The Journey to Victory in the Sir Steuart Pringle Trophy
By Rosie A (L6)
Competing for the Sir Steuart Pringle Trophy was an incredible experience that tested our courage, teamwork, perseverance and determination. Bringing home first place was an amazing achievement and being the only Sherborne team to do so in 20 years made our success even sweeter.
As well as being a true adventure that pushed us to our mental and physical limits, Pringle taught me many valuable lessons. A big one was that we can all do anything we aspire to, no matter our background, height, or gender. With the strength of a positive mindset, everyone can push themselves to their absolute limits as they strive for their goals.
I was the only girl in a team with eight boys from Sherborne Boys and, alongside the accomplishment of contributing to our team’s victory, I had the honour of being the first female to ever be in a winning team for the Pringle Trophy.
The competition taught me about the value of hard work – how every second of effort you put in pays off. Turning up to that very first selection stage in early February to run across soggy fields in soaking kit in the cold and thundering rain required me to push myself, to show resilience, drive and perseverance. I had to earn my spot and making the team was the ultimate test of my capabilities. I put in the work, and it paid off.
Most of all, Pringle taught me the importance of teamwork. Throughout training, our team grew into a tight unit made up of pure motivation and many laughs. I remember the late nights down at the Sports Centre marching, the log runs down on Careys, the flashlights flickering as we ran up endless hills in the pitch-black evenings. I trusted each and every member of our team. They always had my back, and I always had theirs.
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