Meet the athletes

Rugby union, men's

Name: Josh Britton

Institution: Sheffield Hallam University

Course: Physical Education and School Sport

Year of study: third

What does Varsity mean to you?

The Oath is important to all participants in Varsity. In terms of rugby, there are similar links with the core values it holds. It's important to stick with these and to show respect and sportsmanship to our opponents. As always, rugby union is a game about respect and enjoyment.

Tell us a funny story from one of your training sessions

Someone forgot the bibs one time, and we had to go shirt and skins, too many unhappy rigs were on show.

Rugby union, women's

Name: Ellie Williams

Institution: The University of Sheffield

Course: Biomedical Science

Year of study: fourth

What does Varsity mean to you?

Varsity is a time where you really feel the Black and Gold community come together to support each other and celebrate each other's achievements. The variety of sports involved is just amazing and Sheffield's Varsity is like no other. Our team is so proud to represent our university in such an exciting competition.

Message to the spectators

On the pitch, hearing cheers from the side-lines makes a world of difference. Thank you so much for turning up and showing your support!

Equestrian

Name: Tinky Morris

Institution: Institute of Education

Course: BA (Hons) Primary Education 5–11 with QTS

Year of study: second

Which Varsity match are you most looking forward to watching?

Definitely ice hockey. It's so exciting and the atmosphere is incredible.

Message to the spectators

Turn up and have fun! Varsity is a great way to experience sports you wouldn't usually watch so get to as many as you can!

Golf

Name: Alex Bacon

Institution: University of Sheffield

Course: Chemical Engineering

Year of study: third

What does Varsity mean to you?

Representing the University of Sheffield and proving that you're the best team in Sheffield, taking part in the university collective spirit and playing together.

Why is the Varsity Oath important to you?

The Varsity Oath is important because it stands for playing with true sportsmanship whether you win or lose and understanding that you aren't just representing your university, but sport as a whole.

Basketball

Name: Shinade Walters

Institution: University of Sheffield

Course: Economics

What does Varsity mean to you?

A couple of weeks where sport is an enormous focus uni-wide. Where every athlete has the same goal and opponent! We are all a small part of a huge team during Varsity.

Tell us a funny story from one of your training sessions

Our coaches are getting used to using our nicknames constantly. So watching them occasionally call a player multiple names and sometimes making up a few of their own is always entertaining.

Football, women's

Name: Georgia Harris

Institution: Sheffield Hallam University

Course: PE and School Sport

Year of study: third

Which Varsity match are you most looking forward to watching?

Being part of football the obvious buzz is around the Hillsborough final but I always look forward to Sports Park Day.

Message to the spectators

Be as loud as you can, Hallam need to get the cup back this year and we need everyone behind us.

Football, men's

Name: James Juster

Institution: University of Sheffield

Course: BA History

Year of study: third

Which Varsity match are you most looking forward to watching?

Men's football final at Hillsborough.

Why is the Varsity Oath important to you?

The Varsity Oath ensures that Varsity between the University of Sheffield and Hallam is played in good spirit. There is no doubt the rivalry is intense, however, the Oath ensures this rivalry does not exceed that and sportsmanship prevails.

Athletics

Name: Ellie Richardson

Institution: Sheffield Hallam University

Course: MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology

Year of study: fourth

What does Varsity mean to you?

Community, excitement, unity. It's a great event that brings the whole university together to support and encourage fellow students, whilst displaying a lot of hard work and commitment from students and coaches to perform at such a popular event.

Which Varsity match are you most looking forward to watching?

Sports Park Day.

Netball

Name: Emma Davies

Institution: University of Sheffield

Course: Psychology

Year of study: third

Which Varsity match are you most looking forward to watching?

The boxing! I've never been before but I've heard that the atmosphere there is like no other and I can't wait.

What is your favourite Varsity memory?

Netball twos Varsity match 2017. We were at an eight goal deficit with five minutes left until the final whistle. We managed to regain control of the game and bring it back to win by two goals. The atmosphere was insane!

Squash

Name: Omar Badr

Institution: University of Sheffield

Course: Mechanical Engineering

Year of study: third

What does Varsity mean to you?

