University of Cambridge Sport

12
THE HAWKS
The Hawks Club enjoyed another
successful year. As a traditional
English gentleman's club, the Hawks
continues to provide a fellowship in
sport and life for the University's
Olympians, Internationals and Varsity
representatives. President Steffen
Bushbacher (CUBC), assisted by
Secretary Carl Bradshaw (CURUFC)
and the junior committee, organised
events and resources which were well
received by the 150 plus Hawks-inresidence.
Many new members were
warmly welcomed into the club and
while the ethos remained
unashamedly elite, a concerted effort
was made to further integrate the
minority sports in the Club's activities.
The Club's members continue to excel
in their individual sports and the most
notable achievements won
recognition when BBC Sport's Iain
Robertson presented the annual
awards at the Residents' Dinner.
Triple-Blue Nicolaas Alberts won
“Hawk of the year” to mark his
outstanding achievements at Varsity.
His shot-put throws which won him
“best Varsity Athletics performance”
were capped by a try-scoring
appearance at Twickenham and a
wicket-taking feat at Lords. The
Rugby Union Blues XV was crowned
“Team of the Year” for their 31–16
demolition of Oxford, narrowly
winning the vote over the Goldie
Crew who had triumphed by 5
lengths in their Boat Race.
There has always been a strong social
side to the Hawks and the
“clubbability” of the members was
demonstrated throughout the year.
An adventurous Hawks XV
(comprising members from a diverse
range of sports) delighted the crowd
with champagne rugby in overcoming
The Kew Occassionals side 29–28. The
result was not quite as favourable in
the annual Dodge-ball game against
their Oxford equivalent, The Vincent's
Club. However, that had more to do
with a traffic jam on the M25 than
any sporting prowess on the part of
the opposition!
Off the pitch, the Hawks convened for
several successful fundraising events.
The Charity Dinner in aid of the Sir
Steve Redgrave Trust and the May
Week Event held were two highlights
which showed that Hawks know how
to throw a party. The clubhouse,
under the care of new steward
Brendan Kelly, played host to speeddating,
poker and scores of formal
dinners for college societies. Despite
the popularity of this facility, its
financial sustainability remains a
concern. However, the partnership
with Cambridge's Ballare nightclub,
particularly the thriving Rumboogie
event, has made a substantial
contribution to this cause.
Membership to the Hawks is for life
and the non-resident members are an
integral and active part of the club.
The Annual Dinner held on the eve of
Twickenham was another grand affair
and saw many “old faces” reunited.
The Hawks' Charitable Trust is a
tribute to this wonderful network of
generous alumni. Once again, the
Trust was able to award several
thousand pounds to help support the
most promising performers in both
male and female University sport.
The year's achievements have given
the Hawks much to celebrate. The
Club's prominent maroon and gold
colours have decorated the
University's sporting landscape and
remain a coveted prize for those men
who shine in their athletic
endeavours.