ROWERS from The Armidale School have returned from the Taree Summer Regatta with great success, bringing home medals in several events.
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Four crews from the school participated in the annual event.
The 20 rowers competed in both sweep (one oar per rower) and scull (two oars) events over different distances at the three day regatta on January 13-15, following a four day camp at nearby Oxley Island.
On the first day of racing and in the first event competed by TAS, the school’s girls’ crew came first in the women's C grade quad sculls (div 4) over 1000 metres, from five crews.
Later in the day the Second IV (boys) crossed in second place in the men’s C Grade quad scull over 1000m.
The next day saw the crews battle temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, softened only by a slight breeze on the water.
The First IV placed first overall in the men’s under 19 years Four over 2000m, with the Second IV coming second in their division of the event.
The bow ball of the First IV was also the first to cross the finish in the men’s C Grade coxed Four event over 1000m, with the Second IV coming second in their event and the Thirds, third in theirs.
Sam Cannington rowed a credible third place in the men’s D grade single scull (division 8).
On the final day of racing over 1000m, the three IVs competed in the men’s D grade coxed Four event, with the Firsts taking out the medal, the Seconds also winning their division, and the Third IV finished second in theirs. In the women’s D grade single scull event Olivia Fenwicke placed second.
During the regatta the rowers were honoured to have a visit from TAS rowing patrons, Old Boys Bob Crossman and John Childs (a coach with North Shore Rowing Club which was also competing) whose generosity helped get the TAS rowing program off the ground.
“It is exciting to see the combinations coming together; every session is viewed as an opportunity to refine technique and move the boat faster,” the school’s MIC Rowing Mr Will Caldwell said.
“Whilst it is always a thrill to win races the real satisfaction is seeing crews develop.”
Armidale Rowing Club also took a team to the event. Stephen Cotter, Cathrny McFarlane, Emily Stephenson, David Wright, Pat Swanson, Tim Rogers, Suzanne Wright, Maria Cotter and Cox: Jacqui Leichart competed in the Mixed Handicapped VIII race. Fourteen teams raced 1000 metres to compete for the prizemoney on offer. The University of Technology, Sydney’s team was first across the line to secure the $1000.
