Australian National Rowing Championships: History Is Made!

This past week, St Catherine’s School celebrated two historical accomplishments.

The Boynton

In the first ever National Sprint Championships, held over 500ms The Boynton recorded the first ever national medal to be awarded to a St Catherine’s School Second VIII. This broke the drought since 2009, for St Catherine’s School crew’s medalling at the Australian National Rowing Championships.

The Boynton had a fantastic week, seeing their best racing. During their heat and repechage they were just over a second from qualifying from the A/B semi finals and took the scalps of first VIIIs from around the country. They then showed their true character by racing with seven rowers in the C Final, after Rowing Australia Officials did not approve the brave India Watson to race due to medical reasons. In the C final, with seven rowers they held contact with the field for 1500ms before only losing a handful of seconds to the other crews. All the girls supported each other and put out their best efforts which we are very proud of. This was an amazing campaign for The Boynton.

The Boynton
Coached by Sarah Banting and Ben Burger
Cox: Georgia Bickford
Bridget Lieberman
Danae Barbayannis
Eliza O’Donnell
India Watson
Georgina Cheale
Georgia Deacon
Sarah Fenton
Julia Rossi

The Geraldine

For the first time in our history, St Catherine’s School is the National Champions of the Schoolgirl Coxed VIII of Australia, winners of the trophy named the Sydney Cup. Throughout the week the Geraldine had their best efforts on display. The Regatta centre was talking about their intensity off the start, as well as the excitement they generate as a crew. They won their heat in style, then progressed to be beaten by Loreto in their semi-final to come second and qualify for the A Final. However the girls of the Geraldine, as well as the coaches, knew they were ready for the peak performance in the Final. The girls prepared themselves absolutely and were ready to race mentally, physically, technically and tactically. They blasted off the start to an early lead which they held for the full race, racing with pride. Despite late challenges from silver and bronze medal winning crews Loreto Toorak and Queenwood from NSW, they all registered their personal best performances which all knew could never be beaten. Post-race they demonstrated respect to their competitors and enjoyed the win like the professionals they are.
St Catherine’s School had been close to wins at Nationals through 2008 and 2009, however just fell short. Since 2012 our progression has been steady. Now the girls of the Geraldine Ilott are the National Champions of Australia!