Underdogs Scots College achieve aims

Scots College rowing team faces tough competition in tough conditions with confidence.

The rowing team of Scots College have braved rough training conditions to compete in equally rough weather against far more experienced rowers, says their coach.

Scots College teacher in charge of rowing, Alistair Hamilton, said they have come out of one of Wellington’s windiest summers in recent memory. “The boys had to learn to row in white caps and 90% of their training was done in two-foot waves.”

TEAM SPIRIT: The Scots College rowing team with coach Gary Maude. Photo: Ciaran Warner
TEAM SPIRIT: The Scots College rowing team with coach Gary Maude.
Photo: Ciaran Warner

“Our goal was to be a novice crew not looking like novices, to be a respectable crew, finish at a respectable time, and we’ve achieved that,” said coach Gary Maude.

“Scots started rowing 10, 11 years ago, and it all fell down. Since then we’ve become very keen to leave an impression and put up a decent structure, and this year we have.”

And so far they have proved it, making it through to the semi finals in the early week racing with faster times than schools with more experienced rowers.

“They’ve barely been rowing for six months, and they’re going up against rowers with five years experience and winning,” said Hamilton.

“I’m incredibly proud of how well these boys have done, and I know they’ll keep it up.”