BBC Rowing Regatta 2023

BBC ROWING REGATTA

Thank you to our supporters

Photographs by Arthur Palmer and Jonathan O’Rorke © Copyright Brisbane Boys’ College

The contents of this program are copyright. Reprints of articles must have the permission of the original author and acknowledgement of the source, being Brisbane Boys’ College.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This program is the culmination of significant work from the Brisbane Boys’ College Rowing Support Group. We hope the program will act as a souvenir of the wonderful times oarsmen enjoy while rowing.

Volunteers continue to donate their skills and time to BBC Rowing. To these supporters we extend a huge thanks. To all the coaches, your contribution has been truly outstanding and we are extremely grateful for the skills and time you dedicate to our rowing program.

To Rowing Queensland Inc, we acknowledge the professional manner in which your staff continue to assist the sport of rowing. A very special mention must be made to the Queensland Boat Race Officials for their ongoing support. Without your help and advice, today’s regatta would not have been possible.

BBC ROWING

CAPTAIN OF BOATS

VICE-CAPTAIN OF BOATS

Photo credit by Jonathan O’Rorke

FROM THE HEADMASTER

I would like to extend a very warm welcome to families and friends of the GPS community to today’s Brisbane Boys’ College Regatta. We look forward once more to coming together to foster a spirit of fellowship, mutual support and assistance among our schools.

Rowing is a unique sport which often becomes a lifelong passion for those who participate. We only have to look at the number of parent and Old Boy crews who so enthusiastically take to the water each season to know this to be true. Rowing has had a long and proud history at BBC going back one hundred and three years to when the College celebrated its first Head of the River success in 1919.

Rowing is often described as the ultimate team sport as it requires a precise and co-ordinated effort in timing, technique, and strength from all members of the crew. It develops each participant’s technical skills, fitness and teamwork under the care and expertise of dedicated staff and passionate parents.

Rowing also develops grit and determination among crew members and the tenacity to persist in the face of duress. It requires a disciplined approach to training, time management and goal setting. These are important life skills which can benefit boys in all areas of endeavour, now and into the future.

An anonymous rower once observed, “Not everybody wins, and certainly not everybody wins all the time. But once you get into your boat and push off, tie into your shoes and boot stretchers, then ‘lean on the oars’, you have indeed won far more than those who have never tried.” Best wishes to all boys in all crews who strive to give of their best.

It is my pleasure and privilege to welcome all crews, staff, parents, and supporters to today’s regatta. I wish all crews the best of luck.

MR ANDRE CASSON HEADMASTER

FROM THE HEAD OF CO-CURRICULUM

On behalf of the Brisbane Boys’ College community, it is a privilege to welcome all competitors, spectators and staff from GPS schools to this wonderful occasion. We hope all rowers and supporters have an enjoyable day at Wyaralong.

Rowing regattas are an important feature of the GPS sporting calendar as we set our sights on the GPS Head of the River. Today at the BBC regatta, and again on the 101st Head of the River held on Saturday 11 March, we will witness the very best of the GPS – proud traditions, courage, dedication, rivalry, passion and respect. Rowing, by the very nature of the sport, depicts this with a strong underpinning of the GPS values of commitment, courage, teamwork, healthy competition, integrity, fair play and good sportsmanship.

Rowing holds a special place at the College from both a historical and present-day educational sense. The sport is one of our most successful throughout our history, which also complements and extends our boys’ learnings from the classroom and in preparation for their future ambitions.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff, coaches, parents, old boys and our wider community for

their continued support of GPS Rowing and of BBC Rowing. I wish all competitors the very best for the regatta today and for their preparations for the GPS Head of The River Championships.

MR MARK PAVONE HEAD OF CO-CURRICULUM

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ROWING

I would like to welcome all competitors, coaches, parents and special guests to the 2023 BBC regatta. BBC is a proud member of the Great Public Schools’ Association of Queensland and each year the boys look forward to the BBC Regatta that is strongly supported by our BBC community.

Rowing is a beautiful, intense sport that supports and encourages friendly competition between teams. This regatta will provide us an excellent experience to assess the boys’ skills against others, see great techniques and improve performance from each competing crew.

Last year the BBC Rowing Program delivered one of its strongest years in the history of the GPS competition. The program celebrated the back-to-back victory of its 1st VIII and our senior crew won Gold at the 2022 Australian Rowing Championships in the Junior Men’s Eight and the U17 Men’s Single Scull, with multiple BBC crews competing in A finals.

