By Ryan Low
The best and biggest event of the rowing calendar has just passed. Our top-notch rowing teams have made the Black and White proud competing in the 128th AAGPS Head of the River. They were supported by our Year 9s, 10s and 12s, ably led by the 1st XVI, screaming their lungs out to ensure their success.
But why is this event significant?
The AAGPS Head of the River is the final race of the GPS Summer Sport calendar. It dates back to 1893, 132 years ago, when SHORE and Sydney Grammar raced on the Parramatta River. Newington College entered the regatta (rowing racing event) for the first time in 1921, where our 1st VIII (highest crew) won on debut, earning the Major Rennie Trophy in their first of what was to become many victories.
Newington’s 1st VIII, 1932, which won their race.
The regatta itself has seen many location changes over the years. Since inception in 1893 until 1935, it was held on the Parramatta River, which still hosts regattas for our lower crews to this day. From 1936 to 1996, it was held on the Nepean River, finishing near the Nepean Bridge. It is currently held on the waters of the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC), Penrith.
A view of the SIRC Bridge
Annually, we send our Senior VIIIs, Senior IVs (both Yr 11s and 12s) and Junior VIIIs (Yr 10s) to thunder down the 2000m course. Special mention goes to our 1st VIII comprising Oscar McConnell, Harrison Veitch, Freddy Longcroft, Toby Denton (Deputy Senior Prefect), Charles Auld, Zac de Hennin, Mika Koskela (Vice Captain of Boats) Aidan Chandler (Captain of Boats) and Blake Dewhurst (Coxswain), as well as their coach Mr Jenkins. We also thank and appreciate all Year 12 rowers for their dedication to the sport and their efforts in their final race representing the school.
Year 7-9 also participates in rowing, with years 8 & 9 racing on Saturdays. As mentioned, these races are held on Hen and Chicken Bay on the Parramatta River in a 1000m course. The College has a proud history of producing great results in these year groups, sitting at the moment on 4th in the GPS Schools. The upper years, especially the current Junior VIIIs (Year 10s) have had incredible performances in Years 8 and 9, and our current Year 8 3rd, Year 9 2nd, and Year 9 4th Quads recently won their last races of the season.
On the day itself, we saw some commanding performances, especially from our 1st IV who placed second! Congratulations to Mitchell Smit, Jed Robertson, Jasper Pattinson, Liam Mitchell-Zancanaro and Oliver Eason (Coxswain).
And to all the rowers involved, you have certainly made the Wyvern proud, and your commitment, desire and intent was evident in every stroke. Against some very tough competition, you held your own and did your absolute best.
What a way to end the season! Well done!
The podium-placing 1st IV in action. Photo by Finn McGuire
Aidan Chandler, Captain of Boats. Photo by Ryan Low
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