Mackenzie Branch is hoping for an improved Head of the River fortune in his second season as part of the TSS First VIII

IN 2019, Mackenzie Branch was in year 11 and batting above his age in The Southport School First VIII.

IN 2019 Mackenzie Branch was in Year 11 and batting above his age in The Southport School First VIII.

Now, he’s leading his crew’s Head of the River tilt.

The 16-year-old didn’t make a crew in his second year of rowing but has since improved at a rapid rate to the point he’s attempting to qualify for Australia’s youth rowing team.

Now in his second season in TSS’s most prestigious crew, Branch said he has attempted to lead from the front.

TSS Rowing First VIII Representative Mackenzie Branch. Photograph: Jason O'Brien

“Last year I was the young gun and I tried to keep my head down and work hard but for my final year I have felt more surrounded by people I know and I have tried to be a leader in this year’s crew,” he said. “I believe because I got the opportunity to row in the First VIII last year I was able to give some knowledge to the other boys in the crew and try my best to help the new boys in the crew.”

With just today’s regatta standing between TSS and the Head of the River next Saturday, Branch is drawing upon his family’s rowing past to inspire him as his time at TSS draws to a close.

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Both of Branch’s older sisters rowed for St Hilda’s First VIII and his grandfather is a TSS old boy who has been avid in support of his grandson.

“I have always looked up to my sister as she went through the same thing that I am going through now,” he said.

“I remember seeing how emotional and meaningful their Head of the River was and it gave me the interest to join rowing.

“Their best advice is to stay calm and don’t let the pressure get to you.”

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Branch also believes he will be better off next weekend after experiencing the anticipation of rowing’s biggest day last year.

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“Head of the River last year was one of the biggest moments in my life,” he said.

“It was the final time that I got to row with the boys I had been training with for so long.

“Everything came down to the final race.

“I was very nervous before my race but as soon as the race started all of that goes away.”

“It is a very sad thought knowing that this is my final season racing for the red, white and blue.

“It has been an honour getting to race in my school colours at the highest level.

“I really hope that I am able to live up to the standards of the old boys that came before me.”

The Brisbane Grammar School Regatta begins today at 8am at Wyaralong Dam.