Over many years now we have seen this high standard of rowing from the schools in GPS Rowing, particularly given the short season and diversity of experience within the crews racing. Some of the best young rowers in QLD are competing in today’s regatta, along with those who are

experiencing the sport for the first time.

I urge all participating schools to continue to promote the sport of rowing to their students and their families.

My special thanks to GPS Sport and the member schools, Rowing Queensland, The Boat Race Officials and finally to the BBC Rowing Support Group who have worked hard to organise this regatta and to provide support and catering for the benefit of all of us attending.

I hope all of us can enjoy a safe and successful regatta today. I am looking forward to meeting you all at the finish line.

MR ZOLTAN SHEPHERD DIRECTOR OF ROWING

FROM THE ROWING SUPPORT GROUP PRESIDENT

Welcome to the Brisbane Boys’ College Regatta for 2023.

On behalf of the Rowing Support Group, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to the 2023 BBC Regatta. Today is the result of many hours of planning and hard work from our BBC rowing community and I would like to thank each volunteer for their efforts in making today a success. I would also like to thank everyone who has contributed to this year’s season – the GPS Association, Rowing Queensland and other GPS schools.

Rowing is a unique team sport. To succeed you need dedication, discipline, selflessness and a capacity for hard work. You also need a team of dedicated and enthusiastic supporters in your corner. Today we acknowledge the unsung heroes in every school’s boat shed – the Boatmen. Brisbane Boys’ College is incredibly lucky to have Stephen McAlpine. Steve not only maintains our fleet of boats with pristine care, but he is also the keeper of records, the custodian of traditions, creator of commemorative memorabilia and the sounding board for all ideas. He is the rock of our shed. We

thank Steve and all school Boatmen for their contributions to GPS rowing. Our thanks also go to Matt Atkinson for helping to share their stories in today’s programme. Thank you for attending the BBC regatta. I hope we all enjoy good weather and fair racing and that each crew produces their best performance out on the water.

RAOUL POHIO ROWING SUPPORT GROUP PRESIDENT

CAPTAIN OF BOATS

Rowing is an art. A complex mixture of finesse and pure grit that brings joy or heartbreak. The commitment and passion needed to sculpt the victorious dream requires a devotion, a dedication unrivalled by any other GPS sport. But even with this otherworldly determination, it will always come down to mental toughness. - ‘How much do you want it?’ becomes ‘How much do you need it?’. Every crew has had the same time to gain the same fitness and technique; every crew will sit in silence at the start line; every crew will remember the sacrifices they made just to be here. Belief and trust in your brothers are never needed more than in a race. To win, you MUST do something that the other boats aren’t willing to do, you MUST do it for the man in front. Whilst the battle is fought across the 2000m course, a bond of brotherhood is formed that will last forever and if you’re looking for the conviction needed to win, look no further than the boys in the boat. Strong friendships which begin at the shed are created as a part of a great culture and stay intact long after school life. Together with racing, the memories made at training are cherished by every boy who rows.

Along with the rich culture, this regatta is an opportunity to prove your worth to the shed, to the man in front, to your mates, to the old boys, to your school and most importantly, to yourself. Opportunities like this are rare and are something that all the boys will remember, no matter the result, no matter the crew.

No one is ever really ready to push their mind, body and spirit to the absolute limit but there are only two types of pain: physical and regret. Physical may last seconds, minutes or days, but regret will last with you for as long as you breathe. So as you enter the final 500m, out of breath and with tunnel vision, I challenge you to give all you have. Stick your ’Hand in the fire’, embrace the pain, dig deep and leave nothing in the tank. Leave the course with no regrets.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the marshals, parents, coaches, the BBC Rowing Support Group and my fellow rowers for their efforts in putting on this regatta. Good luck, and may you have fair racing.

