Item 202000803 - Interview with Ian Rogers 1973

Interview with Ian Rogers 1967 – 73
Ian came from Observatory in standard 6 when his parents moved to Athol. Ian didn’t find it too
difficult to integrate because he enjoyed the sport so much. He remembers there being a lot of
jewish boys in his class.
Ian played a lot of sport including cricket and rugby. He played 1st team rugby until he broke his
shoulder and played 1st team cricket from standard 8.He played in the Wilf Isaac’s elevens
playing against an England team with Pete Stringer, Geoff Boycott who lived on the school
property and coached the boys others included Ashley Harvey Walker and Don Wilson. The
boys played against them at the beginning of the season. Peter Stringer organised the match
with top English players who were in SA playing for different clubs. Ian also played Transvaal
provincial golf and is still a keen golfer.
Ian recalled declining his honours blazer which was only offered to him in the September of his
matric year, however he was awarded a scroll for both golf and cricket.
Brothers he remembers include Brother Anthony, Headmaster, Br Bosco who taught Science,
Br Andrew – Maths, Br Timothy.
The matric dance was held in the school hall which was also the boarders’ dining room and the
boys had to wear their school uniforms.
Ian did well academically and was accepted into Dental School at Wits University.
Ian’s son and daughter both attended St Stithians and the last time he had occasion to visit St
David’s was when his son competed at St David’s about 10 years ago.
Some of his contemporaries he remembered were Vince O’Mahoney, Peter Ruzzini, Mike
MacFarlan, Patrick Quarmby, Desmond Schatz – paediatrician in the US, Costa John – head
boy now living in the US, Mike Saad – deputy head boy and rugby captain a pharmacist,
Marshall Walford – dentist, Les Kourie.
JE September 2012