Clarence rowing icon Harold Kratz recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours
He’s guided our young rowers to success for more than 50 years, and won national gold medals in his late 80s. Now, the Clarence Rowing icon has been recognised with a Queen’s Birthday Honour.
Grafton
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He’s usually seen with oars, but now he’ll be known as an OAM.
Lower Clarence rowing icon Harold Kratz has been awarded the prestigious title in this year’s Queen’s Birthday honours.
And while Mr Kratz is humble about his achievements, he said when it came to rowing, whether competing or coaching, he had a simple philosophy.
“You love the camaraderie, but you also love the competitiveness,” he said.
“And when you line up against the others out there, you’re out there to win.”
Now 93, Mr Kratz was inducted into the Clarence Sporting Wall of Fame, and is a coach and life member of the Lower Clarence Amateur Rowing & Sculling Club, life member of Combined High Schools, satellite coach for the North Coast Academy of Sport and Maclean High School rowing coach.
He also competed in Masters rowing, competing into his late 80s while still winning national gold medals.
President of the Lower Clarence Rowing Club Claire Millist said rowing was his life, and he had been a devoted member of the local club.
“He’s been very involved, done many years on the committee and coached and rowed for years,” she said.
“He’s always left his mark with the kids, I think he really enjoys the company.”
With tributes flowing in from former charges at the news of his award, Mr Kratz said it had been a privilege to guide the school students.
“You meet them as kids, and then you watch them grow up,” he said. “I’ve always been pleased to be associated with them.”
And while Mr Kratz said he never wanted to be fussed over, he was delighted to be honoured.
“I’m amazed, I just can’t believe it,” he said.
“I’m very honours for all the organisations that have had me, and it’s a real privilege for me to accept the honour.”
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