The Gower brothers ran away with prizes
LOUGHBOROUGH Grammar School archivist John Weitzel has been in touch to add to the story of the cups and the Gower brothers who featured in Looking Back recently.
The three lads Cyril Gower, Brian and Alan, featured in an old Echo archive photo, surrounded by trophies.
Maureen Smith initially contacted us to identify the lads saying that her brother in-law Cyril and Alan had been great runners in their time.
Now John Weitzel has also been in touch saying: “I reckon the photo is probably 1951.
“Cyril and Alan Gower dominated long distance running in athletics in the early 1950’s and also played rugby for the school. Alan was a very competent swimmer.
“In 1951 Cyril won both the 1/2 mile and mile at Sports Day - the trophies that are on the left of the picture - but I can’t work out what the other trophies are as neither Alan or Brian featured.
“Alan came second in the open back stroke in the swimming.
“In 1952 Cyril won the 1/2 mile but did not win the mile - he came second and Alan came third. Alan did win the open back stroke that year.
“In 1953 Alan won the mile but was second in the 1/2 mile.
“Thus only in 1951 did the Gower’s have both the trophies, but it is possible that Alan and Cyril won swimming trophies representing the ATC that year, which may be the other trophies, which I don’t reckon are ours.”
• Can you identify the other trophies at all?
Please contact Andy Rush at Looking Back on 01509 635802. E-mail andy.rush@reachplc.com