GPS Head of the River: The nine men steering TSS’s Head of the River hopes
With Head of the River set to kick off tomorrow, we profile all nine rowers representing the TSS First VIII as they aim for a history making 22nd title.
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With Head of the River set to kick off tomorrow, we profile all nine rowers representing the TSS First VIII as they aim for a history making 22nd title.
VIRUS SCARE HITS SPORTS TEAM AT COAST’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS SCHOOL
1. Mackenzie Branch
Age: 16
Years rowed: Five
Favourite rowing memory: Winning Queensland state titles in the eight
What does it mean to you to represent TSS: It is an honour to represent the red white and blue at the highest level.
2. Zach Dixon
Age: 17
Years rowed: Four
Favourite rowing memory:
I fondly remember holiday sessions. Being on the water in a calmer environment and having your friends there, is always good. People don’t typically find doing sport training in the holidays a good use of time, though I enjoyed each of these sessions. It’s a nice feeling to cruise up the river with the sun rise.
What does it mean to you to represent TSS: I’ve been at TSS all my life, it’s the only school environment that I’ve been exposed to. When you’re in younger grades, such as grade 7 and 8, you see all the firsts players for sports and look up to them, you don’t really know why, but you just know that they have done a lot to get there. Now being at that point, you really want to be able to inspire, cause there is probably another boy just like you, now in those grades, looking up and you want to do well for them.
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3. Grant Callaghan
Age: 17
Years rowed: Six
Favourite rowing memory: When a fish jumped on the boat during a piece 4. I’ve rowed for 6 years 5. it’s a huge privilege as it means so much to me as since I’ve started at the school that’s all I’ve wanted to do and just the history behind it.
What does it mean to you to represent TSS: From the day I walked into the boat house the history of the shed and the pride that the boys in the 1st 8 had when they represented the school got me hooked and from then on I knew I wanted to be apart of that history. I feel a sense of belonging of being apart of the shed and it has created an unbreakable bond between the crew and I which I will cherish forever. I know and understand how much of an honour it is to be apart of such a prestigious schools 1st 8 and won’t let this great opportunity get away from me and hopefully bring bride to the school and all the boys on the big day.
4. Dylan Kennedy
Age: 17
Years rowed: Four
Favourite rowing memory: Winning head of river and being undefeated in the grade 9
What does it mean to you to represent TSS: It is great honour to represent TSS for something that I love it also makes me extremely respectful to all the old boys who have rowed over the past century and all the hard work they have done makes it more exciting to race and to do them and the whole school proud.
5. Lachie Wright
Age: 17
Years rowed: Six
Favourite rowing memory: Winning U17 double at nationals.
What does it mean to you to represent TSS: It means to do whatever you are doing to the best of your ability and to never give up no matter how much pain you are going through.
6. Lockie Mactaggart
Age: 15
Years rowed: 4
Favourite rowing memory: My favourite memory is Head of the River the last year. The atmosphere was amazing even if we didn’t get the result we wanted.
What does it mean to you to represent TSS: To represent TSS isn’t just representing the crew or the rowing shed it’s representing every past and present TSS student and to represent something much bigger then you can imagine.
FAMILY FORTUNE INSPIRES ROWER’S HEAD OF THE RIVER TILT
7. Kai Dittmar
Age: 17
Years rowed: One
Favourite rowing memory: Winning the state title.
What does it mean to you to represent TSS: It has been a goal of mine for a year now and ever since I moved to the school I wanted to row. When I started, I was put in the year 11 thirds on the first camp. After two days I was put up to the seconds and then another two weeks later I made it to the year 11 first 8. After realising that I had the potential to do great things in the sport of rowing, it has been a dream of mine to make the first VIII. The memories and challenges I have experienced are second to none and it is an honour to be in the crew with the young men around me. Truly it is my greatest achievement to date and something I will never forget.
8. Baxter Stewart
Age: 17
Years rowed: Five
Favourite rowing memory: Crew Dinner for the year 11 3rd’s
What does it mean to you to represent TSS: Representing TSS has very significant value to me. I would describe what it means to be a part of the shed as similar to a strong brotherhood. Everyone in each crew has a common goal and we each put everything on the line to achieve it.
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9. Harry Ward
Age: 15
Years rowed: Three
Favourite rowing memory: Winning my first ever race in an 8 at the QLD state championships
What does it mean to you to represent TSS: With TSS having such a long and revered sporting tradition, it is an absolute honour to be given the opportunity to be able to represent the school. And to be able to do it at the highest level by being a part of the First VIII is a dream come true.
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