Question Time: AU officer

Published on 7^th February 2010 in Varsity.

Amid the flurry of activity in the series build-up, Impact’s Hattie Hamilton managed to catch up with AU Officer, Alex Hingley for a quick insight into her thoughts for the series.

Tell us a bit about this year’s charity…

This year the 2010 Varsity charity is CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young). CRY was chosen as the charity for 2010 in memory of Neil Desai, a talented sportsman and first class Law student from the University of Nottingham who died suddenly on 5th September 2008 - his 22nd birthday - from an undiagnosed heart condition. The money raised from ticket sales for Varsity 2010 matches will go directly towards the cardiac testing of the sportsmen and women at both Universities’ through screening days in June.

Can you name any particular players we should watch out for this year?

Well, we have two Athletes of the Month competing so watch out for them! Firstly David Nicklin from the Men’s 1st Team Hockey and Katie Ambridge from the Swimming Team.
We also have Nick Catlin playing in the Hockey Varsity after he returns from playing in the Hockey World Championships in the GB squad. Alex Martin the first team football captain is also one to watch. He will be on top form after his GB training this year.

In the rugby league we have several players who have been selected for the Midlands Students Rugby League squad for the 2010 Championships, Namely,
- Tom Cliffe
- Jack Miller
- Joe Scott
- Jamie Henderson
- Rory Thomas

And in Rugby Union, these are the players selected to go through to England Students rugby trials:
- Charlie Hayter
- Tim Streather
- Don Blake

…So absolutely loads really!

Which teams could have a tough game against Trent?

All the games will be tough which is why the matches are so good to come and watch. They are really high quality and very tense! So far in the leagues I would say we have won more matches against Trent, but when it all comes down to one game you never know!

Which game are you most looking forward to?

After attending three previous Ice Hockey games it is definitely one which I always get very excited about, however, I don’t think I could pick just one match. With American Football being new this year I’m looking forward to seeing how it goes and swimming offers a really intense and intimate atmosphere which is different from the other events.

Have there been any particular highlights of the sporting season so far?

There have been some fantastic results this year in BUCS and other events, such as Ultimate Frisbee. Table Tennis Mens 1 won the Premiership with games in hand which was fantastic. We also have three sets of playoffs coming up for teams to get into the BUCS Premier (Women’s and Men’s hockey and Netball).

For a taste of some of the most recognised results however…

14/10- Rugby League 1s beat Oxford University 1s 44-38
21/10- Rugby Union 2s beat Loughborough University 2s 25-6
28/10- Lacrosse 1s beat Loughborough 1s 12-6
4/11- Basketball Mens 2s beat Nottingham Trent 2s 98-37
11/11- Football Mens 4s beat Leicester 1s 4-1
18/11- Squash Mens 1s beat Loughborough 1s 4-1
25/11 Netball 1s beat Nottingham Trent 1s 41-36
Table Tennis Mens 1s beat Newcastle Mens 1s 16-1
2/11- Basketball Womens 1s beat Loughborough 1s 71-65
9/11- Football Mens 1s beat Manchester 1s 2-1

Which team has been the worst behaved this year?

There hasn’t really been a badly behaved team, unless I’ve blocked it from memory! I’m really impressed how teams have behaved this year, very few complaints from the bus company which is always a sign!

Who do you consider the best looking team in the Nottingham AU?
Lynn (AU Administrator) and I think that Surf and NU Snow always look really cool so I’d probably go with them. Though after a facebook prank from another member of the SU Exec who apparently ‘poked’ every rugby union player from my profile, some may think differently!

And finally, Isis or Cr-ISIS?

Last year I would have claimed to have been one of the biggest fans of ISIS (missing only one in my 3rd year- even turning up one week when it was closed!) So I was as upset as anyone to hear about it closing. However, I am a complete Cr-ISIS convert. I love the AU atmosphere on a Wednesday and think the dance floor, music and general night is much better than ISIS…the only thing I miss is the Waltzers.

Hattie Hamilton