Where are they now? Clinton Aitken

This issue we check in with former SMRC Stand out Clinton Aitken!

Clinton Aitken played wing and fullback for SMRC on some very successful sides where he made his mark as hard running and evasive score trying back. He lives in Otatara, a suburb of Invercragil located at the very bottom of the South Island, NZ with his wife Melissa and three daughters Catalina, Jorja, Sequoia.  Clinton originally moved back to Christ Church, where he opened and operated Cobra Kayak and then spent three years with the company in Auckland. Clinton currently works for Fonterra, one of NZ largest companies as an Advanced Process Operator in milk treatment. The plant has a peak processing capacity of 15 million liters of milk per day.

Clinton has been competing in multi-sport races, where he competes in events that combine kayaking, running, and cycling. Most recently Clinton competed in the Speight’s Coast to Coast Race, the first multisport race in the world that traverses the South Island of New Zealand. (www.coasttocoast.co.nz) Clinton is also getting back into  rugby on a social level, while Melissa has her own personal training, aerobics, and boot camp business that keeps her active and everyone in the family fit.

SMRC Rugby Player Profile:

1. Name/Nick Name: Clint Aitken, “Beanie”

2. Family: Wife-Melissa, Daughters – Catalina, Jorja, Sequoia.

3. Birth Place: Stratford, Taranaki, New Zealand.

4. Profession/Employment:  Advanced Process Operator, Fonterra Dairy

5. Years Played with SMRC Rugby: 1996 – 2002, 6 years.

6. Playing position; Wing, Fullback, Center

7. Most respected team-mates: All team mates, have made life long friends thru playing rugby, especially from my time playing for Santa Monica.

8. Most respected opponent: Anyone whom can get around me, lol. Too many to list, had some great battles with Tempe, Salty, Matt Dallow, John cody etc, I respect all opponents who play hard, fair and give it there all.
9. Most memorable rugby achievement: Selected for Southern Cal for 1997 ITT’s and starting the final against Mid West. Being invited to play game of 7’s at half time of NFL game in Phoenix AZ in front of 55,000 people.
10. Most embarrassing moment in rugby: While playing 7’s in Taranak, I was knocked out. When I came to and was asked my name and I said “Gregory” and asked “Where’s my car I think it has been stolen.”