Varsity is my opportunity to portray my sense of belonging to the University of Sheffield.

Why is the Varsity Oath important to you?

It reminds us all that Varsity is all about sportsmanship. And that as much as we have to give our all for our team, we have to show respect to the opposition.

American football

Name: Jay Shelton-Davidson

Institution: Sheffield Hallam University

Course: Aerospace Engineering

Year of study: third

Why is the Varsity Oath important to you?

I think it encompasses the best qualities about university sport. A healthy rivalry that means a lot to everyone who takes part, work your very hardest for those that are on the field with you and those are supporting you. Having the respect for those that are opposite you and being proud to represent your university.

Message to the spectators

We've played each other twice this year and have won a game each so a series decider is now our Varsity game also, just for a bit extra riding on it.

American football

Name: Mofifoluwa Jaiyebo

Institution: University of Sheffield

Course: Politics and Philosophy

Year of study: fourth

Which Varsity match are you most looking forward to watching?

Probably lacrosse, I've never watched it before and I've heard it's always a good atmosphere.

What is your favourite Varsity memory?

My favourite memory would have to be during our Varsity game in my second year, I recovered a fumble by Hallam. I stood up and ran towards the side-line with the ball in hand and heard nothing but the whole of the University of Sheffield crowd shouting and cheering. It's a memory that will stay with me for a very long time.

Hockey

Name: Claudia James

Institution: University of Sheffield

Course: Geography

Year of study: third

Why is the Varsity Oath important to you?

It sets a competitive environment that you're proud to represent your university in. Whether you win or lose, sportsmanship is key to a successful Varsity, both on and off the pitch.

Message to the spectators

To get as involved as they can, all players hugely appreciate the support on the side.

Cricket

Name: Apoorva Aji

Institution: University of Sheffield

Course: Medicine

Year of study: third

Which Varsity match are you most looking forward to watching?

Football, it's going to be a huge event!

What is your favourite Varsity memory?

Beating Hallam last year in cricket! It was the greatest day of my university experience.

Climbing

Name: Jim Pope

Institution: Sheffield Hallam University

Course: Sport and Exercise Science

Year of study: first

Which Varsity match are you most looking forward to watching?

Ice hockey

Why is the Varsity Oath important to you?

It represents all the principles of sport so is important in all competition, it ensures fair play and keeps it fun.

Wheelchair basketball

Name: Joy Haizelden

Institution: University of Sheffield

Course: Health and Human Science

Year of study: first

What does Varsity mean to you?

It's great because you get to compete against some of the best from Sheffield Hallam.

Why is the Varsity Oath important to you?

It's important to me because we can be competitive but also fair to others.

Trampolining

Name: Coral Pillar

Institution: Sheffield Hallam University

Course: Sport Studies

Year of study: third

What does Varsity mean to you?

Varsity means that we have a chance to showcase our sport to the rest of Sheffield.

Tell us a funny story from one of your training sessions

Our head coach surprised us with a Zumba warm up and no one had a clue what was going on.

Ice hockey, women's

Name: Jade Wheeler

Institution: University of Sheffield

Course: MA Social Work

Year of study: second

Which Varsity match are you most looking forward to watching?

Without being biased, ice hockey firsts! However I am looking forward to the American football and rugby fixtures too!

What is your favourite Varsity memory?

Selling out the arena for the first time was pretty amazing!

Ice hockey, men's

Name: Tom Moffitt

Institution: Sheffield Hallam University

Course: MSc Building Surveying

Year of study: third

What does Varsity mean to you?

It means a lot seeing the student base active and competing in meaningful competition against rivals and friends.

Lacrosse

Name: Ben MacKellar

Institution: University of Sheffield

Course: Bioengineering

Year of study: third

Which Varsity match are you most looking forward to watching?

Men's first team lacrosse.

Why is the Varsity Oath important to you?

It allows for a respectful showcase at high levels of competition, whilst meaning Hallam must be gracious in defeat.

Boxing

Name: Alex Fraser

Institution: University of Sheffield

Course: Business Management

Year of study: second

Why is the Varsity Oath important to you?

