Our masters program is performing well with two rowers currently training in the NSW Masters Eight: Jo Pollett and Kerrie Bigsworth. Our first masters’ novice intake in many years has injected some additional rowers into the program. On the fundraising front the first Sydney University Rowing Foundation event was held at Paul Espie’s home. Pledges for both men’s’ and women’s rowing totalling over $400,000 were made at the event. Thanks to
The NSW Championships finished with The University of Sydney winning the eights in both men’s and women’s and the overall trophy for the leading club. Our win in the men’s eight was our first in this event since 1975 and one of only a few wins in the history of the club in this event. Other highlights of the regatta were our domination of the U23 category, winning all of Thanks must also go the sweep oar events, to all the SU Sport staff whose help and support our win in the U21 (Youth of both the club and our Eight) and Francis Hegerty’s win in the Open scholarship holders Elite Pair (with Dave continues to be tremendous. We should Chapman of UTS). The final points score was recognise in particular University of Sydney 69.75 Kate Charge who has (first) and Sydney Rowing done an excellent job Club (second) 26 points. looking after our club From the State over a number of years Championships we had a and we wish her well in large number of her new role at NSWIS. -Jane Spring athletes selected in the NSW team. Results at nationals were also ROWING (BOAT) 2005 saw the rewards of outstanding with a twelve-year investment continued domination of the U23 events in sweep by Sydney University Sport in rowing with the and outstanding rowing from Mat Ryan in the club having its most senior A heavyweight successful year ever in division. competition. Paul Espie for initiating the foundation and for hosting the first event. As a separate fundraising event for the Friends of Sydney University Women’s Rowing Club, we hosted a 10 Years at Glebe Celebration and Reunion at the Boathouse. Ann Mitchell christened the Denise Wee; a new coxed four, at this event.
coxless four, our priority boat, to contest the 2006 Senior World Championships in Gifu, Japan. The club congratulates Mat and his coaches, Andrew Randell, Marty Rabjohns and Tim McLaren (of UTS) on achieving this milestone. Fergus Pragnell and Ian Allsop also join Mat Ryan and Francis Hegerty at the top level. A number of other rowers and coaches were selected in our U23 and junior national teams.
During the season a group of our men and women began preparation for a tour of New Zealand in July, representing Australian Universities against New Zealand Universities. During a ten-day tour of the South Island our men and women’s teams contested nine races with New Zealand Universities winning eight. NSWIS appointed Andrew Randell as their Head Coach of rowing in 2005. Andrew has an outstanding record in coaching and has made Sydney University Rowing an important contribution to was recognised at the NSW Rowing Association University rowing. Without his “push”, annual dinner in May. Awards were presented to inspiration, innovation, our captains for the 2004- quality coaching and mentoring of other 5 Men’s Elite Shield and Women’s Elite Shield and coaches, our club would the 2005 Honours Trophy. not be achieving the results it is today. I can say without qualificaIn 2005 Mat Ryan tion that on the water became our first Andrew has been the heavyweight rower seprimary catalyst for lected in an Australian senior A team since Tony recent success. We wish Andrew all the best in Anisimoff and Phil Winkworth in about 1980. his new role. Following Andrew’s departure Mat was selected in the
2005 ANNUAL REPORT
SYDNEY UNIVERSITY SPORT
remain opposed as we do not believe powerboats and rowing boats are compatible. It is anticipated that the Consent Authority Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority in June/July will make the Develop Application available for comment. Protecting the few remaining safe areas for passive recreation is a big issue for the rowing community on Sydney Harbour.
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