New Boats Mike Scott (’58) (as spoken by his son) Dad boarded from the age of five, including through all of his high school years at Aquinas. He has been part of a long tradition of grabbing boarders and making them row – especially the stronger, or lankier looking ones! His father Phon (my grandfather) rowed for Aquinas in a winning 4 in the 1927 crew. Dad rowed for Aquinas between 1955 and 1958 – both coxing the Ist IV and rowing in it. Not winning though! He made lifelong mates throughout this time. He represented the state in Rowing and rowed in the Kings Cup in 1966 and 1967. Which at the time was the premier rowing race between states. Later he coached rowing at Aquinas, when my brother Mick went through Aquinas (winning 8 – 1989) and then myself (winning 8 – 1994). In the year I won, Dad coached the winning 2nd VIII, and my brother Mick coached the winning 3rd VIII. We won the Champion Cup and the Hamer cup that year. Coincidentally my cousin Tim was the Cox for my winning 8 that year. There was also my uncle Peter whose crew won in 1965 (coached by Phon!). Herb Elliot was in that crew.
I believe this is the 3rd boat to be named after a member of the Scott family. The Phon Scott was first, then Barbara Scott. And now the Mike Scott. The Phon Scott was a gift to Aquinas rowing from Dudley and Mike. Dad has continued with Seniors and Masters rowing locally and internationally through-out, winning many races but also making great mates along the way. Dad’s achievements in rowing along the way have not been in isolation, and despite his ultra-competitiveness, it has always been a healthy one, driving himself and those around him to do his and their best. We have seen so much change on a technology front over this time with rowing boats and oars move from handcrafted wood, to tailor-made carbon fibre hulls and Clever blades, it’s also fantastic to see the school’s investment in the new River Centre. We are very grateful as a family that the Aquinas community has named a boat after dad in acknowledgement of his efforts at Aquinas and in the broader rowing community – to make the boat go faster and for the people around him achieve their best both individually and as team players.
John Perry (’65) John Perry’s long association with Aquinas College commenced in 1960 when he came to Aquinas as a boarder from the town of Mandurah. He was a strong all-rounder who figured prominently in many areas of College life including debating, YCS, Holy Name Society and Cadets, oftentimes taking on the role of secretary or treasurer – a precursor to his successful professional life outside of school - matriculating in 1965 with six subjects. A natural leader, he was a Prefect in his leaving year. In the sporting arena, John’s star shone brightly, with an enviable list of sporting achievements including: Under 16 Athletic Champion in 1963; Under 17 Athletic Champion in 1964; Open Athletic Champion in 1965; Under 17 State Schoolboy Champion Hurdler in 1964; under 19 State Schoolboy Champion Hurdler in 1965; and Vicecaptain of the Victorious Inters athletic team in 1965. He rowed from 1962 – 1965, and in his final year at Aquinas rowed in the successful 2nd VIII, a year in which Aquinas won every race at the Head of The River. From 19611965 he played football with honours, representing Aquinas in the 1st XVIII. After achieving his Leaving Certificate in 1965, John went on to complete the Real Estate Valuation course at WAIT 17 / the fish
