Supported by Clifford Chance

James Clarke (St Cuthbert's, 2006)

James returned from the 2010 World Rowing Championships in China winning a silver medal in the GB men’s eight  - many congratulations!

“My time at Durham was an absolute pivotal moment in my rowing career. I arrived having represented GB at junior level but not with any real plans to continue rowing and left as a senior member of the GB team and planning to represent GB at the Beijing Olympics. It was the support and coaching I received at DUBC and most importantly from Wade Hall-Craggs that allowed me to make that step up. I have no doubt that without my time at Durham I wouldn’t have had the clear goals and motivation that allowed me to get where I am in my sport today.”

Will Greenwood (Hatfield, 1994)

Rugby World Cup winner Will Greenwood is a regular face commentating on television and he recently had this to say about Durham University:

“If I had to give something back in a Faustian Pact to ensure immortality and I had to choose between returning my world cup medal or having my memory of 3 years deleted from existence, there is no contest. The medal is in the post. The 3 greatest years of my life were spent on a rugby field at Durham University”.

Dr Paul Hawkins (Grey, 2000)

Former Vice President of the boat club and an Honorary Palatinate, is co-developer and Director of Hawk-eye – the system that tracks and predicts in three dimensions the trajectory of the ball. He had this to say of Durham:

“My six years at Durham were really important to what has been achieved since – mainly the time out of the lecture room. Will – the address to post your world cup medal to is…..!”

Nasser Hussain (St Hild & St Bede, 1989)

Nasser retired from playing cricket in 2004 and now commentates on Sky Sports. He is widely recognised as one of the best England Captains of all time and played in 96 tests and played 334 First Class Matches for Essex. In his autobiography "Playing with Fire" Nasser looked back on his time at Durham stating:
 
"Everything about my three years in the North-East was great.  Everything was right: the people, the place, the atmosphere and the lifestyle...Above all, I had fun"

Caroline Atkins (St Hild & St Bede, 2002)

Caroline is an Ashes winning cricketer, who was also part of the England team that won the World Cup and the Twenty20 World Championship in 2009.  Caroline was the first female cricketer to graduate from the Durham University Cricket Centre of Excellence. Caroline is currently enjoying working as an England Women's Coaching Ambassador for the charity 'Chance to Shine' which works to regenerate cricket in state schools.  She had this to say of Durham:

 "I gained so much more than a degree from Durham. It was Graeme Fowler's UCCE that taught me ways to bring a professional approach to my sport. In the space of three years the rest of my cricket career was shaped. My World Cup Winning Medal wouldn't be mine if it wasn't for Durham."

Phil De Glanville (University, 1990)

Former England Rugby Union captain who also played for and captained a national league and cup winning side at Bath during a 12 year career with them.  As well as working with various sporting charities, he assists Sport England as a National Governing Body of Sport Relationship Manager.  This position involves the promotion of a number of sports including Rugby Union and Sailing, helping to boost participation and awareness in the run up to the rapidly approaching London 2012 Olympics.

Jock Wishart (St Hild & St Bede, 1974)

A British University Championship medal winner in rowing, canoeing and weight lifting, project Leader to the team which broke the Round Britain Powerboat Record in 1989, Jock has rowed across the Atlantic, led the crew which established fifteen new world speed records for powered circumnavigation and captained the team which broke the London Paris rowing record in the CAN Maritime Challenge.
He still holds the record for the only man ever to have walked unsupported to a pole and rowed across an ocean.  Jock is a veteran for the America’s Cup and a former European Dragon Boat Champion.  Most recently Jock led team (which featured two other Durham alumni) in the record-breaking row to the North Pole!

