Starting Clapper
On your marks! Get set! BANG!!
Many races start with the sound of a starting pistol, a pistol that fires blanks. The School did use a starting pistol in the past, but by the mid-1980s it was replaced by a simple homemade contraption made from two 2x4-inch lengths and a hinge. The "clap" sound it makes is sharp and loud and surprisingly similar to a gunshot. It is known as the starting clapper.
Many races start with the sound of a starting pistol, a pistol that fires blanks. The School did use a starting pistol in the past, but by the mid-1980s it was replaced by a simple homemade contraption made from two 2x4-inch lengths and a hinge. The "clap" sound it makes is sharp and loud and surprisingly similar to a gunshot. It is known as the starting clapper.
Running has been part of the School’s athletic program from its beginning. In the early days, racing competitions would have been between individuals. From the mid-1950s until the early 1990s the School had a competitive track and field team that was very successful in meets with other schools and organisations. This photo shows the starting clapper being held by long-time track coach, Derek Hyde-Lay, in 1989.
Since 1927 – when the House system was formed at the School – Inter-House Track and Field has been one of the year’s highlights, an occasion when the entire School hears the sound of the starting clapper. Inter-House Track and Field has developed into a full-fledged spectacle, usually scheduled at the beginning of the new school year as an opportunity for each House to unite in an effort to truly show its colours. Each Spirit Captain rallies the troops, making a grand entrance to the field as a display of their House character. The starting clapper marks the beginning of myriad races with a backdrop of colourful face paint, costumes, chants, and dances – all part of House bonding through competition and rituals on this memorable day.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
Since 1927 – when the House system was formed at the School – Inter-House Track and Field has been one of the year’s highlights, an occasion when the entire School hears the sound of the starting clapper. Inter-House Track and Field has developed into a full-fledged spectacle, usually scheduled at the beginning of the new school year as an opportunity for each House to unite in an effort to truly show its colours. Each Spirit Captain rallies the troops, making a grand entrance to the field as a display of their House character. The starting clapper marks the beginning of myriad races with a backdrop of colourful face paint, costumes, chants, and dances – all part of House bonding through competition and rituals on this memorable day.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
