SKAAC lost one of its all-time greats last week with the sad passing of Alan Lodge. Along with his brother, Keith, Alan was one of the inaugural runners for the St Kevin’s old boy’s cross-country team that until Alan’s period, was primarily a track club. He was the instigator of St Kevin’s old boys joining the APS Old Boy’s association in 1958. Alan was the first Cross-Country captain of the club to compete in the APSOC competition, and also went on to become Secretary of the APS in 1961.
Alan was a State level 2 mile and 3-mile cross country runner. It has been quoted that Alan was a pioneer in distance running at St Kevin’s. It was through Alan that St Kevin’s began to build a successful running distance culture, that very quickly became a force with the APS old boys’ competition and still is to this day.
In 1961 though Alan’s initiative, St Kevin’s hosted a cross country race for the first time, a 16 km handicap race at Heyington. This race was later renamed in the honour of Alan and Keith “The Lodge Handicap.” Alan has been regular attendee at this event to present the awards. Even last year, whilst batting some health issues, Alan attended to watch and present the trophies. This always gave Alan a tremendous thrill and sense of pride on how far the club has come. We are all very grateful for the vision, hard work, and culture that Alan installed in this successful and proud club.
RIP
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