"Above my study desk hangs a picture of youthful Durham men which I have looked at every day of my life for the last 30 years. Now a mixture of Headmasters, Company Directors, the odd Millionaire and even a General and still friends to this day:-‘Simply the best, better than all the rest!’
 Incidentally I have a frame in our dining room which contains my BUSA medals in rowing, canoeing and weightlifting.I remember all these proud moments”

John Stephenson

A former DUCCE player and England, Essex and Hampshire cricketer.  John is the current Head of Cricket at the MCC in charge of the various MCC playing and touring fixtures, as well as managing the playing facilities at Lords and supervising the MCC Young Cricketers Programme.

"My three years at Durham were the most enjoyable of my life up until then.  It gave me the academic and sporting platform that I needed to succeed in my life"

Jonathan Edwards CBE (Van Mildert, 1987)

The former world record-holder, Olympic and Commonwealth Gold Medalist triple jumper who retired from athletics in 2003 as Great Britain's most successful medal winning athlete has been appointed as a board member for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee.

"I had 3 great years at Durham in an environment which fostered both sporting and academic achievement"

Mark Scholey (St Hild & St Bede, 1999)

Former Athletic Union President Mark Scholey is a Vice President of Durham University Hockey Club and, having been programme manager on the successful London 2012 London Olympic bid, is now on the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games as manager in the Commercial Department, the team responsible for raising in the excess of £2 billion in commercial funding.

Mark also sits on the Team Durham London Steering Group, and has been instrumental in raising funds to assist with coaching support for Durham University Hockey Club.

“Being part of the winning bid team for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will always be the highlight of my professional career but it pales into insignificance when compared to the experience of being a Durham student and old boy. Still the origin of so many friends and the inspiration for so many activities ten years after leaving, quite simply the Durham effect continues to shape who I am.”

Claire Bennett (Hatfield, 2008)

Since leaving Durham, fencer Claire Bennett has been training and competing full-time with the GB team in her endeavour to qualify for the 2012 London Olympic Games. She is currently captain of the England women's fencing foil team, and has just returned from the 2010 Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Australia where she won individual Bronze and team Gold.

After Fencing Claire has stated that she would like to pursue a career in sports journalism and broadcasting. In her spare time she has written for the London Evening Standard as a columnist, and is currently writing for the Daily Telegraph Online on their Olympics section. She had this to say about Durham:

"I left Durham University with an overwhelming feeling of pride. I had pride in my university, in my team mates, and in the good friends that I had made. Durham instilled in me a feeling of determination to never do less than my best. Loyalty and pride is at the very heart of Team Durham. It is the support that I received at Durham, and the personal commitment to excellence instilled in me that has helped me develop as an athlete, and which hopefully will help me qualify for 2012. You can take the girl away from Durham, but you can't take Durham out of the girl!"

Steve Rowbotham (Collingwood, 2003)

Olympic Bronze medallist in the double scull at Beijing in 2008 is a GB senior rowing squad member. He won two Bronze medals this summer at the Word Cup series events in Munich and Lucerne.  Amazingly, Steve joined Durham as a county level tennis player and only learnt to row at Durham.  What does Steve have to say about Durham?
 
“Having never picked up an oar before I arrived at Durham University eight years later I found myself on the Olympic podium with a Bronze medal around my neck. Without Durham and the guidance of Wade Hall-Craggs I wouldn't have realised my dreams and achieved something truly exceptional.”

Ollie Phillips (Van Mildert, 2004)

The 2009 IRB International Sevens Player of the Year, former England Students, Newcaslte Falcons and DURFC player has earned several England Sevens caps and now plays his rugby at Stade France.

 "My days tearing around the terrain of the sacred Hollow Drift have to sit right up there as one of the fondest memories of my rugby career. The spirit that is embedded within Durham University is the pure ethos of rugby itself and is the very reason why I still play this great game. Cut me open and I bleed the Palatinate purple. It is very foundations of my rugby existence and I would do it all again in a heartbeat. Thank you DURFC."

