SPARROW, Edward Rogers (1847-1918)Edward Sparrow in the anecdotal histories of the College is usually cited as the first student enrolled at the College in 1861. He would have been about 13 at the time. Unfortunately, there are no enrolment records for this period and his enrolment status appears uncertain. He does however appear in the 1862 Annual Prize List as coming 2nd in Arithmetic in the 4th Class that year which certainly confirms his attendance at the College. For several years in the early 1900s he presented a Special Prize to the dux students of the various 4th Forms.
Pegasus described him as extremely popular and
‘always present at the ordinary College functions, and many generations of boys will remember with pleasure the kindly way in which he used to mingle with the ‘nippers’ and indulged in a ‘Chirp’ from his perch’ .
One of the more notable athletic trophies over the years was the
E R Sparrow Cup which was donated by his son, William Edward Sparrow (1891-1966) in 1919 and named in Edward Sparrow's memory. It was awarded as the Under 14 Athletics Prize in a similar process to the more well-known Geelong College Cup which was the penultimate College Athletics award. It was awarded on the basis of a cumulative points score in four events. These were the 100 yards; the 220 yards; Long Jump; and High Jump.
Edward's parents were Joseph Wheeler Sparrow, a carrier, and his wife Jane nee Bruce. He was born at Geelong on 5 July 1847, married Annie Maria Wilson in 1882 and died at East Melbourne on 1 October 1918. He became a notable auctioneer in Geelong. His son, William Edward Sparrow was also educated at Geelong College.
Sources: Pegasus June 1909 pp30, 32-34; Pegasus December 1918 p3.