MITCHELL OWEN CAPTAIN OF BOATS

Photo credit by Jonathan O’Rorke

2023 BBC REGATTA

SATURDAY, 4 MARCH 2023

Venue: Queensland State Rowing Centre

2023 BBC REGATTA RACE SCHEDULE

Photo credit by Arthur Palmer

BRISBANE BOYS’ COLLEGE ROWERS

OPEN

FIRST VIII

Xavier Rubens

Liam Crook

David Granzin

Joseph Thynne

Mitchell Owen

Daniel Cashman

Matthew Cashman

Thomas Stevens

Cox: Beau Palmer

Coach: John Pettigrew

SECOND VIII

Ryan Kim

Fergus Mills

Harrison Angel

Jacob Job

Ben Suttie

Oscar Warren

Rudra Potlapally

Hamish McGregor

Cox: Hugh White

Coach: Courtney Donnelly and Ethan Stokes

THIRD VIII

Sean Hudson

Richard Wrakuale

Byron McLean

Felix Griffin

Ed Harris

Jett Spink

Liam Pinson

Jesse Sutherland

Cox: Cam Stockwell

Coach: Scott Foxton

YEAR 11

FIRST VIII

David Thorn

Gray O'Neill

Conrad Scott

Will Sharp

Cooper Eagle

Ryder Koia

Atticus Richter

Jack Cannon

Cox: Hunter Cantwell

Coaches: Dante Harp and Douglas Brown

SECOND VIII

Morgan Duckett

Fred Gray-Buchanan

Edward Crundell

Will Sulicich

Austen Neame

Raphael Suh

Ryan McLennan

Alex McKenzie

Cox: Campbell Baird

Coaches: Dante Harp and Douglas Brown

YEAR 10

Henry Wake

Parker Pohio

Josh Deal

Fred Bromell

Cox: Fraser Geldard

Coach: Callum Hinwood

FIFTH QUAD

Hamish Guest

Ned Tilbury

Kiama Jione

Josh Van Der Nist

Cox: Cormac Burke

Coach: Arabella Walsh

James Lockley

Luke Thornton

Edward Thynne

Steven Fell

Cox: Cameron Vinning

Coach: John Thynne

SIXTH QUAD

Tai Taki

Harvey Kachel

Jack Randall

Myles Walsh

Cox: Abiel Siregar

Coach: Sam Kenny

Luke Chapman-McCowan Max Boothey Brandon

Jacob Sutherland Hugh Cooper

Lorenzo Uriol-Reategui

Cox: Lawrence Liu

Coach: Tom Kubale

Tom Morrison

Cox: Angus Morrow

Coach: Luke Mackie

Will Shanks

Johnny Sinclair-Ford

Lachlan Fraser

Paddy Whitehill

Cox: Harry Wardale

Coach: Anthony Bishop

SEVENTH QUAD

Vesi Luva

Charlie Girle

Reece Ormiston

Harri Meilland

Cox: Coen Jones

Coach: Tom Kubale YEAR

FOURTH VIII

Angus Seeto

Slater Galloway

Ayden Smith

Andrew Godden

Leonardo Lynch

Alex Paterson

Lachlan McCarthy

Nick Norman

Cox:

Coach: Ethan Stokes

THIRD VIII

Archie Duffield

Stan Keats

Fred Atkins

Lucas Bakker

Tre Pidik

Jonathan O’Rorke

Archie Moore

Ari Bottomer

Cox: Will O’Rorke

Coach: David Addis

Lachlan Denman

Mitchell Turton

Toby Kennedy

Isaac Murphy

Cox: Sebastian Pantic

Coach: Brendan Ramsay

Ryder McFarlane

Cox: Dillon Keane

William Atkins

Rupert Gooding

William Dalgliesh

Jaydis Woolla

Dheeraj Chava

Hugo Maclean

Cox: Christian Irvin Cox: Fergus Meiklejohn

Coach: Jenna McGuire Coach: Cameron Andrew Coach: Conor Tsang

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THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

FELLOWSHIP OF BOATMEN

Matt Atkinson (BBC Teacher and Rowing Parent)

Whilst the title might sound vaguely similar to Tolkien’s classic fantasy of mythical creatures and magical realms, there is nothing remotely fictional about the entity referred to across the rowing world as ‘the Boatman’. And it is within his or her domain, the boatshed, where the magic definitely happens. As for the mythical part? Well ask any current or former rower or coach and I am sure they will speak in reverent tones about the legendary power and skills, the knowledge and wisdom, not to mention the supreme patience and ability to breathe calmly and deliberately slow their own heartrate, that the Boatman commands.

There is an old saying, that if you need something done, ask a busy person. From the perspective of school rowing, there would not be anyone busier than the Boatman… and yes, that something just got done for you!

If you are reading this now you likely have a son who is, was, or is about to be, on the water competing in a race at the 2023 GPS BBC Regatta, in a boat prepared by your school’s Boatman. I would hazard a guess at the outset that your Boatman knows your son’s name on sight, his crew, the name of his boat and the most recent issue that boat had –and obviously how he fixed it.

