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GPS Gold Challenge – Class of 1993 Report
Friday, 23 October 2026
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Friday, 2 October, 2026
Marked the commencement of the GPS Gold Challenge for the SIC Classes of '93 and '94, and what a weekend it turned out to be!
The event was established in 1999 by Shore Old Boy David Hutchison ('67) to bring together Old Boys from the nine GPS schools, rekindle friendships, keep the sporting rivalries alive and create a milestone reunion. By all accounts, it delivered on every front.
Let the Games Begin
Friday morning saw the Riverview sheds buzzing with activity as crews launched boats and the BBQ's were fired up. Kings hosted the shooting, while golf took place at Strathfield, setting the scene for a competitive and sociable weekend.
Saturday – Nine Schools, One Big Reunion
Saturday saw close to 600 men from all nine GPS schools assemble at St Joseph's College. Riverview was exceptionally well represented, with 46 participants from the Class of '93 and 59 from '94 – the largest combined contingent from any one school.
The Class of '93 certainly played hard, putting bodies on the line and competing with plenty of determination, encouragement and good humour. The action continued across a packed program of cricket, touch football, basketball, tennis, soccer, athletics and swimming.
Unfortunately, a significant storm and nearby lightning strikes forced the cancellation of swimming. This was particularly disappointing for the '93 contingent, who had been hoping to close the points gap in the penultimate event of the day.
The sporting program was followed by dinner and debate in the main hall, including a touching tribute to friends who are no longer with us – a fitting reminder of the friendships and connections that make these reunions so special.
A Few Sore Bodies, but Plenty of Spirit
Despite the bags of ice strapped to hamstrings, calves and ankles throughout the day, no major injuries were reported among the '93 contingent. That said, rumours of several MRIs being booked for the following week remain unconfirmed!
A special call-out for Man of the Match – or perhaps Man of the Day – goes to Dr Matt Lyons, the Class of '93's very own leading orthopaedic surgeon. Matt somehow managed to compete in rowing, golf, basketball, touch football and soccer while also ensuring his fellow classmates were in good hands when the inevitable aches and pains emerged.
Shout outs to Gary Pang and Tim Star for reacquainting themselves with the ground on more than one occasion and to Liam Sheridan for showing he's only sped up as time goes on in the 60m sprint.
A big thank you to Andrew McInerney for leading the charge and sharing MC duties on the evening.
Extra thanks to Dave McKay (OR'89), Andy McKay (OR'90) and Will Cummins (OR'84) for helping pull everything together, keeping the athletes fed and ensuring the scores were tallied correctly. Most importantly, a huge thank you to Ron Ross (OR '76) for bringing the event together so seamlessly and ensuring it had just the right amount of energy and enthusiasm.
Thanks also to Kings for hosting the shooting and to St Joseph's College for hosting Saturday's sporting events and dinner.
The Challenge Continues
The GPS Gold Challenge is about much more than the results. It is an opportunity to reconnect with old mates, celebrate enduring friendships and enjoy a healthy dose of inter-school rivalry. The weekend was a terrific reminder of why this event has continued to thrive since its inception.
And if the rumours are true, the Classes of '95 and '96 have already started training for the 2028 event. The bar has been set – and the competition is already on notice!
SIC Class of '93 Committee
Andrew McInerney, Sam Eisenhauer, Sam McEvoy, Tim Antcliff, Tom Boyd, David Fernandez, Luke Hartman, Ian Hopkinson, Anthony Korbel, Sam Lenehan and Terry O'Connor.
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