Rowing Report

Those students who committed to the college's rowing programme this season have once again shone a light on the high calibre of what has continued to be a hugely successful programme. Consistent back-to-back performances by the BU15 4X+ saw the boys take out the bronze medal at the South Island Club Championships and the silver medal at South Island Schools. The BU15 8+ managed to place for the first time since 2006 at South Island Clubs, taking home the bronze medal and instilling a newfound inspiration for STC's Maadi Cup aspirations. The highlight of the season was, of course, the BU18 N2X combination of Angus Lucas and Johnny McArdle who, having placed second at the South Island Club regatta, came back for vengeance at South Island Schools and took home the gold medal, joining a long line of former STC rowers who have achieved top South Island success. The national champs were of course cancelled, and any hopes of further success were dashed, however, most of the boys have returned for the new season with a more determined approach to their training and the sport as well, which continues to be one of the most rewarding disciplines at the college.

This year's Maadi Cup would have marked the 10th Year Anniversary of the College's first-ever National Title for Rowing. Ten years ago, the BU18 4X+ combination of Nathan Flannery, Campbell Stewart, Gerrard Radburnd, Joshua Tansey and coxswain, Matthew Radburnd produced the best result ever achieved by a St Thomas' crew, claiming gold at the National Champs, and cementing their names in STC Rowing history. At the same regatta, Flannery and Stewart claimed bronze in their double, while Tansey produced a stellar of a race coming through to secure the silver medal in the BU17 1X. Coached by Mr Paddy Dowling, this team's successes continue to serve as the ultimate goal for every student who rows for the College.

A big thanks as always to our coaches and former old boys, Messrs Alex Coulthard, Benjamin Wright, Joshua Dent and Joshua Kelly as well as former NZ Colts coach, Mr Pat McQuinn. A big thank you as well, to our teaching staff and Parent Committee who continue to make the sport a reality at STC.

We look forward to the coming season and all the successes yet to come.

Mr. Tennent and Mr. Ryan.

2019-20 Season results:

South Island Club Championships:

BRONZE BU15 8+ (S.) P. Kelly, S. Jackson, J. Farrow, J. McArdle, C. Dixon, X. Anisy, C. Page, J. Wassell +Cox H.Lovrich

BRONZE BU15 4X+ (S.) P. Kelly, J. Farrow, J. McArdle, S. Jackson +Cox J. Mullally

SILVER BU18 N2X (S.) A. Lucas, J. McArdle

South Island Secondary Schools Championships:

SILVER BU15 4X+ (S.) P. Kelly, J. Farrow, J. McArdle, S. Jackson +Cox J. Mullally

GOLD BU18 N2X (S.) A. Lucas, J. McArdle

Rowers capped for the season-ending 2020:

Angus Lucas - GOLD BU18 N2X

Johnny McArdle - GOLD BU18 N2X