Many of you already know the herculean role the Boatman plays in the shed, but for the uninitiated, read on. The role of Boatman covers a broad spectrum, from general management of the day-to-day boatshed operations, to transport logistics for camps and regattas, setting the rigging of oars and boats, minor and major hull repairs, from periodic maintenance to full boat refurbishments, emergency outboard motor servicing, and even boat recovery on the river!

The Boatman regularly supports parents of rowers through his time volunteered to the Rowing Support Group, assisting the group with planning and event days.

It is for these and many other reasons that this article is intended as a celebration of the Boatmen and the critical roles they play in the operation and success of each school rowing program. While this article is unashamedly BBC centric, I am grateful to the six GPS Boatmen who were able to find time in their extremely busy schedules (another character trait of our Boatmen – one more thing) to pen some comments for this article.

STEVE MCALPINE

BBC Rowing Boatman 18 years

While photographing the winning BBC 1st VIII crew coached by Ben Young in 2002, Steve met long term BBC Boatman Barry Green, and the seed was sown for a dream job opportunity. A few years later, Barry's retirement paved the way for Steve to be appointed to the position of BBC's Rowing Boatman in 2005.

Constantly designing solutions for rowing related problems, Steve and a business partner appeared on the ABC program "New Inventors" in 2007, showcasing their invention that has sold across the globe to assist in preventing back injuries while training on rowing ergometers.

From repairing the latest carbon honeycomb hulls to replicating 1950's era leather and brass oar parts for display, Steve is equally at home applying his years of knowledge and experience to maintain the extensive BBC rowing fleet.

His passion, however, is working with the rowers themselves, patiently taking time to teach the boys about the best ways to handle and maintain the rowing equipment, as well as supporting the boys through encouragement.

"I'm inspired by the energy of the boys and their willingness to learn about rowing and how to care for the boats we row. I also love the traditions associated with BBC Rowing," he said.

"My greatest satisfaction, though, is seeing BBC boys enter the program and over the course of their school years watching them develop lifelong friendships and strong bodies through the discipline and hard work that rowing demands."

I would like to add two personal anecdotes about Steve that I believe sum up the man. Firstly, back in 2018 my son was recovering after kneesurgery for a basketball injury, and it was suggested he get on an ergo to rehabilitate. It was

further suggested I contact the BBC rowing shed and see if we could borrow an ergo in the off-season. This is when I first met Steve. He was so accommodating, and I think his words were ‘I’ll let you know when I will need it back.’ He didn’t ask for about 18 months! The result of his generosity is that my son got hooked on rowing and the next year made the Yr 10 2nds, winning the HOR that year. He was part of the victorious BBC Open First VIII in back to back wins in 21 and 22, and won a national title in 22 with his crew. Who knows how his story might have turned out without Steve’s kindness, but I firmly believe that my son’s good fortune (apart from hard work and great coaches) was only made possible through the initial care of Steve the BBC Boatman.

The second story sees me walk into the shed during that Yr 10 year to see Steve talking with some other dads. Seeing me, Steve steps out of the group and asks if I have brought my chequebook. Startled, I ask what has happened. Apparently, my son had steered his single scull on the wrong side of the yellow buoy upstream, and had driven it across the rocks, ripping a metre-long gouge in the hull. Seeing my instantly pale visage Steve quietly said, ‘Don’t worry; I can fix it.’ Words couldn’t describe my gratitude. And Steve never said another word about it. So a big personal thanks Steve.

Fittingly, after a Support Group fundraiser in November 2021, BBC purchased a new Sykes 8+ and named it the SB McAlpine in recognition of Steve’s 17 years of outstanding service to BBC rowing.

BEN TOOMEY

Terrace Rowing Boatman 10 years ended tenure in 2022

I am this year a 10yr veteran of the boatshed (my other home) and would be lost without it and the ability to share my knowledge of the sport, life and my trade skills background with the young men who breeze through here year after year.

The best description I can offer you currently is that the Boatman in a lot of ways is the lynch pin in the rowing program. As far as my role is concerned, I am responsible for everything from food orders, shed and boat maintenance, towing, hunting down lost property and missing assignments, bus monitoring, fending off emotional parents and coaching staff and occasionally changing the mower blades for the grounds staff.

My most recent moment that springs to mind is an interaction with one of our First VIII rowers and an email he sent me: Thanks so much for being the only coach I feel comfortable talking to, for helping me up at Rocky (helping me calm down) and for fixing our boats when we bugger something up. Thanks for everything.

He is a tough competitor and has a hard time settling before a race but with a few words from the Boatman he was able to achieve a 3rd place at the States regatta.