Lousia Reeve (Hatfield, 2006)

Olympic rower Louisa Reeve medalled in the World Rowing Cup events this summer in Lucerne, Munich and Bled.  Louisa also won this year's GB Rowing Team Senior Trials in the women's pair.  Having represented Durham and GB at the World University Rowing Championships in 2006, winning Gold, Louisa looks back fondly on her time at Durham:
 
"Without my time rowing at Durham I can guarantee that I wouldn't be where I am today.  The coaching and facilities available to me allowed me to progress from an unfit, uncoordinated rower to an international silver medallist at U23 level.  My three years at Durham also prepared me to join the Great Britain senior rowing team and earn a place in the 2008 Olympic Team."

Rob Vickers (Van Mildert)

Rob was a BUSA winning rugby union player whilst at Durham and went on to become part of our Strength and Conditioning team.  Rob is now contracted to Newcastle Falcons and was named their player of the season in 2010.  Having previously represented England Universities and England Students, in 2010 he was selected for the England Saxons.  Rob reflects on the Durham experience:

"There's just something about Durham, it is infectious; after the first few weeks you fall in love with the place.  A blend of decent people and high quality sport and coaching is a very  strong mix."

Roger Brown (St Hild & St Bede, 1989)

Roger rowed at the Barcelona and Atlanta Olympic Games, and won various Commonwealth and U23 medals during his career.  In July this year he broke the world record for 24hour tandem indoor rowing as part of a sponsored charity event.  Roger is now a cartoonist running his own company offering cartoons on commission.

Lee Daggett (John Snow, 2005)

The former DUCCE player represented the British Universities cricket side whilst at Durham and has since been contracted to Warwickshire and Leicestershire but is now settled with Northants.

 “I can’t think of anything in my life that I look back at more fondly than my time at Durham. Although a Stocktonite at heart, Durham and the North East seem like a second home to me and whenever I am back at the Racecourse it always takes me back to the days when exams were finished and the bank was packed full of people cheering the boys on! Simple really --- three of the best years of my life!”

Steve Easterbrook (St Chad's, 1985)

Steve is a former 1st team cricketer whilst at Durham, playing alongside teammates Nasser Hussain and John Stephenson.  Steve is currently the President of McDonalds Europe.  Steve is a strong advocate of the importance that sport can play in teaching vital social and, particularly, business skills that can lead to success later in life.  Steve explains what Durham taught him:
 
"Having the confidence to grab an opportunity when it was presented to me, is what I gained most from my time at Durham University.  It was my time playing cricket and being part of the first team that gave me this confidence."

Sophie Hosking (Trevelyan, 2007)

As a Great Britain rower Sophie has won several medals at Senior World Cup competitions including a Gold in Munich and Silver in both Bled and Lucerne.  Sophie has been rowing for GB since U16 level, progressing through the age groups.  At the recent 2011 GB rowing trials she was the fastest in the lightweight single sculls for the second year running.  Sophie had this to say of Durham:
 
'I can honestly say that if I hadn't gone to Durham I wouldn't now be competing internationally in rowing.  Durham as a collegiate university in a small city lends itself to let students study and pursue sporting careers simultaneously.  I am therefore glad I chose Durham for the sporting experiences I have had as a result of studying there for three years.'

Jamie Cachia (2009, St Mary's)

Jamie extended his representative honours this summer by attending the Commonwealth Games in Delhi as part of the Scotland Hockey squad.  Having represented Scotland already at U18, U21 and Senior level, this was the first major competition to see his involvement.  The former Durham 1st team goalkeeper and winner of the 2008/9 Durham University Sportsman of the Year was selected as a travelling reserve for the event.  The Scotland team faced some of the best teams in the world including the finalists India and Australia; eventually finishing a respectable 9th overall.

Alex Waddingham (St Hild & St Bede, 2010)

The former DURFC 1st team player and full Palatinate holder who represented England Students earlier this year in Portugal, has begun the 2010/11 season playing for Sale Jets.  The Jets are the Sale Sharks Academy team acting as a development feeder for the main team.  The Jets play in the Aviva 'A' league against some of the top development sides in the country.

