It’s that time of year again, when vet students become more competitive than ever and inter-school rivalry (friendly and, for the most part, light-hearted) culminates in the biggest sporting event in the Scottish vet school’s calendar.
The renowned “Dick Day” – the annual event where Glasgow’s vet students take on those from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (AKA Edinburgh) – was held in Glasgow on November 19.
After recovering from the AVS (Association of Veterinary Students) Sports Weekend only ten days previously (where the only part of the body that got much exercise was the liver), Glasgow was pumped and ready to fight harder than ever for victory.
Totalling nine matches, Dick Day hosted more sports than ever before – and we weren’t sure whether the new additions were going to put us at a disadvantage or add to our strength.
After a stressful morning on my part (having organised the riding competition), the hard work paid off and the Glasgow vet riding team were again victorious.
The other scores started coming in fast, and we were drawing with Edinburgh, having lost ultimate frisbee, lacrosse and hockey, yet triumphing in riding, netball and men’s football. Netball in particular was a huge success, with this year’s match being the first time the Glasgow vets have won in years.
With another victory in women’s football, we only had to win one rugby match to secure the title – and after a tense couple of hours, Glasgow fought to victory and won both men’s and women’s rugby.
Having finished on a score of winning six out of the nine sports, Glasgow claimed the Dick Day cup for the first time in more than 10 years!
Every team had trained harder than ever and thoroughly deserved the success. Spirits were high even before the games began, and every Glasgow vet was thrilled with the result. All those involved in organising the day put in a mammoth effort, which made the victory so much more rewarding.
I think all the students that took part or supported their schools will agree that it’s great to have that sense of community and teamwork within veterinary, even when doing something entirely non-vet related.
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