Prefects’ Cup declares this year’s champion
The Upper School’s inter-house competition is often a fight to the finish, and this year was no different.
With only two events remaining on May 22, there were still three houses in contention for the top spot: Jackson’s, Scadding’s and Howard’s.
The winner — Jackson’s House — was crowned at an assembly on May 24. It was the first victory for the house since 1996. After losing in the first round of junior house basketball, Jackson’s was tied with Howard’s, but they won the competition with a victory in house track, the final event.
“The last few events are worth a lot of points so the standings can change quite a bit in a short amount of time,” says Dean Kiyingi, student head of Jackson’s. “It created a sense of urgency for everyone in the house.”
As the winner of the competition, Jackson’s will be listed on the board for the Prefects’ Cup in the Student Centre and added to an engraved trophy. And, of course, there are bragging rights.
“It’s competitive, but fun and done in good spirit,” says Andrew MacDougall, assistant head of the Upper School – student life and leadership.
Each of the 10 houses pursues the Prefects’ Cup championship through participation in a series of events — 15 in 2024 — by a team representing that house. Most events are sports-based, such as hockey or basketball, but there’s also a trivia contest as well as a math competition. Any student who plays the sport in question at the varsity or junior varsity level is ineligible to compete in that competition. The head of house and prefects select the members for each team.
An event is worth a certain number of points — 80, for example — based on factors such as the time commitment required and the number of people needed for a team. The houses receive points based on the order in which they finish in that event. So, using the example, the winning house would receive 80 points, the next house, 72, and so on in descending order. MacDougall keeps tally throughout the year.
Most of the competitions are held during the afternoon free period with the help of various faculty members and, in the case of junior house events for Years 8 and 9, with assistance from upper-year students.
“It builds community spirit and healthy competition,” MacDougall says.
Kiyingi agrees, and he’s delighted by Jackson’s victory. “It was great to break our 28-year losing streak! Everyone is really proud to have won the Prefects’ Cup this year.”
Historical fast facts: UCC’s Prefects’ Cup
- The competition began during the 1939–40 school year, when there were five houses — Jackson’s, Martland’s, McHugh’s, Seaton’s and Wedd’s — and fewer events.
- Wedd’s won the first year’s competition and has triumphed 16 times overall, the most of any house.
- Jackson’s, this year’s winner, has earned the cup seven times.
- The original trophy was purchased through fundraising activities by students.
- That trophy was proudly presented by the five head prefects at the Leaving Class Dinner in the spring of 1940.
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