The Southport School’s year 9 division 8 rowing quad went undefeated the entire GPS season

Never in Tess Murray’s rowing career has she heard of a crew going undefeated for an entire season, let alone did she think she could coach one.

NEVER in Tess Murray’s rowing career has she heard of a crew going undefeated for an entire season, let alone did she think she could coach one.

TSS CRICKET SEASON REPORT CARD

In her first year of coaching, Murray coached the now legendary The Southport School Year 9 division 8 quad who managed to go undefeated all GPS season and take out Head of the River.

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Consisting of the formidable five-man squad of cox Cooper Lygo, Finn Backus, Elijah Trevor-Jones, Angus Hacon and William Gatenby, TSS crossed the line just over three seconds ahead of Churchie last month to win Head of the River and solidify their spectacular season.

The undefeated TSS year 9 crew after winning one of five regattas. SUPPLIED

“It was such a close race and I was very nervous,” Murray said of Head of the River.

“We had our big 20 stroke push at the 500m mark which was always when they got ahead but I thought Churchie was going to win for sure but we managed to pull ahead at the 700m mark.

“When I first had them as a crew, I thought we could go well if they all put in a lot of effort but I didn’t think they could go undefeated.

“They’ve improved so much.

“At the end of the season, they were far beyond what I’d expect from a year 9 crew and they were rowing well beyond their age and place.

“I thought the first win would be it but then we had the second and third and fourth and they had that weight on their shoulders but they couldn’t stop enjoying it.”

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After returning from American college on a rowing scholarship, Murray started studying at Bond University on the Gold Coast where she began coaching rowing at St Hilda’s before completing her first season at TSS this year.

The victorious coach vowed to be back next year and continue developing the school’s emerging talent after falling in love with mentoring.

The undefeated TSS year 9 crew after winning one of five regattas. SUPPLIED

“I started rowing in the year 9 division six crew so a similar standard to what these boys are which is why I wanted to coach this age group,” Murray said.

“Where I started rowing and finished, they were two completely different rowers and I know once these boys get into their older years, they have the potential to be great rowers as well.

“Year 9 sets up your love for rowing and I wanted to make sure the boys were having fun and they can look back and enjoy their time in the sport.

“We had so much fun and they all respected me and loved coming to training.”