Excitement is building within the Somerville House rowing VIII ahead of the Head of the River
The Somerville House First VIII and fellow rowing squad team mates were gearing up for the Queensland Schools Rowing Association Head of the River on August 29.
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The Somerville House First VIII and fellow rowing squad team mates were gearing up for the Queensland Schools Rowing Association Head of the River on August 29.
Although the event will be minus spectators, the rowers will be generating their own atmosphere and front and centre will be the crews from Somerville House.
“Even without the disruption and uncertainty this year has brought, the BSRA season is such a well-run, professional experience at a world class venue that our rowers are incredibly lucky to participate in,’’ said Somerville House director of rowing Samara Quinlan.
“The calibre of racing is exceptional and a great opportunity for rowers to start their rowing careers at such high level events.’’
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The event will be particularly significant for the year 12 members of the rowing squad who have had a disrupted and demanding 2020 due to the COVID-19 crisis.
“The year 12s are very excited to have some normalcy in their lives,’’ Quinlan said.
“Having missed out on some much anticipated milestones this year, the prospect of Head of the River (even without spectators) is really a highlight and the girls are very excited to start racing.’’
But Quinlan said the benefits of Somerville House’s rowing program extended beyond regatta racing.
“Rowing at Somerville House is focused on developing good athletes and good people by providing an environment that encourages athletes to take personal responsibility for balancing their training and academics with good time management and personal care,’’ she said.
“Rowers have to be organised day to day and week to week which ingrains great life skills for students, workers and athletes.’’
Somerville House, coached by Peter Zahnleiter, is steeped in rowing tradition and students were well aware of the school’s rich history.
“The rowers are surrounded by the tradition and history of rowing at Somerville by the old girls who come back to coach, the pictures, oars and trophies on display and the yearly Blessing of the Fleet which brings old Frogs back to the shed at the start of the racing season,’’ Quinlan said.