AN ACADEMY has celebrated the achievements of its sporting stars and marked the end of an era in PE as two senior teachers prepare to retire.
Director of Sport Bill Swanson and Head of Girls’ PE Lindsay Teasdale have been at The King's Academy, Coulby Newham, since it opened in 2003 and have clocked up a total of 78 years in education between them.
They marked their last student Sports Awards Dinner as full time members of staff by celebrating sporting achievements and successes with colleagues and around 150 students.
Bill, who previously worked at Dyke House School, in Hartlepool, and Springfield School, Brookside and Coulby Newham in Middlesbrough, said: “I have enjoyed every minute of it. I have seen some great young sportsmen and women and seen some problem kids become focused and go on to develop and do really well.”
Bill set up two PE departments from scratch, including at The King’s Academy, and has worked with thousands of children since becoming a teacher in 1971.
Lindsay began her career in her native Leeds and came to Teesside as a supply teacher at Nunthorpe School. She then worked through various changes at Bertram Ramsey, Brookside and Brackenhoe which eventually led to the opening of The King's Academy.
"I will miss everybody, they are like family to me and I love them all," said Lindsay, who is best known as a netball coach.
Paying tribute to them, Principal Chris Drew said: "Bill and Lindsay have dedicated their entire careers to children, to guiding them, coaching them and supporting them.
"Their love of sport and their enthusiasm for the job has never waivered in my ten years at The King's Academy. They will both be greatly missed by their colleagues and students alike."
Presented by Head of PE John Stewart, the event recognised the top performing and most improved boys and girls in a range of sports including rugby, football, netball, hockey, athletics and cross country.
There were also special awards for students who have overcome physical challenges to compete.
Highlights of the year included the Year 7 netball A team winning the league and the Middlesbrough Schools tournament; 14 girls being selected to play hockey for Middlesbrough and Maddie Clare and Sarah Whorlton being selected for the North of England squad; the Year 11 football team winning the Middlesbrough Schools Town Cup; and the Year 7 and 9 rugby squads winning the Middlesbrough Schools tournament.
Mr Drew added: "We have had a year of success with some fantastic coaching from staff and great commitment by students. For us, winning is less important than students trying their very best and all our of students getting the opportunity to be involved in sport at any level."
Netball:
Most Improved Players: Alice Bedford, Lucy Gaffney, Chloe Mills, Jade McCluskey, Jennifer Hooper;
Players of the Season: Nicole Carne, Kirsty Weledji, Olivia Speck, Kaylynn McAvoy, Rebekah Wrigglesworth.
Rugby:
Most Improved Players: Theo Southall, Jack Davison, Ryan Arnold, Marcellus Kerr;
Players of the Season: Jacob Swann, Ethan Cope, Max Weston, James Boyer.
Hockey:
Most Improved Players: Hannah Dixon, Scarlett Ryan, Chloe Mills;
Players of the Season: Emma Saunders, Amy Smith, Maddie Clare;
Outstanding Hockey Player 2014: Sarah Whorlton.
Football:
Most Improved Players: Luke Shildrick, Hannah Dixon, Steven Wheater, Lewis Clyburn, Liam McKenna, Owen Moore, Luke Smailes;
Players of the Season: Max Bashir, James Frazer, Luke Tidy, Morgan Bedford, James Harvey, Josh Trimble, Jack Bailey, Nicole Carne.
Cross country:
Outstanding Runners: Hugo Abrol, Ben Jackson, Libby Hedger, Courtney Johnson, Baileigh Russon.
Athletics:
Most Improved Athletes: Ellie Marron, Scarlett Ryan, Alice Smailes, Hannah Maxwell-Jones, Max Bashir, Sam Byrne, Josh Norris, Ellis Brady;
Athletes of the Season: Courtney Johnson, Kirsty Gordon, Libby Hedger, Caitlin Harrison, Jacob Swann, Steven Wheater, Morgan Turnbull, Jay Hedger.
Outstanding Achievement in Sport: Owen Swift, Jamie Blott, Nathan Carne.