Col Allsop arrived at Sydney University in 1968 from Sydney High School to study Economics. At his his school Col had come under the eye of famous Coach Eric Longley and even before he had started at University Eric had introduced Col to SUBC. Col was a gifted sportsman at school, representing in athletics, rugby and rowing. His rowing career at SUBC spanned three two Intervarsity eights and three season of club rowing including winning the NSW Junior Eight with SUBC in 1968.
In the photo above Col is rowing in the five seat in the Combined Universities Eight of 1969-70 between Pete Hoban and Bryan Curtin.
Following the 70-71 Championships Col took up rugby again with his local club Randwick and was selected as a regular first grader and later as a junior Wallaby.
In the late seventies Col headed to Italy to play the last of his rugby.
Around this time most of us at SUBC lost touch as Col spent most of the rest of his life overseas.
After two brief marriages Col settled with his third wife Mary in St Louis where over the last seventeen years they have raised four daugthers.
Col became a keen masters rower and was training when he died in late September. Col leaves his wife Mary and four daughters and eldest daughter Tara from his earlier marriage.
Those alumni who rowed with Col have expressed in the last week the enjoyment he brought to rowing with them. A man of few words who enjoyed life was in the words of Rob Hampshire a “gentle giant”.
Colin’s family have set up a scholarship fund to help with the education of his four daughters. If any alumni can help with a contribution they are asked to contact Chris Noel at “chris@tnw.com.au”
A gathering of family and friends was held last Saturday at Randwick Rugby Club to remember Col on what would have been his fifty fourth birthday.
Today , Sunday 25th October Col’s ashes will be scattered off his local beach, Coogee by the local surf Club in accordance with his wishes.