Well, this is the final report I have to write for what has been an up and down but, overall, fantastic year with the J16 boys squad. First of all, it must be noted that the coaching has been a team effort between Mike Smith and myself. Without one or the other, things would have not worked as well as they did.
The highlights of the year have clearly been the win in J16 eights at Birmingham Regatta and reaching the final of J16B eights at National Schools. However, these two achievements came as a result of months of training and several other races. Because of inevitable injuries and illnesses we had to operate as a squad and, thankfully, we had spare boys who were happy to fill in when needed. They were Ambrose Fung, Sam Ma, Matt Colborn, Owen Fung and Richard Awre. They all did well and without them the eight may not have happened. A big thanks to all of them.
Generally, however, the eight has comprised of the same personnel.
The crew that competed at Wycliffe Big Head at the beginning of February
was the same as the one that competed at National Schools in May. This
continuity was an important ingredient for our successes and, as a
result, I feel each member of the crew deserves a mention.
Bow: Dave Green learnt to row in the Michaelmas term and, as he was
in the lower sixth form, he trialled for the first eight in the first
few weeks of the Lent term. Due to his inexperience he did not make the
first eight but, as he was still sixteen, we asked him if he was willing
to row in the J16 eight and he accepted. He became a stalwart of the
crew, always there for training, never complaining, always giving of his
best.
Two: Dave Quinn gave great dedication to the crew. He improved massively
as the year went on and is now an excellent oarsman. His willingness to
listen and to implement coaching tips was a big part in this. A very good
team player.
Three: Alex Steeper was the maverick of the crew! An individual, he was
not so keen on the team building exercises, however, it is on race day
that things count, and Alex could not be faulted in this area. The help
he gave behind the scenes, and his dedication to the team, as shown when
he came to the Schools Head despite being injured, was much appreciated
by all.
Four: Niall Brown was the powerhouse of the crew, hence his position at
four. Tall, big and strong, he has a very long and dynamic stroke. He
improved dramatically over the course of the year and proved himself to
be an excellent stroke man as well as four man. His wit and relaxed
charm was appreciated by everyone!
Five: Barnie Page probably improved the most over the course of the
year. A natural rower, he was a bit rough around the edges at the start
and his enthusiasm wasn‘t all that it could have been. However he stuck
with it and became an invaluable member of the team. His technique,
fitness and strength all improved massively, as shown by his excellent
performance in a pair with Dave Meryon at Thames Valley Park Regatta.
Six: Tom Quayle, like Barnie, has rowing in his blood, and he became
another vital member of the crew. He had to work on his technique
throughout the year, and as he did this, he got better and better. He is
an excellent team player and motivator, as shown by his organisation of
the rowers five-a-side football team.
Seven: Luke Squire or Ron• was the competitive heart of the crew. His
high standards kept everyone on their toes. What he lacks in height he
makes up for and more in enthusiasm and will to win. His Mike
impressions were hilarious and his general good humour was appreciated
by everyone.
Stroke: Dave Meryon was an outstanding stroke man and a natural leader.
He acted superbly as a go-between between the coaches and the team. An
excellent athlete, he was consistently top of the ergo tests, he also
has an extremely mature head on his shoulders. His help behind the
scenes and boat loading talents were a great asset to the club as well
as to the team.
Cox: Will Bray changed dramatically during the course of the year. At
the start he was very softly spoken and mild. However, as he became
habituated to his role, and as he earned the respect of the crew and the
coaches, he visibly, and audibly, grew in stature. By National Schools
he had become a highly competent cox and his skill was a big part in our
success.
Outlook for 2005
Hopefully we can keep most of the crew together to form the core of a very good second eight. If a few of the basics in technique can be adhered to in race situations and the crew can maintain its overall fitness then we can look forward to an excellent season. The bonus of this being that the first eight will be always looking over their shoulders and, in consequence, will have to raise their game to hold their own place in that crew. Otherwise one, two, or even three of this year's J16s will be right there! Overall, they have been a pleasure to coach.