Sporting 'Jack-of-all-trades'

Sporting 'Jack-of-all-trades' - for 40 years

By Jonathan Leask November 5 2011

Mark Gleason has been in charge of Ashburton College sports teams for 40 years.

His service to sport saw him awarded a longevity award this week at the Aoraki sports awards.
GleasonTM

Originally hailing from New York, Gleason started his association with Ashburton College back in 1971, and his American influences had him drawn to basketball and softball.
"I had always had a lot to do with basketball and baseball, and I was also into athletics.
"But at Ashburton College they already had a number of athletics coaches," Gleason said.
"A lot of coaches pick up a team and work with them through the age groups, but I was a little different.
"I was a bit of a jack of all trades or dogsbody coach, and took whatever team I could when I could."
Looking back, Gleason had trouble pinpointing the highlights from 40 years worth of sporting memories.
"Forty years is a long time.
"I guess your best memories come from when you first start and it was all fresh, new and exciting.
"But as time goes on it all starts to blur together.
"I'm honoured that I have been able to contribute to the development of so many kids over my time."

Pictured: Ashburton College sport has been a juggling act for Mark Gleason for 40 years.

Photo Tetsuro Mitomo