Graeme Fowler (St Hild & St Bede, 1978)

Head Cricket Coach at Durham's Cricketing Centre of Excellence, Graeme Fowler is also a Durham Alumni and former England cricketer.  Having played 21 Tests and 26 One-Day Internationals for England, Graeme's top England score of 201 saw him become the first English batsman to make a double-century in India.  As a county cricketer Graeme played 292 first-class matches for Lancashire over a 15 year professional career.  In 1996 under Graeme's inspiration, the very first Centre of Excellence was created in Durham.  The Centre has gone on to help develop 49 professional County cricketers.  When asked about his thoughts on Durham, Graeme had this to say:
 
"I love it!  I was asked a few years ago if I wanted to run a County, and I said 'What, and give this up? No chance!' The Centre of Excellence is about the people and that's what makes it work so well.  Players have an opportunity at Durham to learn and grow and that is what is so great about it!"

Loren Sherer (Hild & Bede, 2009)

Loren is a former Durham University Hockey player involved with BUSA wins and National League promotion during her time at Durham.  Loren represented England at U18 level and played with the U21s at the World Cup in Boston in 2009.  Upon graduating Loren spent a year at UConn in the States during which time she was named a NFHCA All-American during a highly successful 2009 season.  Loren's thoughts on her time at Durham?

"Durham has mastered the art of creating an environment in which athletes are able to reach their full potential. DUHC played a huge part in making my 3 years at Durham incredibly special and I will always be extremely grateful to Team Durham for the expertise and guidance I received throughout."

Chris Hollins (St Hild & St Bede, 1993)

Television presenter Chris Hollins is a former Durham University 1st XI cricketer and former President of the Athletics Union.  Following spells as a footballer with Queens Park Rangers amongst others, Chris began his television career at Sky Sports in 1994.  Having moved around the industry, Chris joined the BBC News team in 1999 and now fronts the BBC Sport Breakfast programme amongst other broadcasts.  Chris had this to say about Durham:
 
'I've had many great adventures while working on television. Playing tennis against Andy Murray,  playing football against Gazza and Beardsley at a packed St James' park and oh yes, winning Strictly Come Dancing, but never does a week go by without me thinking about Durham sport: training at Maiden Castle for a big UAU football match or playing cricket on a sunny day at the Racecourse. I had so many giggles and made some great friends.  I've still got my palatinate socks!!'

Chris Huey (Grey, 2006)

As a DUBC rower Chris won a silver medal representing Durham in his final year at the EUSA Rowing Championships in Brive, France. He recently completed his accountancy training and has now started his own e-commerce business with ex-DUBC rower and friend Jamie Waldegrave.  Chris had this to say of Durham:

"Rowing dominated my time at Durham after I took it up as part of the Freshman squad.  I made some brilliant friends through the boat club and I still live with some of them! ... It's great to see the boat club getting bigger and better; success breeds success!"

David Hosking (Grey, 1978)

David was a DUBC rower throughout his time at Durham under the supervision of then coach Eric Halladay.  David was contracted to the Navy during his studies as a Sub-Lieutenant, and returned to the Navy full-time following graduation.  He credits the improvement in his rowing technique at Durham with his selection for the GB Senior Lightweight VIII which won Gold at the World Championships in 1980.  Since then David has held several senior roles as a Navy Commander.  Now retired from the service, David has continued to pursue his rowing as a record-breaking hobby.  Last month he repeated his Atlantic rowing attempt with Team Hallin and successfully broke the world record time.  Not stopping there, David now has his eyes set on the Round UK Challenge, looking to beat the 26-day current non-stop row record.  David had this to say of Durham:

"Oh happy days, and how very fortunate to be paid by the Royal Navy to attend such a delightful place.  Two years of high intensity rowing followed by single sculling from novice to National Champion in my final year were certainly highlights.  But in addition, I met my lovely wife there and I also recall doing a little academic work as well! "

