimately, what I have found and learnt, in all of these environments, is that people are what make it work and it is the same people that create the culture and bring success. Thought-provoking, challenging cultures that create decision-makers capable of performing under the pressures that sport provides - regardless of age or level.
St Peter’s has a fantastic reputation and has always been known for the high calibre staff - names that still get spoken about today like Cade, Benson, Nothard and Clackworthy.
Based on the last few months interacting with your sports coaches and coaching your boys it is clear that St Peter’s has a fantastic work force and a group that will certainly keep the school marching forward and setting a standard for others to follow.
Kind regard
Douglas Rathbone
Class of 2003