In some ways, it seems no time at all since that group of promisingly huge, eager-eyed young men came into my classroom at the beginning of the Lent term, recognising each other as 'the squad' and wondering whether they could work up the collective enthusiasm for the training camp at half term! And yet, how many events, experiences and how much growing up has gone on since then! And what a doughty, robust and thoroughly likeable group they have become!
In some senses, looking back at our results, they might seem
disappointing, less good than might have been expected, given the sheer
size of each crew member, and the raw power that collectively they
represent. But these results do show two things! Firstly, that rowing is
a sport that takes time and commitment to build on and perfect, both
individually and is the group. And that secondly, sheer size isn't the
only element that counts, but the psychology that drives 'the beast' and
the ability to work together and focus as a group are even more vital.
That sheer desire to do well, to win, in a disciplined way, and the hard
work required behind the scenes to become competitive really only began
to emerge towards the end of the summer term. There is so much promise
to build on for next year - with new maturity, new coaches, a new
Director of Rowing and 'proper' training in Nantes - and a new boat?-
who knows what might not be achieved? Emotions have fluctuated with our
performances, though not always with our placings! - high points of the
year would include a great row at Bristol Docks, a steady Schools'
Head... and perhaps, the second race at Tewkesbury, which although we
didn't win, was much better rowed than the first! The low spots, for
what they're worth, would include Tonka's broken stretcher at Swindon (a
new boat again, please - ours is seventeen years old!) and certainly our
poor start at National Schools. Morale has remained good though, buoyed
by an excellent collective sense of humour! The crew have collectively
and individually made great strides forward, and have much to look back
on the with some pride and satisfaction! There is absolutely no doubt in
my mind, though, that with more time and more dependable material,
things could have been even better. The only way is up! A few words
about each crew member!
No 1 : Barney Kirk. Although he is forever telling us and drawing
attention to the fact that he is vertically challenged, we don't notice;
what we notice is his hard-work and his zany sense of humour, for he
does his best to take a full stroke, and those legs pack a strong punch!
There is lots more to come from him, and the Bow seat was just right for
his personality and skills.
No 2 : Will Sibley. What a thoroughly good-natured, quietly spoken young
oarsman he is, with loads of strength, a hunger to do well, and an
ability to listen and learn. He has a fine long stroke, and when he
keeps his head up and focuses on what's going on in front of him, can
row really well! He is truly the salt of the earth, great to work with!
No 3 : Toby Johnson. Surely the joker of the pack, Toby has reduced us
all to laughter and to tears since he joined the crew, always ready with
a quip and an answer for everything! He is massively tall, and has long
levers that should be put to good use! When he can focus, keep his head
up, and concentrate entirely on what's going on in front of him, he will
be a real force to be reckoned with! Great promise there!
No 4 : Benjamin Stockley. Here is a real stylist, lovely smooth flowing
action, and great reach. He has an acerbic wit, and a mercurial
disposition that can make working with him exciting! Certainly one of
the fittest in the crew, he invariably gives everything when he is
rowing. Of course, the crew knows that he is so strong, he breaks the
boat! Next season we will have to make sure that we have material that
can resist the drive of those muscles! Very well done!
No 5 : Benjamin Naseman. Ben has a reputation for always being last
whatever the crew is doing (not racing), but he makes up for it in every
way by his focus, concentration and hard work. As he develops more flow
in his stroke, his undoubted strength and fitness will be more
efficiently and effectively applied, and he will be an even more useful
to of our engine room!
No 6 : Stefan Horner. Stef is our gentle giant, taller than anyone else
in the crew (even Tonka, I think!) I think of him as the literal high
spot of the crew, with a style that is developing beautifully,
especially when he sits up straight, which is most of the time now!
Stefan is a peacemaker, who never argues but simply gets on with the
task in hand as hard as he is able. As his back strengthens, and with
maturity, he's going to be a superb oarsman.
No 7 Benjamin Mayhew. Ben is without doubt the strongest member of the
crew, with a real hunger for competitive success and a willingness to
throw every part of himself completely into shifting the boat as fast as
possible. As his blade technique and style develops, he will harness
every watt of that effort ever more effectively, and satisfyingly! I
always have the impression that he is trying to lift the boat along
himself, single-handed, and his effort has been quite remarkable! Keep
your head up, and you will be a wonderfully powerful oarsmen!
No 8 : Ed Merricks. In all my years coaching J15 crews, I have never had
a stroke who could take the rating up as far as Ed has! I think we have
seen 42 on several occasions, which is unprecedented! Ed has been
totally reliable and dependable throughout the season, and has done his
very best to send the right message down the crew. We have been working
at finding the optimum balance between rating and 'work', and Ed has
been vital as the brain of the crew in establishing that. When he sits
up straight and takes a full, long stroke, he is a most impressive
oarsman. A lot depends on him, and we are most grateful for what he has
given in these two terms! Well done!
Cox : George Pizzey has all the elements of a great cox! A good brain, a
good eye, an authoritative manner, light weight and a certain cheeky
bossiness! The authority occasionally results in him pursuing his own
agendas, but on the whole, he has been terrific this season, and will
undoubtedly develop into a most effective and successful cox in the
future. He has an engaging sense of humour, which when kept within
bounds, can really lift the crew morale. George is the eyes of the crew,
and its scourge! He has been effective in both directions! Well done.
There is absolutely no doubt at all in my mind, that with the excellent team spirit, the strength, willingness and application of each individual in this crew, they will eventually become a very very successful one. It is hard to have to wait, and is not fashionable to do things that take time to develop, but I know that if they listen, adapt, learn and keep trying, by the time they reach the First Eight, they could be record beaters! I have really enjoyed working with them, and wish them all the best for next season.
I would also like to say how very much we've all appreciated the huge support of all the parents involved, often orchestrated through Carole Mayhew... but EVERY time you've come to watch, provided food, and shoulders on which to cry, you have lifted us so enormously, and we are truly grateful! We hope that you will have a lot to be proud of in the future!