It's been a baptism of fire in my first few weeks as Director of Rowing at Monkton. However, it has not been that unusual to me as some of you may be aware that I'm actually back for my second stint at Monkton, having been the Gap assistant in 2001. Well, it's now 2004 and I'm back and I mean business!

It's an incredibly exciting time for the Boat Club and I'm honoured to be part of it. With Steve Williams winning the gold medal at the Olympics, the school boat club is buzzing and has a very high profile in the school and everyone is itching to get on the water.

My vision for the Boat Club is traditional and simple and over the next two to three years I hope that the coaching staff and I can bring this vision to fruition.

Monkton Combe School Boat Club will be a beacon of sporting excellence at both National and International levels. It will provide Monkton students with a unique opportunity to develop physically, mentally and emotionally; to challenge themselves; to participate in healthy competition; to learn respect for self, for team and for opposition; to develop a strong sense of discipline and etiquette and to establish a sense of character which will benefit the students in all aspects of their future lives.

We are currently reviewing our entire system such as methods of training, technical coaching, racing schedule. Some changes have already been made and others will follow in time. I feel that these changes will help Monkton rowers fulfil their potential and that we (as a Club) can challenge for top honours at both local and national levels.

I am very excited, not only about the next year, but about the next three or four years. I feel that with hard work and dedication, which I know the students and the staff have, we can achieve the highest standards in technique, fitness and competition.

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