The Somerset rowing crews shone through at the South Queensland Schools rowing championships last weekend, with more than 60 students gaining four gold, five silver and three bronze medals at Wyaralong Dam near Beaudesert. The regatta was confronted with varied weather conditions from thick fog to thunderstorms to at times, perfect.
The Year 9 Boy's Quad Scull showed their strength taking victory in their 1000 metre race, closely followed by a fast finishing Varsity College crew in second. In third was Kenmore State High and placing fourth, the second Somerset crew.
The Boy’s open eight won the final race of the regatta, beating Trinity Lutheran College. Declan Thew stepped out of his bronze medal row in the single scull to join the senior boys in their victory.
Jade Mansell made a triumphant return from the German trip, teaming up with Katherine Plume to take out the girl’s Year 11 pair. The girls raced as a pair for the first time in the event which is commonly known in rowing as the most difficult boat to row, as each rower has only an oar. Katherine had a massive weekend of racing, making the final in seven events.
It was fantastic to see the youngest Somerset crews also tasting success. The Year 8 girl’s double scull combination of Miku Adachi and Emma Wilson scored a silver medal. Not to be left out, the Boy’s Year 8 Quad Scull combination of Josh Mills, Cruz Pearson, Fergus McKeon, Cameron Smith and Austin Macrossan also claimed a silver medal in their event. Fergus and Cruz also narrowly missing third place in their double scull to join four other Somerset crews in fourth place for in the final.
It was a busy and long weekend for the rowers. The racing was scheduled to start 8.00am on Saturday with the final race held at sundown, Sunday evening.
I would like to extend many thanks to rowing coach and bus driver Mr Nick McKinnon, who drove the bus early each morning and was tireless in his help to all students. Also thanks to the parents who continue to provide their unrelenting support, especially those who helped set up the Somerset tents before the regatta.
The rowers will now prepare for the final two regattas of the season, the Gold Coast Open Schools Regatta and Queensland Schools Rowing Championships, to be held at the end of Term 3.
Boy's Year 9 Quad Scull: Leo Xin, Samuel Liu, Chester Whiting, Anthony McKenna, Cox: Jackson Fifield
Girls' Year 11 Pair: Jade Mansell, Katherine Plume
Boy's Open Eight: Blake Mills, Aidan McKeon, Marc Eksteen, Declan Thew, Maximilien Jeaneret-Gris, Ryan McClure, Lachie Munro, Lorenz Muhlbauer, Cox: Alexander Taylor-Girdler
Boy's Open Pair: Maximilien Jeaneret-Gris, Lorenz Muhlbauer
Boy's Year 10 Quad Scull: Julius Wright, Thomas McKenna, Joe Lanham, Declan Thew, Cox: Alexander Taylor-Girdler
Boy's Year 11 Four: Blake Mills, Lachie Munro, Marc Eksteen, Aidan McKeon, Cox: Alexander Taylor-Girdler
Boy's Year 10 Double Scull: Joe Lanham, Declan Thew
Boy's Year 8 Quad Scull: Josh Mills, Cruz Pearson, Fergus McKeon, Cameron Smith, Cox: Austin Macrossan
Girl's Year 8 Double Scull: Miku Adachi, Emma Wilson
Boy's Year 11 Pair: Blake Mills, Aidan McKeon
Boy's Year 11 Quad Scull: Blake Mills, Aidan McKeon, Marc Eksteen, Lachie Munro, Cox: Jackson Fifield
Boy's Under 16 Single Scull: Declan Thew
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