AHEAD of tomorrow’s annual Head of the Lake regatta between secondary schools, Ballarat High School’s rowing club isn’t dwelling on the pandemic’s training interruptions.
Participation numbers are up at the BHS rowing shed, which director Rob Simmonds said is a place of positivity, encouragement, and promising young talent.
“We’ve got massive numbers, and more crews than we’ve had in the last couple of years. This year, the focus is ‘let’s enjoy ourselves, learn and develop our skills’,” he said.
“We’ve got six year 10 girls crews, and five year 10 boys crews. That’s the most we can remember having. The signs for the future are good.
“2021 has been about having fun and keeping them engaged. This year’s a success if we turn up next season and the kids sign back up.”
The top open crews, facing Ballarat’s division one pool over two kilometres, are looking to achieve personal best times on Friday, and to make BHS proud.
Open boys’ firsts coach Patrick Hawkes said the goal for this Head of the Lake has “never been about winning.”
“We understand we’re all coming back next year. We’re hoping to put ourselves in a good position to be competitive in the future,” he said.
Open girls’ firsts co-coach Olivia Spagnolo said tomorrow’s results aren’t what matter most.
“Regardless of what happens, I hope they’ll feel confident, equally excited and nervous, give it their best, and be happy with how they row,” she said.
Mr Simmonds gave the “standout” year 10 division three girls a shout-out.
“They have a great bond. They’ve set their own additional challenges and weights training to better themselves. That’s the attitude you want in your top crews,” he said.
“There’s good resilience and potential here. I’m really excited for 2022 and 2023 at the shed.”
Open Girls Firsts: Jayde Condon, Emma Phillips, Taryn Bigham, Tia Broad and cox Claudia Ellis are coached by Rob Simmonds and Olivia Spagnolo. Photos: EDWINA WILLIAMS
Open Boys Firsts: Liam Burnham, Oliver Frangos, Liam Evans, Ruardih MacDonald and cox Tanika Smith are coached by Patrick Hawkes. Photos: EDWINA WILLIAMS
Stroke, Liam Burnham (year 11)
“We have set goals which we are hoping we can achieve during the race. We want to finish faster than all the division two boys’ times, and cross the finish line in under six minutes and 30 seconds.”
Three seat, Oliver Frangos (year 11)
“This last year, and this season of training, has been totally interrupted for us. We’ve had multiple injuries and some setbacks because of COVID, but we’re still excited to see what we can do on Friday, working together.”
Two seat, Liam Evans (year 11)
“It doesn’t matter what happens for us at Head of the Lake this year, we should all be really proud of what we’ve been able to achieve as a crew. We’re looking ahead to rowing in year 12 in 2022.”
Bow, Ruardih MacDonald (year 11)
“We’ve not been rowing as a crew for long, so our focus is togetherness on the day… and we’d love to beat our rivals next door, Grammar. We’re hoping all the work we’ve put in will pay off for us.”
Coxswain, Tanika Smith (year 11)
“It’s my second year coxing a division one crew, although I coxed girls last year. The environment and boys’ approach are different, but I enjoy it. I’m nervous before racing, but I know they’ve worked hard, so they’ll be fine.”
Stroke, Jayde Condon (year 12)
“I’ve been rowing for five years. I enjoy the feeling of the boat moving smoothly. I like the adrenaline of rowing, performing under pressure, and how physically demanding it is. I’m excited for my last Head of the Lake.”
Three seat, Emma Phillips (year 11)
“It’s been difficult to train, especially in the pre-season, with the limited time we’ve had due to COVID, but we’ve all tried our hardest to get the work done. We’ve put so much effort in to get to Friday. We want to make it count.”
Two seat, Taryn Bigham (year 11)
“Friday will be very enjoyable, but there’s a lot of pressure considering the competition we’re up against. We’re the smallest physical crew in the division, but we have big hearts. We’ll be working towards a PB.”
Bow, Tia Broad (year 11)
“We’re like a mini family; very comfortable with each other. I hope everyone has fun, has a positive mindset, enjoys their time on the water, and we all push ourselves hard so we can achieve our personal best time.”
Coxswain, Claudia Ellis (year 9)
“My sister, Ingrid, is the two-seat in Clarendon’s division one crew. We might have some eye-contact up at the start. That competition motivates me. It would be great if we keep up with them on Friday.”