Elspeth Talbot Rice QC (St Chad's, 1989)

Elspeth captained Durham, BUSA and England U21's women's lacrosse teams during her time at Durham as well as rowing for both her College and University on the side.  Still playing lacrosse, Elspeth is a qualified barrister, appointed to the Queen's Counsel in 2008.  Elspeth is also part of the Team Durham Alumni Sports Mentor Scheme.  Elspeth reflects on playing sport at Durham:
 
"Sport played an important part in my life when I was at Durham, and it continues to play an important part now.  I tried then, as I try now, to work hard and play hard....it's probably the last chance you get before work starts in earnest to play as much as you can and to have the time to develop your game and excel at it."

Will Smith (Collingwood, 2005)

The former Durham University cricket captain turned to professional cricket on leaving Durham and was initially contracted to Nottinghamshire before moving to Durham CCC in 2006.  As Durham county captain, in his second season with the County, he successfully led the side to the County Championship.  He had this to say about Durham:
 
'I am quite certain that without those three years at Durham University, I would not be the person I am today. You'd have to ask those close to me if that's good or bad! It has shaped me, provided otherwise unlikely opportunities, brought me trusted life-long friends, and most of all taught me how to be me.'

Gabby Logan (St Hild & St Bede, 1995)

Gabby followed her departure from Durham with a move into the media industry, beginning on Metro Radio then to televison with Sky Sports, ITV.  Gabby currently presents for BBC Sport and has a regular slot on BBC Radio Five Live as well as writing for the Times newspaper. 

“I had great expectations ahead of my life at Durham and I am delighted to say each and every one was fulfilled. I loved, laughed and lived as I studied and I graduated obviously knowing a lot more than when I started. But more importantly I made some incredible friends and we shared some wonderful experiences. I would not be where I am today without  those three years”

Mark Ware (Hatfield, 1979)

Mark is a former University rugby player and cricketer, and has been part of the Team Durham Alumni Sports Mentor Scheme.  Having previously worked for BP, Mark is now Director of Corporate Affairs at energy trader, Vitol Group.  Mark had this to say of Durham:
 
"For me, the weekend didn't start until after rugby; Durham leads by example, it is a truly unique sporting environment....It would be almost criminal not to take up the opportunities available or at least give something a go."

Jack Little (Collingwood, 2009)

Jack was a member of the Community Outreach programme at Durham, involved in providing football coaching to those recovering from drug and alcohol dependency.  As part of his time in the programme, Jack gained a number of coaching qualifications as well as valuable experience in a supportive coaching role.  Since graduating Jack now finds himself in Mexico teaching in a primary school and has recently been appointed to manage the Mexican cricket team, travelling with them later this month to the ICC Americas Division 3 Tournament in Costa Rica.

"My time at Durham was invaluable. Apart from the study skills that I learnt during my Politics degree, I learnt how to network, how to seek out new opportunities, how to organise successful events and also gained many coaching qualifications. The opportunities at Durham were endless for me and I will always be grateful to the University for helping me to reach my full potential. I'm still some way off reaching it but I definitely feel I am on my way."

Simon Thorp (Hatfield, 1995)

Simon is a former Durham Tennis Captain and BUSA winner.  Upon graduating Simon had spells at two of the top Law firms in London before co-founding Onside Law in 2005, a firm specialising in work with sports and entertainment industry-based clients.  Simon is also the former Men’s' 1st Team captain at the Queens Club. He is currently part of the Team Durham Alumni Sports Mentoring Scheme.  Simon had this to say of Durham:
 
“Durham offered a perfect environment for both sporting and academic excellence.  Durham undergraduates shared a common goal in doing well both on and off the sport's field and, importantly, in good spirit - most of the time at least! These friendships and memories have survived and strengthened long beyond Durham."