By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

ALTHOUGH he walked off St Augustine’s College as a graduate in 1968, Eugene ‘Geno’ Nairn continued to come back, giving of his time, energy and resources to assist with the further development of the Big Red Machine athletic programme.

On Saturday as SAC hosted is second Big Red Madness on its campus, the Big Red Machine Athletic Department honoured Nairn for his invaluable contribution.

In receiving his accolades, Nairn said he was really “taken aback” because he didn’t envision it coming.

“It all turned out well. The kids really had a good time with the competition. I was looking for more alumni to come out and support the event,” Nairn said.

“I was looking for more graduates from the school.

“Maybe next year, they can have some activities for the graduates to participate in. I think if they can offer them for the various classes, we can get more participation and attendance from the former students. But it all went very well and I’m really appreciative for the recognition they gave me.”

Organiser Jason Edwards, the head of the Athletic Department at SAC, said it was an honour to recognise Nairn for his unwavering support over the years. He served as the Alumni president for about a decade, he has helped to raised funds for the construction of the softball field of dreams and he is serving as an assistant coach for the senior boys’ softball team.

“We appreciate all of the support that he’s given in the trenches over the years and how he still continues to give back,” Edwards said. “It’s good to pause and recognise persons like Geno, who never stop giving back to the school.”

Principal Marici Thompson commended the Athletic Department for the vision in putting on such a fun-filled activity for the school. “I would like to congratulate our athletic director coach Jason Edwards and his team on a job well done,” Thompson said. “Big Red Madness was a huge success again this year. It has grown and it will continue to be an annual one. It can only continue to grow to be bigger and better from here on.”

At the same time, Thompson commended Nairn for the active role he continues to play in the development of the Big Red Machine’s athletic programme.

“He has contributed so much to the college over the ways and he continues to serve the college in various capacities,” Thompson added. He was a member of the Board of Directors and one of the coaches of our senior boys’ softball team. He continues to give back anyway he can.”

Thompson said in the future, they hope that they can continue to recognise those persons who have made significant contributions to the development of the Big Red Machine athletic prowess.

Proceeds from Saturday’s event was earmarked for the further development of the weight room at SAC. Edwards revealed that they have been able to extend the room and they want to be able to purchase more equipment for the students to use their athletic development.

After hosting the first event in 2019, the past two years were called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But in its return this year, organisers staged competition in a home run derby, three-point shoot out, 4 x 4 mixed relay and the DJ sound clash.

The major sponsor for the event was Oaktree Medical Center.