GPS Head of the River 2021: Brisbane Boys College victors
Brisbane Boys College won the First VIII Head of the River rowing race while Anglican Church Grammar School claimed the prized Old Boys Cup today.
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Brisbane Boys College peaked at the right time to claim the prestigious Head of the River First VIII rowing regatta this morning.
BBC finished ahead of Anglican Church Grammar School and third placed St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace. It was BBC’s first Rowing VIII victory since 2002.
Churchie claimed the prized Old Boys Cup which was a tribute to the depth of its rowing program.
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BBC flexed its muscle by claiming the morning VIII race in the lead-up regatta and were able to put it all together again on race morning today.
BBC head of co-curricular Mark Pavone said it was a triumph not only for the boys in the winning boat and the coaches, but for the entire BBC rowing community.
“There is a huge amount of sacrifice by the whole community which sits behind them and supports them,’’ Pavone said.
He said the parents who drove students to training and cooked food, old boys and coaches all contributed. “It is such a big community sport to make it all function and operate.’’
Anglican Church Grammar School Deputy Headmaster Co-curricular John Frare said winning the Old Boys Cup was a cherished achievement by the college.
“This is our main goal,’’ Frare said.
He said Churchie had the largest participation across all GPS schools where students were encouraged into a safe environment to take part in rowing.
“We know the benefits of the program so the Old Boys Cup is a tribute to the quality coaching and commitment across the program.
“We are delighted with the community support throughout the rowing program and we are very proud of all our students throughout the program.’’
Terrace director of rowing Brendan McGrath was delighted to see Terrace claim a podium finish in the First VIII.
“They progressed week to week and were able to put it all together,’’ McGrath said.
McGrath said it was a great “vibe’’ at the regatta.
He said there were wins by multiple colleges across the event which emphasised the strength and growth of rowing programs across the schools.
In the First VIII, Clancy Nugent reports ACGS were quick out of the gates, mustering a lead of half a boat length as they entered the second half of the race.
The BBC VIII, consisting of five year 11 students, dominated the final 500m and were gaining an advantage from each stroke as they approached the finish line.
Gregory Terrace put in a great performance to hold off the other crews for third place, however, the form guide proved accurate and BBC were the victors over a gutsy ACGS.
In the 2nd VIII, Nudgee pipped Churchie andd Terrace.
NOTE: BBC, CHURCHIE CELEBRATION IMAGES COURTESY OF BRODY GROGAN PHOTOGRAPHY