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​​​​​​Enjoy this excerpt from Light Dark Blue: 150 Years of learning and leadership at Brisbane Grammar School.​

“The School dominated GPS Tennis from 1963 to 1986. As well as boys' historical love of the game of tennis, dating from Headmaster Reginald Roe's era, other factors were at play in this sport's halcyon period, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s when the School won the premiership 16 times in 17 years.​ Leading up to this period, Roy Emerson (student 1952–53) captained the First IV GPS premiership team in 1953, was named the School's Tennis singles champion in 1952 and champion athlete in 1953. A member of the 1959 Davis Cup team, he later won mixed doubles at Wimbledon and a total of 12 major singles titles and 16 major doubles titles. His success on the international stage inspired boys' performances at school during the 1960s. Geoff Masters (student 1964 – 67), another future Wimbledon winner and Davis Cup representative, was named the School's Tennis singles champion in three successive years (1965–67) and played in three GPS premiership teams then as well.

“Alan Jones (staff 1963–69) coached the School's premiership Tennis teams from 1963. He taught French and English, and also coached rugby and athletics. 'His enthusiasm and knowledge of the game largely helped to mould us into a premiership side', wrote the undefeated premiership team members of 1963, Drew Hutton, Geoffrey Hyland, Alan Fuller and Richard Anderson. Their efforts were rewarded with sports colours. Some boys who were coached by Alan Jones were greatly influenced by him and enjoyed the accolades from peers as winners. His outstanding success at coaching teams to coveted GPS premierships is revered, and he is welcomed warmly as a guest speaker at special Old Boy events."

​For more fascinating BGS history, click here to get your copy of Light Dark Blue: 150 Years of learning and leadership at Brisbane Grammar School.​