The Southport School’s First VIII has suffered a coronavirus scare on the eve of Head of the River

A sports team at a Gold Coast school has revealed how they coped with a coronavirus scare on the eve of a major competition.

A CORONAVIRUS scare on the eve of the Head of the River won’t derail The Southport School in their quest for a 22nd title.

Last weekend at the Brisbane Grammar School GPS regatta, the First VIII were without coxswain Lockie Mactaggart due to the 15-year-old being quarantined in the school’s sick ward with flu-like symptoms.

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TSS Rowing First VIII Representative Lockie Mactaggart . Photograph : Jason O'Brien

“He was quarantined due to flu-like symptoms so we had a replacement cox in the boat who did a really good job but it was a change to the crew so whether it was the weather or something else, it made things a bit more difficult,” First VIII coach Cameron Kennedy said.

“Lockie has been returned to us now (having recovered from the flu) which has brought a lot of positivity and familiarity.”

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The First VIII were yesterday presented to the school as part of the annual rowing assembly as the Head of the River hype continues to build.

Kennedy said his crew remained upbeat despite having to settle for fourth in challenging conditions in their final hitout last weekend.

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“There are lots of distractions but they have remained very focused and done a good job of keeping their mind within the boat,” he said.

“It’s important to ensure everything is business as normal in the lead-up but then we can celebrate or commiserate after that.

“They are in good spirits and very excited but they’d be inhumane if they weren’t a little bit nervous.”

Kennedy, who was once a rower himself before injuries forced him into coaching, has previously tasted Head of the River success as the winning coach of St Peters Luthern College’s First VIII in 2008 and 2010.

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“My fondest memories are of Head of the River regattas but they also bring out some of the hardest memories,” he said.

“No matter the result, it’s an emotional day.

“You’re proud on the day and you continue to be proud of their achievements in the years to come.”