Reviving an “ancient” Whitefield tradition, the Latin Chariot Races were held on Tuesday morning, May 10, in the quad during Tuesday Rally. Upper School Latin teacher Trevor Moore announced the event and Eve Marks was the starter. Spectators in the crowd cheered as chariot team Ice, driven by Joseph Schwartz (10th) and pulled by Jordan Saibu (11th) and Coleman Miller (10th) won the event in a second heat with a time of 22.15 seconds. Within a few tenths of a second, Team Jordans, driven by Noah Howard (9th) and pulled by Jordan Howard (9th) and Matt Soud (9th), came in second place. Freshmen West Peterson and Robert Matherne pulled a sleek, efficient chariot, driven by classmate Sherina Thomas. Just before reaching the finish line, however, the pullers unintentionally dumped Sherina in the grass (a fall from which she fully recovered). Caesar’s Salad, led by charioteer Michael McCarthy (10th) and pulled by Jack Charles (10th) and Brooks Merkle (10th) , made a valiant effort. With great speed, as they prepared to enter the last turn, there was a “wheel malfunction” and Michael hit the grass. The chariot was later carried over the finish line, in the style of the Roman litter with litter bearers.
The “Circus Minimus” race track was marked off with cones around the Quad near Morris Hall, allowing
spectators to gather on and under the balcony for great views. Ansleigh Brown organized a “bread dole” during the races, an ancient Roman custom of rulers in an attempt to please the mob.
Juniors Robert Boyd, Mitchell Ryan, Chip Soud, Carson Brown, and Jimmy McCarthy provided iPhone based timing – the best yet in Rome!
The winning driver was crowned with a traditional laurel wreath and the winning team received gift cards to Chick fil-A. Chariot race participants received a cold soft drink or lemonade, saving them a trip to the drink machine.
Special thanks to Coach Timothy Unsicker for providing the audio equipment set-up and allowing the races to take place during Tuesday Rally.