More than any other staff member, Warren Boden was responsible for the growth of hockey at Jeppe. Numerous of his proteges received provincial and national schoolboy honours. Several went on to don the green and gold at senior level.

 

The Boden era began in 1968 and continued through to 1987. As the 1990 school magazine put it:  "The name Warren Boden will always be associated with Jeppe hockey because of the course he plotted for the sport at the school."

 

We were privileged that Warren was able officially to open the Astro Turf three years ago. He has received recognition beyond the confines of the school. He was for many years a stalwart of schoolboy hockey in South Africa. As a mark of recognition, the S Gauteng U16 Knockout Hockey Cup is named in his honour.

 

Warren did far more for Jeppe boys than teach them hockey, as this quotation from a report in 1982 will attest: “What have you learnt from being associated with Jeppe Hockey? Hopefully the ability to win and lose with equally good grace; The vital importance of team work, team spirit, and sportsmanship; The opportunity to make and cement lasting friendships; An understanding of rules and their necessity; The benefits of healthy physical activity; The rewards to be gained for hard work put in to develop skills and techniques; And finally, a healthy self-respect and self-image due to personal success achieved through one’s own dedication and with the assistance of one’s team mates.” These are ideals to which we will hopefully continue to aspire.

 

It is a great honour for the school today to be able to name our magnificent Astro facility after such a great teacher, hockey coach and mentor of boys.