Future bright for BGS Rowing

Future bright for BGS Rowing

The BGS Rowing program continues to develop under new Director of Rowing Matt Marden. He started in the role at the end of 2018 and has a bold vision for the future of Rowing at the School.

He brings 20 years of rowing experience to BGS, starting as a schoolboy rower, before moving to coaching after school. He has enjoyed extensive success in school coaching, including in the GPS system, where he has won multiple Head of the River Championships.

The turning point in Marden’s coaching career came in 2008 when he was invited to coach at Stuartholme School. “Working with that particular group of girls changed my direction in life and made me want to pursue something permanent in school sport, although I didn’t know what that looked like at the time,” he said.

Fast forward a little over a decade and with significant experience and success coaching girls and boys in schools, Marden arrived at BGS. “The BGS Rowing program is the most successful in Queensland history,” he said. “Since 1955 when eights were a blue ribbon event, BGS has claimed the most titles. To be part of such a successful shed was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

“I have an enormous vision for the BGS Rowing program, which may take several years to achieve. There is so much potential in this area. I’m not afraid to try new ideas or be bold on decisions.”

A new Rowing Head Coach, Sean Carolan started in 2019 to further boost the program at BGS. He also brings plenty of experience, having coached fellow GPS schools to Head of the River success. Outside of school coaching, Carolan coached the Australian Junior Women’s Four in 2018.

In other significant rowing news, The Brisbane Grammarians Rowing Club (BGRC) celebrated its 10-year anniversary. The Grammarians began in 2009 as an initiative of the BGS Old Boys' Association and with the support of the Tipperoo Club.

The club has grown to include about 50 members who are a mix of ex-rowers and those new to the sport. Getting reconnected, getting fit and having a good time are three goals for members. They row from the Rowing Queensland shed, just behind the BGS Rowing Shed at West End.