Old Hymerian, Tom McConnell, joined Hymers in 2005.

He shares his sporting memories.

“Some of my fondest memories of school came on the sports field and these are moments that I still reminisce on today. I think back to Year 7 rugby under the watchful eye of Mr Fitzpatrick and Mr Nicholls starting my Hymers Sport journey and how much I enjoyed being thrust into rugby having not played much in junior school.

As I progressed through the years, memorable wins at Ampleforth and Pocklington spring to mind and my Hymers rugby career was topped off in Year 13 when we toured Europe and came home with 4 wins from 4 games. I loved being involved in sport every Saturday and it was something I really looked forward to after every school week.

My main sport, however, has always been cricket and I was fortunate to be part of a very strong year for cricket at Hymers. We won the East Yorkshire Cup at U12 and U14 and had good runs in the National Cup at U13 and U15, reaching the last 8 national at U13. I also ended up with a 6-a-side tournament winner’s medal during Year 10. I had the honour to captain the 2nd XI for two seasons in Sixth Form and also managed to play some 1st XI cricket over my time including being selected for the Scotland tour in Year 13. I still play cricket today and turn out for Kirk Ella on a Saturday in the York and District Senior Cricket League.

As an Old Hymerian and former Head Boy I am very excited to be joining the Sports department and having the opportunity to coach the next generation and to help make similar memories to those that I have from my time at Hymers. I am also looking forward to contributing in the classroom also and delivering History lessons with this role being an ideal opportunity to combine my two passions of Sport and History.”