2019/2020 Rowing Season

Celebrating with Positivity in the Face of Disappointment

The 2019/20 Rowing season came to an abrupt halt on 13 March 2020. The COVID-19 virus that swept across the world ended the Head of Schoolgirls Regatta, with the Australian National Championships also cancelled two days later. Although it was a disappointing end to the season for our rowers, it does not take away from a season filled with positivity, achievement and so many great memories.

Year 9 Rowing Program

The Loreto Toorak Year 9 Rowing program is the largest single cohort in Australian schoolgirl rowing. For the more than 90 girls that commenced their first rowing season at the beginning of Term 4 2019, this season was one full of new experiences. As the season progressed, new personal bests were set and the cohort developed momentum, building on their success of gold in the first regatta of Term 1, through to a dominant position on the Friday of Head of Schoolgirls with 13 wins from 14 races; the most of any school. We congratulate to our Year 9 Rowing squad for their effort, accomplishment and development across the season. The future of Loreto Toorak Rowing is in great hands.

Year 10 Rowing Program

The Year 10 program continued to build on the work the athletes had completed in Year 9, with almost 50 eager, competitive and resilient girls working hard since Term 3 2019. As the season continued, there were many challenges along the way; the first 2K ergo, competition for places, and tough racing on the Barwon and the Yarra, but each time the Year 10 squad was faced with a challenge, they found a way to overcome it. The girls showed their courage and sincerity as they set new school records on the ergo, built their competitiveness throughout the term, including winning the Year 10 medal tally at the Victorian State Championships, and arrived in peak physical condition ready for the Head of Schoolgirls Regatta.

Although there were only nine seats available for the Baby VIII, the competition for places meant that it was one of the best U17 crews in the country. The crew won a fiercely contested silver medal at the NSW State Championships which was an exciting prelude to the National Championships. The Year 10 squad should be justifiably proud of their effort, their commitment and their sincerity. We are all so proud of what our girls achieved this season, and their journey in the Learn to Row program, through until today. We hope that they take all the wonderful, positive work they have done and continue to strive for success. They are well prepared for our Seniors Rowing program and should be encouraged not to let anything stop them from achieving their dreams.

Senior Rowing Program

To row as part of the Senior program at Loreto Toorak is a formidable achievement. It requires a commitment over several years and a willingness to work hard to achieve success.

Fresh from the School’s first ever Henley Regatta campaign, a tough, determined squad of rowers began their training in the cold, winter mornings of July and August last year. The Senior squad travelled far and wide, from the pre-season camp at Lake Dewar, to the December camp in Johnsonville in East Gippsland, and the ever-anticipated January camp in the picturesque surrounds of Lake Barrington, Tasmania. Along the journey were many miles on water, hours refining technique, building physical capacity and learning to work seamlessly in the Eights.

The Senior Rowing squad began their campaign with the Melbourne Head Regatta in November 2019, with an incredibly strong performance that set the tone for the competitiveness of the crews throughout the season. Loreto Toorak returned from the Tasmanian State Pennant Regatta in January with four gold medals, including a clean sweep of wins in the Schoolgirl, U19 and U21 VIIIs. This was continued at the NSW and Victorian State Championships with strong performances and medals in preparation for the Head of Schoolgirls Regatta. Although racing only proceeded as far as the Friday in the Regatta, all Senior VIII crews were on track to qualify for the A-Final, with podium finishes a very realistic prospect for all boats. For the Year 12s, who have raced their last race for Loreto Toorak, we offer sincere thanks for your years of service. The life skills and lessons you have learnt from your time in a boat will stand you in good stead through the present uncertainty, and all the future currents and rips that life may present. The memories and relationships you have built will last a lifetime. For the rowers who come after, you have left the legacy of a club that is stronger and prouder because you were part of it.

SAM DUTNEY, HEAD OF ROWING