THERE will be bagpipes, drums and thousands of cheering schoolboys – and three rowing crews from The Armidale School will be drawing on this unique atmosphere at the GPS Head of the River at the Sydney International Regatta Centre on Saturday.
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“The progress through the season has been phenomenal and we’re all raring to go,” said captain of boats Henry Hughes, who after coxing crews at four previous Heads of the River is this year pulling a sweep oar.
He added: “The atmosphere makes it the most significant sporting event on the GPS calendar and we will all be using that to motivate us to finish as strongly as we can.
“The crews have done everything in their capacity to get their boats going as fast and efficiently as possible, and everyone’s ready to the take to the water and battle it out.”
Rowing coordinator Will Caldwell said the season could already be considered a success, by the measure of the progress of the rowers and the relationships they have formed. “Every year our rowers are more diverse yet more connected, a reflection of their unity forged with a common purpose,” he said.
While illness had impacted on the final preparations of the rowers, including a late-minute replacement of one rower diagnosed with glandular fever, Caldwell said their camaraderie and resilience was inspiring.
“There have been some challenges and while I wouldn’t wish those on any of them, they are positive experiences in terms of character development. If they can have their best row of the season on the day, they should be well satisfied,” he said.