Mackenzie / Ellis Drive for Five

7 October 2020Jack NG, Ellis ‘21; Photo by Bonnie Z, Mack '21

For many Brentwood students, the 2020/21 year is no different from the next in terms of Interhouse. For Ellis and Mackenzie Houses, this is not the case. Mack/Ellis have captured the Interhouse Challenge Trophy for the last four years, and, as suggested by Mr Wismer, are referring to the ‘20-‘21 school year as the “Drive for Five”.

Though many would assume that this has been caused by the presence of Abby S and Cate C, Mack ‘21, along with David L, and Callum M, Ellis ‘21 who have been at the school every year that Mack/Ellis have taken the cake, the success of this elite brother/sister combo is all due to the widespread talent and skills of these two houses combined.

Whether it be Gemma S’s spelling bee heroics, or Nick C’s angelic voice taking over acapella, Mackenzie/Ellis have found glory in the depth of their houses. All the school can see Tyron O heave a canoe above his head, and run with it for over a kilometer, but only the keenest of eyes can pick out sisters Jocie and Katie L tearing up Interhouse Cross Country. Some forget about Abby S’s tournament winning snag in the 2019 Interhouse Ultimate Frisbee finals, as she tiptoed the line to push Mack/Ellis on to their three-peat.

Few would remember David L’s buzzer beating layup in his 9th grade year, to seal the deal on Interhouse basketball – his first contribution of many to Ellis/Mack’s future glory.

Though Rogers/Allard will put up a fight in anything rowing related – thanks to having half of the senior mens and womens crews – or any competition that has Emily N running, or Chloe C racewalking. And Privett/Hope will apply pressure in public speaking and debate led by Sean R, Kennedy M, and Ian V. It can be assumed that Alex/Whittall are sure to put together some smashing airband performances choreographed and organized by Captain of Dance Alice S, and the always impressive Noel “ACLs are overrated” P, however, nobody quite stacks up to the improv genius of Julian B, or the racquet skills of siblings Henry and Maya V, or brothers Erik and Oscar L on the tennis and squash courts respectively.

My point is that it is not a one-sided affair. It is not our seniors carrying our juniors – or vice versa. There is balance. There is teamwork. There is passion. There is victory.

Look out Brentwood, it’s coming home.

Jack NG, Ellis ‘21

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