Head of the River 2023
In the morning of Saturday 18 March, our Norwood International Rowing Club took to the water and surrounded the banks in the 101st UniSA Schools Head of the River Regatta. In surprisingly overcast conditions, with a South Westerly breeze, our 21 crews took to the water along with nearly 1,200 rowers from the SA rowing schools. Norwood International High School's Rowing Club delivered an excellent performance and we’d like to highlight some of the outstanding moments of our largest-ever entry into Head of the River.
The day began with Saskia taking a brilliant 2nd place in the Senior Girls reserve single scull, with some impressive results continuing through our year 8 events. Over the 1000m distance the Schoolgirl Yr 8 4x+ B Final, saw Serena, Imogen, Scarlett, and Grace, coxed by Julissa (coached by Nicole Ng) take 1st place with a time of 4:28.19. In the Schoolboy Yr 8B 4x+ final, Lachlan (Sub Isaac), Pax, Kobe, and Elliot, coxed by Joel (Coached by Seb Cole and Denby Harding) took out an impressive 2nd place with a time of 4:21.78.
The Norwood International High School Drum Corp led by Yohan Lee made an impressive and atmospheric entrance, forming the opening of the Year 7 Hat Ceremony. Our current and continuously growing group of year 7 rowers were presented with their Norwood Rowing Club Hats by Captains of Boats Oliver, and Sophia, and Vice Captains of Boats, Connor and Mia. It was fantastic to welcome our Year 7s into the club and see them already experiencing how valuable the rowing experience can be through their high school journey. We are excited to see them grow, develop and excel over the coming years.
Our Schoolboy Yr 9 E 4x+ crew of Jack, Kye, Lucian, Taher, coxed by Jackson (coached by James Adler and Isaac Barnes) came home a spectacular 2nd place in a close race. Over the 1500m distance, the Schoolgirl Yr 10 4x+ of Alana, Georgia, Sofia, and Mia, coxed by Henry (Coached by Georgia Watts and Talitha Benson) finished a strong 4th position in an exceptionally tight battle for third with a time of 6:06.00.
As the distance increased to 2000m the Senior Crews began their challenge. A return of a full-scale event saw spectators, parents, staff, coaches and rowers in their thousands line the water's edge of the last three hundred meters. The atmosphere continued to build and led by the Drum Corp our cheers of “Let's Go Norwood” resonated across the lake. Our Senior Squad was able to boat 4 crews for the first time in Norwood Rowing Clubs history since 1982 and joined the Head of the River in the early 2000s. Our Senior Squads represented Norwood International High School proudly in hard-fought races which require every ounce of energy and dedication. The Senior Boys VIII led the way for our senior crews to take home our 3rd consecutive fourth place in a very hotly contested 1st Eight Event.
Schoolgirls 1st IV – Arabella, Celia, Tamara, Ashley (sub-Saffron), coxed by Harry (coached by Alison Smith and Grace Dodson) finishing 5th.
Schoolboy 1st IV – Theodore, Patric, Hyunbi, Alexander, coxed by Jack (coached by Brenton Terrell, Alex Allum-Henson, James Adler) finishing 4th.
Schoolgirl 1st VIII – Sophia, Sophie, Laela, Angelica, Sofia, Samantha, Antonia, Pippa, coxed by Emma (coached by Alison Smith and Grace Dodson) finishing 9th.
Schoolboys 1st VIII – Rohan, Aaditya, Juan, Igor, Daniel, Oliver, Ricardo, Rayhan, coxed by Mitchell, (coached by Brenton Terrell) finishing in 4th.
Against the challenging competition, Norwood's crews delivered a commendable performance. We congratulate all the students for their hard work, perseverance, and dedication over the last 7 months and in each race. The teamwork, sportsmanship, and commitment demonstrated by Norwood's rowing club are a testament to the school's values and the students' character.
My thanks to the coaches' efforts, time, passion, and patience in developing our students into young rowers and brilliant people. The school's support of the rowing program through the Executive, the school council, and all the support staff allows the program to continue to grow, develop and achieve. Our fabulous rowing staff of Anne-Marie, Brenton Terrell, and Emily Ladin’s tireless work, contributed heavily to these achievements. Thank you to Nick Hyland and Lalita Lopez for their ongoing work in the school gym and to Di and Paul at Train 2 Max for all they do with our Senior Squad.
Head of the River 2023 is now a wonderful experience in our memories, however, the rowing season for 2022/2023 is still rolling. Next week from 26 March to 2 April, Oliver, Igor, Angelica, and Bianca will head over to WA for the Australian Rowing Championship where they will compete across single scull, double scull, and eight events. We wish them all the best!!
12 members of our Senior Rowing Squad will be heading over to Malta for the ANZAC Day Beach Sprints Regatta which will be held on 25 April 2023 at Rinella Bay within the Grand Harbour. The event will see the students represent Australia against New Zealand and Malta while providing them with an immersive experience in the ANZAC spirit and Malta's role across World War I and II.
We are looking ahead to the 2023/24 Rowing Season and want to see the biggest intake of new rowers from within the Norwood International High School student body. From years 7 through to 11, we want you to come and give rowing a try. Experience a new sport or return to it if you have rowed before. There is no doubt the program will be bigger and stronger in 2024 and we want you to be a part of it.