Rowers who are interested can learn so much from our boatmen and women about equipment (anyone else acutely aware of the relevant Galvanic series for metal corrosion from their time rigging and derigging boats at school regattas?). Having someone in the shed with the answers - actually experienced with materials and tools, and all other manner of operations including tinny maintenance, fuel supply, cleaning chemicals, is another way that our boatmen and women add value.’

RUSSELL THOMPSON

BSHS Rowing Boatman 2 years

Stuartholme Boatman 5 years

I first became involved with rowing when my daughter started at Brisbane Girls Grammar in 2007. I would help out at regattas setting up tents and laying out cables and setting up speakers for the PA system extending about 500 metres from the finish tower at Kawana.

In 2012 I was given the job of Boatman at Boys Grammar and with a week's training from Johnathan Brett I was left to my own ingenuity to perform my duties. In 2015 at the State Championships I had an accident unloading a BBQ off the back of a Ute, resulting in a compression fracture of my lower back with a week in Bundaberg Hospital.

In 2016 I was offered a job at Stuartholme School as Boatman/maintenance officer but was made redundant early

in 2020. The job at BSHS became available which I applied for and was successful and started in May 2021.

The majority of damage to the boats comes from loading them on to the racks. Other damage can be caused by debris in the river and landing at the pontoons. There is the occasional equipment failure like wiring harnesses and wear and tear on foot plates, riggers seat wheels etc.

Russell is supported by Joanne White, Joint MIC of Boys’ GPS Rowing at BSHS, who states, ‘The Boatman role at BSHS has often been undervalued, but at the moment we are very lucky to have Russell working with us to keep our fleet functional and our rowers on the water.

JORDAN SCHILLER

GS Rowing Boatman 7 years ended tenure in 2022

I started at BGS in October 2015, commencing full time in May 2016.

One memory springs to mind:

In 2017 we had a Year 11 2nd VIII run into a city cat buoy, cleanly snapping off their bow. After getting a phone call from their coach, I got a roll of duct tape from the workshop then strolled up to the Boatshed kitchen, grabbed an empty 3 litre milk carton and some scissors and headed down to put a tinny on the water. I met up with them at the B&GPS pontoon, cut the bottom out of the milk carton and taped it onto their boat, doing a good enough job to get them safely back to the BGS pontoon.

Other than that, it is just rewarding to see the young boys who walk through the door in Year 8 gradually develop into young men when they leave in Year 12.

ANDY BOTTING

BGS

Boatman

I started as Boatman with Brisbane Grammar School in October 2022.

After 18 years of working in the corporate world in senior leadership roles, I decided to ditch the rat race for working full time in rowing. I’ve been heavily involved in rowing as both an athlete and coach for over 30 years, so it’s great to finally follow my passion.

I’ve continued to coach the year 11 firsts while starting in the Boatman role last year. It was challenging at first coming into the program after the floods, with no pontoon and gear spread across multiple locations. However, it’s so rewarding now having the fleet come back together at the West End shed and the seeing the boys grow with an invigorated sense of belonging.

Photo credit by Jonathan O’Rorke

MICK DE GIORGIO

ACGS Rowing Boatman 22 years

When a student joins up to rowing, they enter an unknown sport and new challenges.

When inside they discover fun, discipline, comradeship like no other team sport.

For the Boatman, waking up presents you with something new every day, which makes my role different, exciting, challenging and being flexible.

My journey has seen the construction of a new boathouse and taken me to a lot of rowing camps/regattas (rain, hail, or shine) where you get to experience a lot of different

personalities and stories from the boys, as well as broken oars, bows, rigger, fins etc, while the boys develop their rowing skills, strive for success and mature from young boys to mature young men. Overall I have a lot of great memories and highlights, as well as meeting hard working coaches, support groups and parents who support and make Churchie rowing a great environment to be a part of.

Boatmen are passionate, skilled, caring, patient quick-thinkers who are the heart and soul of all rowing sheds. When all too often we as parents, staff, Rowing Support Group and rowers demand the immediate attention of our Boatmen selfishly seeking answers to our ‘urgent’ needs, I for one have enjoyed listening to these Boatmen speak about their roles. Their love of rowing is clear, but clearer still is their love of rowers, and the ability to support them throughout their school rowing careers. So to all in the rowing community, I encourage you to take a moment to recognise and thank your school’s Boatman for the work they do for our sons.

Jo White from BSHS sums it up perfectly with this:

‘Thank you to all of you who keep rowers on the river safe and competitive.’

Photo credit by Jonathan O’Rorke