Because it represents the true meaning of sports. To do something you love but to remember, that once the competition is over, your competitor no matter what their gender, race or sexuality, is exactly like you. Just there to do their best and win or lose we should respect that!

What is your favourite Varsity memory?

Tough one! I'd have to say seeing my friends compete in their sports. It's great seeing the look on their faces when they know they've done well.

Cycling

Name: Sarah Higginson

Institution: University of Sheffield

Course: Medicine

Year of study: third

What does Varsity mean to you?

Team spirit, hard graft, fierce yet friendly competition and black and yellow face paint.

Message to the spectators

Cheering makes a Varsity event – give it your all!

Korfball

Name: Jordan Singh

Institution: University of Sheffield

Course: Civil and Structural Engineering

Year of study: second

What does Varsity mean to you?

It gives clubs a chance to showcase the skills developed throughout the year.

Message to the spectators

Everyone is welcome to show support for their team. All we ask is that everyone is respectful to the opponents.

Volleyball

Name: Eva Borrowdale

Institution: Sheffield Hallam University

Course: Events Management with Experiential Marketing

Year of study: second

What does Varsity mean to you?

It's a chance to compete, but mostly Varsity brings a sense of unity within the university.

Message to the spectators

Enjoy every minute of watching sport and being part of a community. Wherever you can, join in and get involved!

Ultimate Frisbee

Name: Hope Williams

Institution: University of Sheffield

Course: Bioengineering

Year of study: third

What does Varsity mean to you?

Ultimate is a rather unique sport in the sense that it is self-referred, and therefore after each match both teams come together to discuss how the game went with regards to fair-play. It has become a sort of women's tradition that we bake cake for each other to enjoy in our discussion. This closeness and friendship we have developed with Hallam is what makes Varsity special to me.

Tell us a funny story from one of your training sessions

One of our players did a demo of a drill for the whole squad. Unfortunately his shorts weren't tied tight enough and so an otherwise impressive floor dive left him a little embarrassed as he flashed the team.

Badminton

Name: Matt Tung

Institution: Sheffield Hallam University

Course: Sports Technology

Year of study: third

Why is the Varsity Oath important to you?

The Varsity Oath is important to me as fair play allows players to showcase their talent and skills.

Message to the spectators

If you want to watch a fast paced game and some massive smashes from yours truly, badminton is the event to come to.

Rugby league

Name: Milan Patel

Institution: University of Sheffield

Course: Accounting and Financial Management

Year of study: first

What does Varsity mean to you?

Varsity is the most important game of the year, a high pressure derby match with each team having a true desire to come away with the win. An opportunity for each team member to represent their university in front of their own peers.

Which Varsity match are you most looking forward to watching?

Football!

Table Tennis

Name: Amy Humphreys

Institution: University of Sheffield

Course: Biomedical Science

Year of study: second

Why is the Varsity Oath important to you?

Despite it being a fun competition, sportsmanship and respect keep it competitive and meaningful.

Message to the spectators

Come watch us play at EIS and see what competitive table tennis is all about!

Skiing

Name: Jay Shelton-Davidson

Institution: Sheffield Hallam University

Course: Business Studies

Year of study: second

What is your favourite Varsity memory?

In Val D'Isere we won the skiing racing Varsity in a close finish! With Shu Snow charging up the hill to congratulate all of us, followed by aprés with the Varsity cup.

Message to the spectators

Have fun! And respect the other spectators.

Skiing

Name: Frankie Dimambro-Denson

Institution: University of Sheffield

What does Varsity mean to you?

So much, I love the competitiveness and there's always a brilliant atmosphere around campus seeing everyone's support wearing black and gold!

Message to the spectators

Come and watch, support and cheer our incredible athletes, they've trained so hard and would love your support in their matches!

Snowboarding

Name: Alex Tapply

Institution: University of Sheffield

Course: Economics and Politics

Year of study: third

What does Varsity mean to you?

It's an awesome experience getting to compete on behalf of the university, especially with Snow Sports where on the Ashes 2 Alps Trip we get to score the first points of Varsity each year.

What is your favourite Varsity memory?

Competing in the snowboarding racing in my first year of uni, it was some of the first snow sports competing I'd done and gave me the buzz to do more of it.